Mercedes-Benz R-Class Features Better Fuel Economy, More Power
07/08/2011
Mercedes-Benz
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz R350 4MATIC features an all-new 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 engine (302 horsepower, 273 lb.-ft. of torque) coupled with a more fuel efficient seven speed automatic transmission. Thanks to this new powertrain the R350 4MATIC now gets significantly better fuel economy (16 city / 21 highway) while producing more power - an impressive feat, considering that increasing either power or fuel economy usually decreases the other. The R-Class is also available with a fuel-sipping BlueTEC diesel engine (210 hp, 400 lb.-ft.) that is offered in all 50 states.
New to the 2012 model year, the R-Class model line now features standard LED daytime running lights, enhancements to the interior and helpful directional lines for the standard rearview camera. A COMAND system featuring hard-drive navigation, four gigabytes of music storage, SIRIUS/HD radio, SIRIUS real-time traffic updates, Gracenote Media Database, Zagat(R) Survey restaurant guide guides and voice control now come as standard on all models.
More Fuel-Efficient Transmission
The 2012 R-Class line is equipped with a new 7-speed automatic transmission that has a more advanced torque converter lock-up clutch that provides even better fuel mileage, more responsive driving, quieter operation and increased durability. The new transmission is also designed to work best with a new type of low-viscosity ATF transmission fluid - colored blue instead of the usual red. Together with new planetary gears, bearings and internal seals, the "FE-ATF" fluid provides less friction and improved fuel mileage. Lower hydraulic pressure and enhanced electronic software helps provide even smoother shifting.
Details on the New V6 Engine
The new 3.5-liter V6 engine features direct fuel injection and multi-spark ignition. The V6 engine is assembled in a new block with 60-degree cylinder angles, so that a balance shaft isn't needed for smooth operation. Like its predecessor, the new engine has aluminum cylinder heads, pistons and cylinder block (with cast-in Silitec cylinders), as well as a crankshaft, connecting roads and valves made of special forged steel.
Direct Fuel Injection
While most gasoline engines have used indirect port fuel injection in the past, the new V6 makes use of industry-leading electronics technology first used on Mercedes-Benz diesels - electronic fuel injectors that spray gasoline directly into the combustion chambers.
Featuring a piezo-ceramic crystalline element that changes shape instantly when electrical current is applied, blazingly fast piezo injectors make it possible to design very sensitive and precise injection systems, including the ability to program several small injections with each piston stroke.
The first injection is sprayed into the combustion chamber as the piston is descending on the intake stroke. Depending on speed, load and temperature conditions, another injection or two takes place during the compression up-stroke before ignition, forming a stratified mixture. A fourth injection can stabilize combustion if it's needed.
Multi-Spark Works with Multi-Squirt
Working together with direct injection, a rapid multi-spark ignition system begins combustion with the first spark, but has the capability to recharge and deliver up to three more sparks within a single millisecond, creating a gas plasma with more expansion than conventional ignition. The time lapse between sparks is adjustable, so combustion duration can actually be controlled, resulting in two percent better fuel economy, and a total of four percent improvement in combination with direct fuel injection.
Refined Cam Chain Drive
Mounted on the ends of the intake and exhaust camshafts, the hydraulic camshaft adjusters that vary valve timing are now 35 percent faster, and with a wider range of 40 crankshaft degrees. Despite their improved performance, they're also more than a half inch smaller in height and width.
Smaller valve timing adjusters are made possible by a new cam chain drive system, in which the crankshaft drives an intermediate shaft above the crank. In turn, the intermediate shaft drives two short chains - one for each cylinder bank - that loop around the intake and exhaust camshaft drive sprockets.
The new chain drive results in less tension and lower chain dynamics, for even lower friction and less noise. A fourth chain drives a new variable vane-type oil pump in the bottom of the engine. At low engine speed and load, the oil pump only generates about 28 psi (or two bar) of oil pressure, and nozzles that spray cooling oil on the pistons are off. As engine speed and load increases, oil pressure goes up, and the oil spray nozzles are turned on. In this way, less energy is used when less cooling and lubrication is needed.
Three-Phase, Low-Load Cooling System
Even the cooling system is significantly refined in the new engine, beginning with a two-stage flow circuit through the cylinder head. This improved coolant flow results in better heat dissipation, despite lower coolant pressure, so that the water pump uses less engine power.
A three-phase cooling system helps the engine warm up very quickly. When the engine is first started, no coolant circulates. Then, as the engine warms up, coolant begins to circulate within the engine, but not through the radiator. Only when the coolant temperature reaches 221 degrees Farenheit (or 189 degrees F. under high load), coolant also circulates through the radiator. Coolant circulation through the heating system for the car's interior is controlled separately.
