FOR the second time in just a month, Mercedes-Benz is lifting the wraps on another brand new model series, the new R-Class, which is making its world debut at the New York International Auto Show.

This groundbreaking vehicle concept reaffirms the role of Mercedes-Benz as the visionary and trendsetter amongst automotive brands, since the R-Class founds a new and highly promising market segment.

It takes the acknowledged strengths of established vehicle categories, such as sporty saloon, estate, MPV and SUV, and fuses them to create a new car with a character all of its own, a car that is all about the three Ds: dimensions, design and dynamism.

The new R-Class is being launched first in North America in the autumn. Deliveries to customers in Europe will begin early in 2006 with UK arrivals about next spring.

The concept of the Grand Sports Tourer caters to the needs of modern-minded people looking for a car that offers tremendous versatility combined with athletic performance.

Quite apart from boasting ample spaciousness, exemplary standards of safety and impeccable comfort for up to six passengers, the new R-Class also enthrals with its beguiling styling, prestigious flair and, last but by no means least, its dynamism out on the road.

It was back in 2002 that Mercedes-Benz first unveiled this revolutionary new vehicle concept to the public; less than three years later the study has evolved to reach series-production status.

Measuring 5,157mm from nose to tail, the body of the new Mercedes-Benz R-Class is akin to a luxury saloon in size but is considerably more spacious inside.

This is due primarily to the sophisticated vehicle concept and a dimensional design that has been ingeniously planned right down to the finest detail: about 64 per cent of the vehicle's overall body length is available for the occupants, proportions that conventional notchback saloons are simply unable to match.

Consequently, standards of interior spaciousness and comfort are nothing less than first-class. Take the seat spacing, for instance, which amounts to 920mm, while the second and third rows of seats can be separated by up to 840mm.

Moreover, the second-row seats can be adjusted individually fore and aft, thereby increasing the seat spacing to as much as 990 mm. The maximum distance between the second and third rows of seats (depending on seat position) is 920mm.

Likewise, the figures for headroom (rear: up to 1,027mm) and shoulder room (front: 1,530mm; rear: up to 1,514mm) take the levels of space and comfort aboard the Mercedes-Benz R-Class into a new dimension.

Each of the vehicle's six passengers can sit back and relax in comfortable individual seats which offer the added luxury of armrests in the second row.

The list of optional extras includes a centre console between the individual seats in the rear with extra stowage compartments along with large cup holders for holding both cups and bottles upright during the journey. The separate DVD/CD player which is also available as an option gives passengers in the rear full control over their own in-car entertainment programme. Colour screens and earphone connections are integrated into the back of the head restraints in front.

The efficient air conditioning system makes long journeys aboard the new R-Class all the more comfortable. In addition to the standard-specification theramatic dual-zone climate control featuring a separate control panel for the passengers in the rear, Mercedes-Benz is also able to offer a newly developed multi-zone luxury climate control system as an option. Equipped with more than a dozen sensors as well as an auxiliary booster blower, the system is able to faithfully maintain the temperatures set by the driver, the front passenger and the occupants in the rear.

Climate control in the new R-Class is rounded off by a separate rear air conditioning unit which can be ordered as an option for the third row of seats.

Families keen on sports and recreational activities and who are looking for a versatile car that can adapt to all manner of transportation tasks quickly and easily are also catered for by the new R-Class as only Mercedes knows how.

The four seats in the rear fold flat individually, allowing the load capacity to be expanded to as much as 2,057 litres (VDA measuring method).

Engine outputs range from 224bhp up to 306bhp, clearly signalling just what the new R-Class is capable of in terms of dynamic performance and motoring enjoyment. The powerful V8 powerplant under the bonnet of the R 500 propels it from standstill to 62.5mph in just 6.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 149mph (provisional figures).

Also to be found in the engine line-up is a new six-cylinder power unit with third-generation common-rail, direct-injection technology, whose credentials include improved fuel consumption, even lower exhaust emissions and an audible improvement in refinement.

The V6 engine places its class-beating peak torque of 510 nm on tap from as low down as 1,600rpm. The fuel consumption figures returned by the R 320 CDI are no less astounding: 31.7mpg (combined consumption).

Powered by the new 272-hp V6 petrol engine, the R 350 accelerates from 0-62.5mph in just 8.3 seconds and goes on to reach a top speed of 143mph.