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New look for big Mercedes

  • Facelift for seven-seat MPV
  • Choice of two, more efficient diesels
  • Deliveries start in September, prices from £40,000 (est)

Written by Parkers Published: 6 April 2010 Updated: 1 February 2017

Mercedes-Benz has facelifted its big R-Class people-carrier and added more efficient diesel engines that spell lower company car tax bills.

The new-look range, which goes on sale in September, will be offered in two versions - the R300 CDI standard wheelbase in two-wheel-drive guise and the four-wheel-drive R350 CDI L long wheelbase.

The R300 CDI produces the same 190bhp as before, but emissions fall from 219g/km to 199. As a result, company car tax is based on 31% of the list price, rather than 35%.

The R350 CDI L now produces 265bhp (up 41bhp) yet CO2 emissions drop from 246g/km to 223g/km. However, the model remains in the top benefit-in-kind tax bracket.

Fuel economy improves on both models: the R300 CDI returning 37mpg (34mpg before) and the R350 CDI 33mpg (30mpg).

Deliveries begin in September. Prices have yet to be announced, but expect the range to cost between £40,000 and £44,000.