Super-Clean R350 BlueTEC Diesel Boasts 500-Mile Cruising Range
The innovative Mercedes-Benz R-Class boasts the perfect vehicle for today's world - the fuel-sipping R350 BlueTEC diesel, which features AdBlue exhaust treatment that helps the diesel meet the most stringent 50-state emissions limits.
The R350 BlueTEC is changing consumers' dated perceptions about diesel engines - it gets surprisingly good performance and extremely low exhaust emissions, in the process of delivering more than 20 percent better fuel economy. The roomy vehicle also boasts impressive cruising range - more than 500 miles at highway speeds, without sacrificing power.
In addition, V8-like pulling power makes the R350 BlueTEC ideal for towing when equipped with an optional 3,500-pound, Class II trailer hitch. The BlueTEC system includes an oxidation catalyst and a maintenance-free particulate filter as well as new techniques for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions - the last type of exhaust gas that's higher in diesel vehicles than gasoline engines. The BlueTEC diesels use a NOx storage converter in combination with an SCR catalytic converter and AdBlue injection to lower NOx emissions. The AdBlue system injects an aqueous carbamide solution into the exhaust flow, which releases ammonia (NH3), reducing nitrogen oxides to harmless nitrogen and water in the downstream SCR converter.
Just the right amount of AdBlue for a given engine load and speed is injected to get the greatest reduction of nitrogen oxides. On average, only a quart of AdBlue is needed for every 600 miles driven, so its tank only needs to be refilled every 10,000 miles during normal preventive maintenance.
Telematics System
The 2012 R-Class features the 'COMAND' system as standard equipment with an in-dash 6disc CD/DVD changer and high-resolution 7-inch color display. The COMAND system also includes a compass function which is shown in the instrument cluster, plus a Bluetooth interface and an Aux-in connection for mobile audio devices are also integrated. The COMAND system also includes a 4 GB memory for MP3 files (Music Register), an SD memory card slot and a hard disk drive navigation system that holds various map displays.
SIRIUS real-time traffic rapidly helps guide the driver to the desired destination. Also standard is a voice-operated control system for accessing many vehicle functions, and a universal media interface to connect an external music memory or iPod to the onboard electronics and the control system. Music tracks are displayed both in the instrument cluster and the color display in the center console, and can be conveniently accessed using the keys in the multifunction steering wheel or on the dashboard. This system also enables charging of the audio device at the same time.
Passengers can also enjoy full, concert-hall surround-sound with the optional, latest-generation harman/kardon(R) Logic7(R) sound system. This high-output sound system includes a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) and Dolby Digital 5.1. Also available is an optional rear seat entertainment system with two large 8-inch screens, a DVD player and two wireless headsets for greater freedom of movement, plus a remote control.
PRE-SAFE(R) Gives the R-Class Reflexes to Protect Occupants
Standard on all R-Class vehicles, PRE-SAFE(R) is a revolutionary safety system that can actually sense an impending collision before it happens and take measures to protect occupants during those valuable seconds before impact. The PRE-SAFE system automatically tightens the front seat belts before a possible impact, and the front passenger seat moves to a position that can provide better protection. Side windows also close to provide better support for the window curtain air bags. If the system senses an impending rollover, the sunroof also closes.
The Automotive Decathlete
The R-Class combines the defining advantages of several distinct vehicles - the surefootedness of a four-wheel-drive sport utility vehicle, the performance and comfort of a sports sedan and the versatility of a luxury crossover. In comparison to other Mercedes-Benz models, the R-Class is about the same length as the flagship S-Class sedan.
With a sharp focus on design, comfort, space and performance, the R-Class is designed as a spacious, roomy vehicle with space for up to eight adults. Its standard sunroof or an optional Panorama sunroof further contributes to its openness.
The R-Class allows occupants to create their own sense of space with features such as reading lights, armrests, air vents and cup holders as well as seat adjustments for each seat and two separate-source audio plugs. This individualization is further enhanced with the optional MP3 media interface and dual-screen video entertainment system.
A Unibody Chassis Worthy of a Sports Sedan
The R-Class boasts a strong unibody platform and four-wheel independent suspension with double control arms in the front and four-link air suspension at the rear. Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering delivers impressive on-road driving performance and comfort, and ample braking is provided by large four-wheel disc brakes, with vented discs and double-piston calipers up front.
The Mercedes-Benz Alabama Plant
Along with the M-Class and GL-Class, the R-Class is produced at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, which began production in 1997 with the first-generation M-Class. Since 2001, more than $600 million has been invested to expand the facility for production of the three SUV lines.
About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. For more than forty years, MBUSA has taken pride in its commitment to the customer by providing superior quality luxury vehicles coupled with outstanding customer support. A division of Daimler AG, MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans in the US. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com, www.maybachusa.com and www.mbsprinterusa.com.