I much prefer these GST instruments to the previous concept, which was too futuristic for me, especially the radial speedometer background(!). The new style looks a bit plain, but we shall see the final iteration.
Note the panorama roof!
Just a glass panel, no opening?
The outside looks very "street", not much off-road appeal, but I beleive it has 4x4 and air suspension for ground clearance in snow etc..
I hope the center two seats fold flat - the console looks big.
The Radio looks very Command - PLEASE let them have an input for my iPod.
The Hybrid diesel/Gasoline engine in the Detroit concept looks good, but we may not see it in the US.
I can wait a year or so until I recycle the ML320 (1999) and get the next replacment.
Despite the many issues I still love these vehicles.
Do you have a link to the source for these pics?
ML320-1999 + ML500-2002 for now
GST or 2005 ML next time round.
MBUSA site has updated pictures and movies including Paris autoshow pictures at 1024x768.
Press release indicates GST model still retains fold-flat 2nd/3rd row seats, but rear center console is "removeable".
Here is press release excerpt.
Grand Sports Tourer Vision R
The Grand Sports Tourer Vision R incorporates three pairs of comfortable seats finished in leather in a
spacious interior trimmed with aluminum and olive ash wood. The concept’s single seats in both rear rows can
individually folded down, and the rear center console can be quickly and easily removed.
The Grand Sports Tourer Vision R show car also features a new-generation three-liter V6 diesel engine
with CDI electronic fuel injection that produces 218 horsepower and, even more impressive, 376 lb.-ft. of torque
more than many V8 powerplants.
Looking at the photos I would say the full Panorama roof does not allow for opening. My dealer is of the opinion though that the parorama roof will actually end up like the one that was available on the ML as an option which does allow for opening. (This is the "sunroof" that extends to open over the front and rear seats, not the standard ML sunroof). I guess until it shows up we really won't know for sure. Maybe there are three options - regular sunroof, ML type expanded sunroof, and fixed in place panorama roof that does not open.
I just hope that it moves... The R-Class is a Mercedes van without the sliding doors, and I HATE Mini-Vans, but I still will give them credit for producing one that looks moderately attractive.
Linear Mode
