Mercedes-Benz R 300

At the front end of the Mercedes-Benz R-Class, the bonnet, wings, radiator grille, headlamps and bumper have been completely redesigned. On request, in conjunction with bi-xenon headlamps, a chrome insert enhances the integrated LED daytime driving lights. The character of the Mercedes R-Class can also be underlined by an optional, strikingly contoured, chrome-look underguard. The new bonnet has more marked contours, and is more arrow-shaped at the front edge. The wider, higher radiator grille is more steeply angled, while the bumper cladding is more striking, with clear-cut lines. The side recesses in the bumper, where the fog lamps and daytime driving lights are located, are spaced well apart and give the front section an impression of width. The lines of the side skirts are harmoniously continued forward in the updated wings and grille. The new, dynamic "face" of the Mercedes-Benz R-Class is particularly impressive. The newly designed headlamps blend perfectly into the front end, emphasising the horizontal lines. The "eyelids" continue the beltline along the flanks, and are arranged <b>...</b>

After all, the Swedish company is practically synonymous with automotive safety, so all of its models come with active safety items such as antilock brakes and traction control as well as one of those newfangled electronic nannies, otherwise known as a vehicle stability control system, that help prevent spins when the driver's enthusiasm overcomes his talent. And, if it all goes horribly awry into a guardrail, what better automobile to crash than one from the company that invented the three-point seatbelt and whose engineers consider airbags a religious calling. Truth be told, Paul Ricard's test track, located in Marseilles, France, is a thoroughly modern facility with incredible runoff areas, making a close encounter of the Armco kind an unlikely occurrence. But the question remains as to what a Volvo is doing on a race circuit in the first place. The answer is simple: Although the company enjoys a reputation for Fort Knox-safe, if somewhat boring, cars on this side of the Atlantic, it has a more sporting reputation in Europe. Having won the prestigious British Touring Car Championship in 1998, it is seen as something more than a manufacturer of boxes on wheels. And, just <b>...</b>

A revolutionary design is not in the works, but there are enough small changes to give this luxury sedan an updated look without alienating customers who like traditional Mercedes-Benz styling. Up front, the oval headlights of the current model will be replaced with rectangular-shape lenses that will give the E-Class a more aggressive look. It might take some getting used to, but we think it's the right direction, as the current model was starting to lose its edge. The shape of the grille doesn't appear to have changed, however, and most of the other details of the front fascia look pretty standard. Looking further back, the greenhouse appears relatively unchanged and the wheelbase isn't significantly longer either. Bolt-on taillights hide the true shape and style of the production units, but we don't expect anything groundbreaking there, either. Under the hood, the new E-Class will get a familiar range of engine sizes. Despite the recent breakup of Chrysler and Daimler-Benz, we're still expecting base E-Class models to get a version of Chrysler's upcoming 4.0-liter Phoenix V6. Given that the current Mercedes V6 has 268 horsepower, the new 4.0-liter should top 300 hp, if not more. An upgraded version of the Mercedes 5.5-liter V8 will power the high-line E-Class <b>...</b>