via autoblog

 

The main problem with this vehicle was that the strongly similiar (but not identical) Chrysler Pacifica, at the time its own corporate stablemate, was available at half the R's price, albeit without the advanced Mercedes safety features. I pointed this out to Mercedes reps at the D.C. auto show and showed them the strong similarities betwen the two, even the same 2+2+2 seating.....and the vast price difference. But they, with the usual German auto manufacturer arrogance, simply didn't want to listen....and they gave me some flak for it. History and the auto market, though, showed who was correct.

 

I don't think the R's problem was the Pacifica. I think it was its ugliness.

 

I agree ugliness is one of the reasons too ...

 

It's true that the Pacifica didn't sell in huge numbers either (and it's on the way out as we speak), but still it is significant that it offered much of what the R-class did at half the cost...minus some of the safety features. There is little doubt that, while the exact effect or numbers can't be gauged, the Pacifica did have an effect on the R's poor sales.

One problem BOTH vehicles had, though, was that they were not particularly space-efficient inside. Both vehicles were wide enough for three abreast, but Chrysler and Mercedes both chose to use a long, ultra-wide center console instead and limit the seats to two abreast. This only allowed 4 normal-sized adults and 2 small adults or children in the third-row seat....in a vehicle that could, with better interior utilization, have carried more.

The "ugliness" factor may or may not have had an effect.....hard to say. Most people who buy this type of vehicle are looking more for utility and efficiency rather than glamorous looks.

 

i agree, i don't think the pacifica was the problem. the car being ugly and also its price tag is a problem

with the odyssey and sienna around? it's tough for mb to enter that segment (i guess it's also part of the reason why lexus doesn't have a minivan -- yet)

 

It's just a Mercedes minivan, pure and simple. I just can't see someone thinking in their right mind thinking well I had a Sienna or Odyssey and now I want to move up to something more luxurious, but that was the way it was literally sold to me when I took a look at one at a Mercedes dealer here.

 

+1
Ugliest MB EVER made.

 

I agree that it is no Ferrari in looks, but you guys really think that's the problem? Most buyers of this class of vehicle are not after glamour-car looks, but efficiency.........another area where, with its 2-wide seating, the R-class did not deliver.

 

Sure most buyers of the class of vehicle probably give preference to the usefulness more, but the buyers of this kind of brand and price tag expect more for styling.

 

i agree with rx_330. in general people in this market are more about how useful the car is, but then if that's the case then the r class will loose bad to the honda and toyota. with the mb brand name, a lot of people are still going after their prestige status

 

I agree with Mike some, it did look too much like a Pacifica. They shared pretty much nothing but I don't think buyers could tell.

 

I was very interested in the R class but when I looked at it, it was one of those benzes with a really cheap interior. I would just about say the Pacifica had a nicer interior.

 

and BMW is making a car to compete with it, this is full of win

 

Well, neither the R or the Pacifica could make it in the marketplace. Let's see if BMW can do any better with a vehicle like this. .