Suspension in new M-Class will cope better with the rough-and-tumble

Mercedes-Benz will produce two off-road variants and two multi-purpose people-movers off the new M-Class platform.

The M-Class off-roader will have a car-like body and seven seats. The two multi-purpose people-movers will be known as the R-Class, one on a longer wheelbase than the other. All will be built at the same plant, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where the current M-Class is assembled. They are expected to reach the market in 2005.

The R-Class, based on a stretched S-Class platform, was previewed at the 2002 Detroit motor show as the GST concept car. American buyers liked what they saw and asked Mercedes-Benz to build an even longer model. Now there will be the long R-Class and the super-long R- Class. Both will share underpinnings with the M-Class to trim costs.

Mercedes-Benz is aiming the R Class people-mover at wealthy buyers looking for S-Class performance, comfort and features combined with wagon-style seating, interior accommodation and luggage space.

The new M-Class has been designed to cope better off-road than the current model. A new multi-link rear suspension will allow greater wheel movement, while a modified version of the maker's latest Airmatic air spring system will have nearly 300mm of ride height adjustment.