Where’s the Shift Lever?
Unlike most vehicles, there’s no shift lever dominating the center console of the new R-Class. Thanks to the latest electronic control technology, a small stalk on the right side of the steering column now serves the purpose. Shifting the seven-speed automatic will be simpler than ever — lift the stalk up for reverse, push down for drive, and push a button on the end for park. Once underway, pushing one of the shift buttons on either side of the steering wheel provides Touch Shift manual gear changes. Chassis like a Sports Car The new platform makes use of power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and four-wheel independent suspension with double control arms in the front and a new four-link suspension at the rear. Ample braking is provided by large four-wheel disc brakes with vented discs and double-piston calipers up front. The R350 has 17-inch seven-spoke light-alloy wheels shod with 235/65 R17 tires, and the R500 comes with 18-inch wheels fitted with 255/55 R 18 tires. Either model
