Images: Mercedes-Benz W251 R-Class (2006-13)
Released in April 2006, the Mercedes-Benz W251 Series I (W251.I) R-Class was six-seat, four-wheel drive people mover. Manufactured in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the W251 R-Class range initially consisted of the R 320 CDI, R 350 and R 500 models. While the R 320 CDI was powered by a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine, the R 350 and R 500 were powered by 3.5- and 5.0-litre petrol engines, respectively. All models, however, were fitted with seven-speed automatic transmissions… Read full Mercedes-Benz W251 R-Class review
Images: Mercedes-Benz W251.II R-Class (2007-10)
Released in October 2007, the Mercedes-Benz W251 Series II (W251.II) R-Class introduced a revised range and new seating configuration. Whereas its W251.I predecessor had six seats, the W251.II R-Class was fitted with seven seats in a 2-3-2 configuration. The range was expanded with the rear-wheel drive R 280 CDI, which was solely available with the standard wheelbase. The standard wheelbase R 500 was discontinued, though the long wheelbase version continued and was fitted with a more powerful 5.5-litre V8 petrol engine. In July 2009, the range was revised as the R 280 CDI was renamed the R 300 CDI and the R 320 CDI became the R 350 CDI.
Images: Mercedes-Benz W251.III R-Class (2010-13)
Released in November 2010, the Mercedes-Benz W251 Series III (W251.III) R-Class introduced a revised range that initially consisted solely of the R 300 CDI. In March 2011, the range was expanded by the R 350 CDI L, which was powered by a more powerful and fuel efficient 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine. The Mercedes-Benz W251.III R-Class could be identified by its new headlights, front guards, bonnet, grille, bumpers and LED daytime-running lights.
