Design, dynamism, dimensions, these are the shared hallmarks of the Sports Tourers which make them individual and distinctive. The design lines with their striking front ends emphasise the muscular and active nature of the Sports Tourers, which are equipped with high-torque CDI diesel engines.

In the Grand Sports Tourer “Vision R” a new V6 power unit ensures effortless performance, thanks to 218 hp and 510 Nm from 1800 rpm. Generous seating space, exemplary comfort and a high level of practicality are other attributes shared by the Mercedes-Benz Sports Tourers, providing first-class conditions for relaxed and enjoyable touring.

The idea of the Sports Tourer, which Mercedes-Benz first presented in 2002, combines the advantages of familiar vehicle concepts such as a sporty saloon, estate, van and “Sport Utility Vehicle” (SUV) to create a new category in its own right. Accordingly the show cars impress with their size, comfort and practicality while meeting the highest expectations in terms of performance and dynamic handling.

The Sports Tourers are the Mercedes-Benz answer to the wishes of forward-thinking people for an automobile with an exciting design and a striking character which is equally suitable for family, recreational and professional use. Both concept vehicles provide this versatility. The Grand Sports Tourer “Vision R”, which Mercedes-Benz is presenting in its European version with a wheelbase of 2980 mm in Paris, is designed as a 4+2-seater. The passengers have the benefit of comfortable, single seats and a level of spaciousness which exceeds that of many a luxury saloon.

Thanks to four-wheel drive, air suspension and the powerful new V6 diesel engine, the large Sports Tourer has everything needed for dynamic driving pleasure. Equipped with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, the 218 hp six-cylinder powerplant manages more than 32 mpg. The exhaust emissions meet the EU-4 standards, and the particulate filter system developed by Mercedes-Benz also reduces soot emissions.

Thanks to its intelligent concept, the Compact Sports Tourer “Vision B” is likewise in a class of its own. Arranging the engine and transmission partly in front of and partly beneath the passenger cell, according to the sandwich principle, gives this all-new touring car the interior spaciousness of larger saloons and estates despite its compact external dimensions. The compact Sports Tourer is powered by a new four-cylinder diesel engine with an output of 140 hp and a highly respectable torque of 300 Nm. Other equally impressive attributes are a fuel consumption of over 47 mpg and exhaust emissions at EU-4 levels. A diesel particulate filter is also included.

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Representing a new way for six adults to travel, the R-Class combines the distinct advantages of several disparate vehicles, the sure-footedness of a four-wheel-drive sport utility vehicle, the performance and comfort of a fine sports sedan and the versatility of a luxury wagon. Innovative design and useful technology now make possible an automotive decathlete, a vehicle that can excel at an unprecedented range of owner needs.

The R63 AMG combines high performance with style and every-day usability. The athletic design of this new high-performance model is apparent even from the outside, bolder front and rear aprons, an AMG front grille, flared fenders, and AMG side skirts. In addition, the new R63 AMG comes with tinted taillights and two sets of chromed twin exhaust pipes. Inside, the R63 AMG is fitted with AMG sport seats, a leather AMG sport steering wheel and a special instrument cluster with AMG graphics. AMG door sills and stainless-steel pedals with rubber studs complete the picture.

However, the heart of the new R63 AMG concept vehicle is the first engine developed entirely by AMG, a 6.3-liter naturally aspirated V8 that produces 503 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque for zero to 60 mph test track times in about five seconds. One of the most powerful production V8s ever, the new engine boasts a wealth of exciting features derived from AMG’s highly successful racing efforts.

Built almost completely from a high-strength silicon-aluminum alloy, the new 6.3-liter features four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, bucket tappets (rather than rocker arms) and a variable intake manifold. The engine shares no parts with other Mercedes-Benz V8 engines, and even the 109-mm spacing between cylinders is unique to the new 6.3-liter powerplant.

