I drove the R500 today, and it seems underpowered for a luxury cruiser. Maybe it's just because I am accustomed to the "umph" of my E500, but at 1,100 lbs heavier than the E500, the same engine seems inadequate. I will wait for the new 5.5 liter engine to go in, or for the AMG R55 or R63. The R500 costs $8K more than the R350, but has only 34 more hp, although 77 more lb-ft.
I only test drove the r350... and it was plenty of power for me...
I current own a BMW Dinan 540 (well over 300 hp).... and although this car is far more powerful, I couldn't imagine missing the power on the larger R class...
#1, there aren't many situations that I would want to lurch this vehicle off of the line.... way too heavy... I prefer to be limited so as to not get in trouble. As far as speeding on the highway is concerned, a few tickets and that will be taken care of.
By the way, the brakes on the R class were very impressive. The ride was as smoothe as I could hope for... especially in comfort mode/airmatic.
It must be nice to be able to afford a R63... but, if I could swing it comfortably, I'd get myself the new S class... in my opinion ( not shared by all), this car is STUNNING
I have not driven the V8 but the R350 seemed to have more than enough power. Perhaps it might not be as fast from the the line or in overtaking for passing but certainly adequate. So I feel my R500 will be well powered and meet my needs well.
The true difference in price is closer to $5K if you compare a fully loaded R350 against the R500. The R500 has many standard features that you pay extra for on the R350. The total pricing difference is not just for the bigger engine. My initial R350 order came to about $65K and my R500 priced out at $69,680.
The R63 looks awesome but not for me...pricewise or powerwise...[:)]
__________________ 2008 SL550. Black on Black. AMG Pkg., Parktronic, P1 Pkg.
I agree with NevadaJack. I had an E55, and now drive a Cayenne Turbo. I just test drove the R350 last week, and intend for it to replace a Navigator. The 350 seemed fine to me - thinking about what it is intended to be and do. It's not a CTT, but it costs 1/3 less, and is plenty peppy compared to the Navigator, and I expect will get at least somewhat better gas mileage (11 on the CTT, and 14 on the Nav). I'm looking at a late November build date, but still don't have a price quote, so would be interested in what others are seeing.
I agree with NevadaJack. I had an E55, and now drive a Cayenne Turbo. I just test drove the R350 last week, and intend for it to replace a Navigator. The 350 seemed fine to me - thinking about what it is intended to be and do. It's not a CTT, but it costs 1/3 less, and is plenty peppy compared to the Navigator, and I expect will get at least somewhat better gas mileage (11 on the CTT, and 14 on the Nav). I'm looking at a late November build date, but still don't have a price quote, so would be interested in what others are seeing.
Milage figures are not published but appear to be about 18 city and 23 highway for the R350...about 2mpg lower for the R500.
Pricing in my case is $1000 over factory invoice or about a net $3800 on a loaded R500 (MSRP of $69,680.) A couple of others have said they are only getting $1000 off and my local dealer is quoting List.
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