Review
WHEN the R280 CDI arrives here in September, it will complete Mercedes-Benz’s line-up of odd but engaging R-class crossover models.
As the entry-level model, the R280 will, Mercedes-Benz hopes, act as a (relatively) affordable enticer at the bottom of the R-class ladder. It will be aimed squarely at the thick-walleted user-chooser looking for something less people-carrier and more all-weather sports tourer.
It will cost £36,420 – or £39,370 if you opt for either SE or Sport trim – and to keep the R280 CDI below the £40,000 mark, it will be the only R-class model available in a standard wheelbase form – all other R-classes come in long wheelbase guise. It will, however, feature the same level of equipment as the R320 CDI, which costs £2,100 more.
Don’t be fooled by the badging on the R280 CDI’s large rump, though. It uses the same 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine as found in the 320 CDI, but has been electronically restricted to develop a very modest 188bhp at 4,000rpm and 325lb of torque at 1,400rpm – that’s 36bhp and 51lb-ft down on the R320 CDI. It drives both axles through the same permanent all-wheel drive set-up and seven-speed automatic gearbox borrowed from the M-class.
So, with a 0-62mph time of 9.8 seconds and a top speed of 130mph, performance is not high on the Mercedes’ list of priorities. Fuel economy and tax-friendly CO2 levels are, though.
On the combined cycle, the R280 CDI will return 30.4mpg – the same as the R320 CDI – which means it should be able to cover around 530 miles between refills. And a CO2 figure of 246g/km – again, the same as the more powerful R320 – puts it in the 35% benefit-in-kind tax bracket.
Even in short wheelbase trim, the R280 is still a big car at just under five metres long and two metres wide. Heavy too – it tips the scales at a corpulent 2,220kg. Its styling may split opinion, but there’s no denying its presence, even if that presence is created by its sheer physical size alone.
Opting for a short wheelbase effectively renders the R280 as either a comfortable four-seater with a decent boot or as a rather cramped six-seater with very little luggage space.
Which means that it doesn’t quite manage to bring together the best bits of an estate or a people carrier. While the six passengers in the long wheelbase models get almost decadent levels of lounging room, the half-dozen R280 occupants will find legroom a little tight.
With all seats in place, luggage room is miserly unless the third row of seats is folded away, further sacrificing flexibility. Which explains why all other R-class vehicles sold in the UK will be the stretched models.
Snug accommodation aside, there’s little else to complain about. Its cabin is wonderfully plush with outstanding visibility, and build quality finally seems to be back to the vault-like level last seen in models of the mid-’80s.
Equipment levels are generous, too. It may be the entry-level model, but owners certainly won’t feel short changed, with alloy wheels, cruise control, keyless entry, climate control, half a dozen airbags and a whole alphabet of three-lettered electronic safety, stability and braking controls as standard.
Mercedes-Benz’s decision makes sense when viewed in the light of the fleet market – coming in below the £40,000 mark means the R280 CDI will fall within reach of upper-echelon company car drivers.
Behind the wheel
AS you’d expect, the combination of a two-tonne-plus kerb weight and 188bhp are hardly the ingredients for a recipe in driver excitement.
But, rather surprisingly, the R280 CDI has more than enough performance for everyday driving. Sure, acceleration is never anything more than comfortable, but that deep reservoir of turbo-enhanced torque means the entry-level R-class never feels sluggish – squeeze the throttle and it collects speed in a relaxed but insistent manner.
The 3.0-litre engine is also exceptionally refined. It’s only at parking speeds that a telltale tak-tak-tak can be heard in the well-insulated cabin – at all other speeds, the engine note fades to a faint drone.
It’s flexible, too – above 1,500rpm there’s an instant response to throttle inputs. It works hand-in-glove with the intuitive seven-speed automatic transmission. Changes are always quick and smooth, and the wide range of ratios means the engine is almost always in the middle of its torque band when you need it.
Despite its size and weight, the R280 can be driven with the same enthusiasm as a much smaller saloon. The steering is direct, the ride is beautifully damped and compliant and there’s a massive amount of grip and traction from the combination of all-wheel drive and generous tyres.
The R280 will never win any traffic light races, but its mid-range punch, refinement, decent economy and tax levels (relative to the rest of the range, that is) and composed ride quality make for a hugely effective and comfortable cruiser. Just as long as you don’t have too many passengers with too much luggage.
Fact file
Model: R280 CDI)
Max power (bhp/rpm): 188/4,000)
Max torque (lb-ft/rpm): 325/1,400)
Max speed (mph): 130)
0-62mph (secs): 9.8)
Fuel consumption (mpg): 30.4)
CO2 emissions (g/km): 246)
On sale: Sept
Price (OTR): £36,420