AMG racing genes are obvious in the design of the closed-deck aluminum engine block, which includes cast-in steel reinforcements and an especially rigid “bedplate” design instead of individual main bearing caps. A first for a production engine, the cylinder bores feature a twin-wire-arc-sprayed coating, a new process that results in impressively low friction and running surfaces that are twice as hard as conventional cast-iron cylinders.

Like all current R-Class luxury vehicles, the new concept R63 AMG boasts a strong unibody platform and an effective full-time four-wheel-drive system beneath its sleek exterior. Its four-wheel traction control system incorporates functions such as a downhill driving aid and Hill-Start Assist, while a double-wishbone front suspension and four-link rear suspension deliver impressive on-road driving performance and comfort.

An option on other R-Class models, height-adjustable AIRMATIC air suspension with special AMG shocks is standard on the R63 AMG, along with a specially configured version of the ADS adaptive damping system. High-performance vented and perforated disc brakes on all four wheels work together with highly polished 19-inch AMG alloy wheels fitted with 295/45 R19 tires.

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The Vision B is billed as a compact sports tourer by Mercedes and is likely to be called the B-class when it goes on sale. Essentially a longer version of the A-class, the car is only a little shorter than MPVs like Volkswagen’s Touran. Mercedes won’t say whether it’s a five- or a seven-seater, or what folding tricks the seats may be able to perform. As a rough guide, prices should start in the region of £18,500.

Mercedes will also pull the wraps from the Vision R. Described as a Grand Sports Tourer by the manufacturer, the Paris concept car is the latest in a line of Mercedes concepts and will become the R-class next year. The new arrival uses a wheelbase as long as the S-class luxury car and offers luxurious accommodation for six passengers over three rows. Price tags are likely to be high, starting between £40,000 and £45,000.

Both of the concepts feature a new type of paint, which Mercedes describes as ‘extremely shiny’ and says ‘surrounds the body like a metallic skin’. The high-gloss finish is a development of the manufacturer’s nano-particle paint, which it introduced late last year. It is more durable than normal coatings and will eventually be offered as an option.

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The new R-Class is designed as a roomy vehicle with space for six adults three pairs of comfortable single seats in a spacious interior. The individual seats in both rear rows can each be folded down for added cargo space. The R-Class is about an inch longer than the flagship S-Class sedan. As an indicator of comfort and roominess, the new model boasts 34 inches between the first and second seat rows, and there are more than 30 inches between the second and third rows.

More than 60 percent of the R-Class body structure is formed from high-strength steel, contributing to the protection provided by the passenger cell. Front and rear crumple zones help protect occupants during a collision by absorbing and dispersing crash energy. Building on the Mercedes-Benz commitment to industry-leading occupant safety, the new R-Class comes standard with two-stage adaptive air bags for the driver and front passenger, window curtain side air bags that span all three rows of seats, and adaptive belt tensioners and belt force limiters for all six seating positions.

The new platform makes use of power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and four-wheel independent suspension, with double control arms in the front and a new Mercedes-Benz four-link suspension at the rear.

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The ML63 AMG sports an athletic design with bolder front and rear aprons, an AMG front grille, flared fenders, AMG side skirts, tinted taillights, and two sets of chromed twin exhaust pipes.

The interior is fitted with AMG sport seats, a leather AMG sport steering wheel, special instrument cluster with AMG graphics, AMG door sills, leather wrapped dashboard, and stainless steel pedals with rubber studs. Power comes from a 6.3-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine that produces 503 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque with zero to 60 mph track times in less than five seconds.

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The R-Class is designed to appeal to affluent buyers who want the convenience of an SUV or minivan but don’t want to sacrifice style or good driving dynamics.

In addition to the V6-powered R350 and V8-powered R500 models that debuted last year, two new versions join the line for 2007. Their engines are diametrically opposed in purpose: A new, 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder diesel motivates the R320 CDI and should return excellent fuel economy, while the hand-built 6.3-liter V8 of the new R63 AMG cranks out a lofty 507 hp for scintillating performance and abysmal fuel economy.

The new diesel engine uses special technology (called common-rail direct-injection) to maximize power and efficiency and minimize the stink and smoke associated with older diesel engines. While its output is modest at 221 hp, the engine provides ample torque at 398 pound-feet.

