[READ ALL ABOUT IT] The R-Class mades its debut in New York

[BobbyHowie]

Hmm, undecided. CLS is nicer in the flesh than I thought it would be. I'll reserve judgement.

[jawladar]

Yes this and the S class sedans look like Toyotas but I am afraid they do not have the build quality of a Toyota.
I believe MB has lost sight of it's original mission which was to build high quality autos. This is brought home every time I want to bring my 91 S (purchased Dec 1990 and IMHO the last of the classic MBs) in for service. What was originally in 1974 (my first new S) as easy as driving to the dealer and having the service performed that very day now is an excursion that takes several weeks. The customers in the service waiting room are saying the new MBs require repair service at a rate that was unheard of in the past.

[nevadajack]

I disagree with your reference to the Toyota...I will take my MB's anyday.

I agree on the service situation somewhat since I also enjoyed taking my mid-1970's MB to the dealer and having it serviced promptly. But I can also remember waiting at times also. Calling ahead now days for an appointment is nor unreasonable and is common with all makers. I have had about 17 MB's since the early 70's and I cannot remember one car I had serious problems with. Most were taken care of during the regular maintenance visits.

As far as the later models, again I have not had problems. The 2003 E Class had some problems which it should not have had and that flurry of repairs has tainted the entire line and reputation of MB. My 2003 E has been without fault since I owned it.

As far as MB's "lost sight of it's original mission to build high qualaity autos" is not an accurate assessment. Had they not increased their line and upped production they may very well not be a player in todays market or the price of their products would be out of sight. Whether they should have spread the line as thin as they have is a question being addressed by the new boss Cordes and he has also put quality back as the key priority in production.

I have preferred MB's since I refused delivery on a new Cadillac due to the lousy paint job in the 70's. To me it still set the style for the industry and regardless how JD Power's measures quality, I will take the MB's over any other luxury vehicle. I look forward to delivery of my new R Class in October and feel confindent it will perform and display the qualities of Mercedes Benz cars I have had in the past.

[wjinxue]

I have been comparing the 2006 M-class and R-class. In the end, I decided to buy the 2006 ML 500. Even though the new R-class will have 3rd row seat, it just looks too much like a minivan! I guess that is what you have to suffer to get the 3rd row seat. I believe it is better to just buy a ML as a 5-seater SUV. If you really want a 7-seater to transport people, get a minivan.

[christybenz]

For someone who just sold off their SUV and didn't want to clammer to the mini van crowd, this vehicle was it. It is sad to just join this forum and see all of the negativity about something new and safe for my growing family. yes it is similar to the exterior of the chrysler, but come on it is still a mercedes.

This is our first mercedes and comparing it to the new BMW SUV 3 row seater, this model is like a resort on wheels. Plus being 7 months pregnant, it is nice not having to worry about how I am going to climb into the cab of a truck or if a big gust of wind comes up going across the Golden Gate, I wont swerve into the next lane.

I love this car!