Is there an SUV in your future? If so, you may want to consider the Mercedes-Benz R500. The R500, similar in shape to its smaller cousins the R350 and the R320, has many of the same features but has some flair and bite of its own. The Mercedes-Benz R500, unlike the others, comes with a massive 6.2 litre 365 kW engine that boasts dual-overhead-camshafts and is a 24 valve dual multipoint V-8. With this amount of grunt attached to a sublime 7-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission that adapts to the driver, the R500 is no slouch. The 0-100 km/h time of 6.6 seconds vouches for this. Amazingly, the big Mercedes Benz R500 weighs in at 2.3 tonnes but feels as nimble as a medium sized hatch.

As one would expect from one of Europe’s best, the interior of the R500 is lush and well designed, with seating comforts throughout. The driver’s seat is 8-way powered and with lumbar support. Large cup holders are located in the front as well as the rear. Dual zone automatic climate control with an electrostatic dust and pollen filter is standard. There is another feature called “Tunnel Mode” that, with one touch, closes all the windows and the optional sunroof. The air-recirculation mechanism comes on until further notice – which is another touch away. This is a neat feature when entering tunnels or underground garages. A multifunction steering wheel contains fingertip buttons for not only the audio system but the multifunction display and the optional phone. A modular COMAND cockpit management and data system integrates the audio system with a navigational GPS system, telephone integration system and Sirius Satellite radio. Located in the glove box is an auxiliary input jack for connection to MP3 and other devices. Fiber-optic networks offer precise high speed communication between all the devices.

Active safety features are totally comprehensive and are provided for through the use of Mercedes-Benz’s 4-wheel Electronic Traction System, the Electronic Stability Programme and the all-time 4MATIC 4-wheel drive. Passive safety features are nothing short of excellent and include front seats that boast weight adaptive front airbags. Side curtain airbags with roll protection are standard in the front and rear.

So if an SUV is in your future, take a moment and look at all the features the Mercedes-Benz R500 comes with, then take one for a test drive today!

Current model series include:

• Mercedes Benz R500 5
• Mercedes Benz R500 L 5.0

For any more information on the Mercedes Benz R500, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quotes requests out to our national network of Mercedes dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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