I was notified this week that my dealer has their first build allocation for the 2008 R Class. I went to the dealer and we went on the order computer. Mercedes will be offering a 2 wheel drive version of the R350 only. All other models will be 4 Matic versions. Also, there will be a 7 passenger seating option. The contents of the Premium packages have again been changed. The panaramic roof has been moved out of the P I, II, and III packages and is now a stand alone option. Also, the three zone climate control and the Infrared Glass has been moved from the PII package up to the PIII package. The R320CDI will now come with 18" wheels standard.
Those are the major changes I noticed. The 2008 models will start being produced in July.
Unfortunately there are no prices available. The dealer indicated that most likely that will not be available until shortly before the first 2008 model ships.
Unfortunately there are no prices available. The dealer indicated that most likely that will not be available until shortly before the first 2008 model ships.
No pricing . . . translates to sticker price or above invoice price for '08 models ($2 K off at best for pre-orders). As far as '07, you can haggle and get 10% - 12% off from MSRP ($6K+ off) if you can find something on the dealer lot.
As far as 7-seat option on RClass, it will not be the same as in any 7-seat minivan out there. My guess is that the 7-seat on R is 2-3-2 and 7-seat on most vans is 2-2-3. The 2-3-2 configuration on the R will make the third row passengers feel quite more isolated/lonely back there, especially with the 2nd row 3-seat bench right in front of them, IMO. For those who opt for 7-seat, look harder at the GL . . . more head room for third row passengers.
One more, if you pre-order don't forget Bi-Xenon headlamps! It's the most value option.
Thanks for the feedback. The dealer just received a white R320CDI that has everything I wanted except it does not have heated seats. I had planned on ordering heated seats. I wanted the tan (Macademia) interior which this car that is white has; however I was planning on Pewter for the exterior color. I am just not sure about white on this vehicle.
Aaron's White R with black grille really improves looks
Aaron's white R with grille and lower inserts painted black IMO really improves the look and makes it more integrated. Stock, the white with factory grille reminds me of a Chevy SSR.
Here is a photo of Aaron's R with the black grille and inserts:
Am hoping the 2008 will upgrade the navigation system as well, from the current joystick based to the mouse like. The mouse interface is pretty neat, the 2007 S-class has it
Linear Mode
