2004 Mercedes-Benz Vision R

"Vision R", which appeared at the 2004 Paris Motor Show, was a European version of the Grand Sports Tourer. It differed in having, at 2980 millimeters, a 235 mm shorter wheelbase than the version of January 2004. A four-plus-two-seater, it was 4922 millimeters long and offered generous interior space.

Vision R was powered by a prototype of a new V6 diesel engine which made a natural choice for a car in this category. Equipped with common-rail direct injection and a VNT turbocharger, this three-liter CDI unit developed maximum power of 160 kW (218 hp) and maximum torque of 510 Newton meters. The effortless power of this engine was matched only by its refinement and by fuel consumption of less than nine liters per 100 km.

New worlds and new departures are frequently based on a vision or visions. That’s certainly the case with Vision GST and Vision R. They will be followed by a production version which will set Mercedes-Benz standards in a whole new segment. It will start coming off the line at the end of 2004.