2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Mercedes has been showing various concept versions of this new segment-buster, the R-Class, since the Adenauer administration. Finally, the production model became the first Benz since the 300SL Gullwing in 1954 to make its world debut at the New York auto show. As a sport-tourer, it's positioned as a kind of spacious wagon version of the CLS500 with Chrysler Pacifica-like 2+2+2 seating. It'll be available in R500 (302-horsepower, 5.0-liter V-8) and R350 (268-horse, 3.5-liter, 24-valve V-6) form, both with seven-speed automatics. Touting dynamic space and supreme comfort, loaded versions will have twin power sunroofs and video screens in the back of the front headrests. It's a large Merc--203 inches overall, with a 126.6-inch wheelbase, and is about three inches shorter in height than an M-Class. A short-wheelbase model, losing about eight inches, will be available in Europe to get overall length under the five-meter rule. Mercedes promises a 224-horse, 376 pound-foot R320 CDI with a 3.2-liter turbodiesel will be available here someday, but not by this fall's launch. Base price will be under $50,000 for the R350.