This enables strong low-end power that you can feel while driving around town. While EPA estimates for the R320 CDI were not released as of publication time, a 201-hp version of the same engine in the 2006 E-Class is rated at 27 mpg city/37 mpg highway.

The R350 and R500 continue unchanged for 2007. The former comes powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 268 hp. The latter is fitted with a 5.0-liter V8 that features twin spark plugs and three valves per cylinder, and it generates 302 hp.

Both engines are fitted to a seven-speed automatic transmission with touch-shift “manual” capability that is operated via an electronic gear selector mounted on the steering column. Expect fuel economy similar to last year’s EPA ratings of 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway for the R350 and 13 mpg city/18 mpg highway for the R500.

A four-wheel independent suspension with a double-wishbone design up front and a four-link array at the rear provides handling qualities superior to those of most SUVs and minivans. A four-wheel electronic air suspension with adaptive damping ($1,400 with the R350 and $1,200 with the R500) delivers a smoother, more-controlled ride. It’s standard on the R63 AMG and includes revised damping and AMG shock absorbers for a sportier feel. Standard features are plentiful, and opulent options are available.

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It has permanent, computer-controlled all-wheel drive, but it’s not an SUV. It has three rows of two bucket seats, kind of like a minivan, but it’s not a minivan. It’s a brand-new entry in a class the company calls grand sports touring, and there’s nothing else quite like it on the market today.

Fortunately, the R-Class is better looking than a platypus. Its radically sloping roof and sweeping lines help disguise its considerable size. Longer than a Cadillac Escalade, the R-Class is truly cavernous inside and comfortably accommodates six tall adults in six well-accommodated bucket seats. It comes loaded with passive safety features designed to protect occupants in the event of an accident.

It’s quiet and comfortable on the highway, and surprisingly responsive on winding roads. Initially, there will be only two models, the R350 with V6 power and the R500 with V8 power. The R350 is quite responsive, while the R500 is downright fast. Both are packed with all-wheel drive, electronic stability control and other features designed to help the driver maintain control.

The R350 ($48,000) is equipped with the V6 and seven-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, four-wheel traction control, ABS, EBD, ESP, load-leveling rear suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels and tires. And it comes loaded with leather seating, birdseye maple wood trim, eight-way power seats, dual-zone air conditioning, the COMAND instrument panel and control system, folding second- and third-row bucket seats, rain-sensing wipers, multi-function steering wheel, eight-speaker AM/FM/WB/CD sound system, integrated garage door opener, and six cupholders.

The R500 ($55,500) adds the V8 engine, 18-inch wheels and 255/50 tires, speed-sensitive steering, six-disc CD changer, heated seats, burl walnut wood trim, three-driver memory system for seats, mirrors and steering column, tilt/telescope steering column, TeleAid security system, additional chrome exterior trim and tinted front and side glass.

Option packages include Trim ($1750), Lighting ($890), Heating ($1190), Comfort ($1350), Entertainment ($1190), Sunroof ($1490), Airmatic air suspension ($1400), Panoramic Roof ($2390) Multicontour seats ($780), and AMG Sport ($4500). Individual options include Sirius Satellite Radio, Parktronic sonar warning, Keyless Go, heated seats, second-row video entertainment ($3000).

There is also the second-row console, a power liftgate operated by the key fob, and three-zone climate control ($1050). The Premium package ($5,400) includes the Panorama roof (a five-and-a-half-foot glass section in two huge panels with electric shades for each), the Entertainment package, a power liftgate, DVD navigation and, on the R350, TeleAid.

In about a year, the R63 AMG performance version, with a 500-horsepower 6.3-liter V8 engine, will be added to the lineup, along with a new 5.5-liter four-valve gasoline V8 version replacing the 5.0-liter. And in 2007, Mercedes-Benz expects to add the R320, a 3.2-liter turbodiesel engine version, to the lineup, and an R400, a 4.0-liter V8 diesel for Europe.

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