This close cooperation between Daimler safety specialists, the emergency services and the police has a long tradition: in 1969 Mercedes-Benz started its ongoing accident research programme, in which engineers evaluate collisions involving the company's vehicles in the Stuttgart region soon after they occur - and in special cases even worldwide. Again and again, the findings of the accident researchers provide important information on components that can be specifically improved in terms of passive safety. The investigators have examined around 4000 accidents since their work started 40 years ago. Each crash is documented with an 80-page accident report. This continuously growing database will enable vehicles to be made even safer in the future.

Drive system and chassis: Drive for economy

In addition to the economical petrol variants adopted from the preceding model, with their customary effortless power delivery and high drive comfort, a range of optimised diesel engines enhances the appeal of the Mercedes-Benz R-Class. With a fuel consumption figure of 7.6 l/100 km (combined NEDC consumption), the R 300 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY requires around 7 percent less fuel than its predecessor, the R 300 CDI without BlueEFFICIENCY technology.