PKW4711 251 series R-Class Grand Sports Tourer, 2005 - 2010

251 series R-Class Grand Sports Tourer, 2005 - 2010

Mercedes-Benz presented the R-Class from model series 251 to the public for the first time at the New York International Auto Show in March 2005. The new vehicle concept combined the advantages of familiar vehicle categories such as the sporty saloon, estate, van and sports utility vehicle (SUV) to create a new, independent character – known as the Grand Sports Tourer. Practicality, innovative design and driving dynamics were the outstanding features of this type of vehicle. The R-Class was first launched on the North American market in autumn 2005; European Mercedes-Benz customers received the first vehicles from the beginning of 2006. The R-Class was built at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (USA). The original M-Class had also rolled off the production line there since 1997, the new M-Class (W 164) since 2005 and the GL-Class (X 164) since 2006.

The R-Class offered a completely new car experience in a production vehicle. The basis for model series 251 was a vehicle study presented by Mercedes-Benz under the name Vision GST at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in 2002. It was followed by two further versions: The Vision GST 2 was presented at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2004, followed by the Vision R at the Paris Motor Show in September 2004 – a few months later, Mercedes-Benz presented the production model of the R-Class.

The innovative Sports Tourer concept met the desire for an exceptionally versatile vehicle that was a driver's car. The body measured 5157 millimetres in length and thus had the format of a luxury saloon. At the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt am Main in September 2005, Mercedes-Benz expanded the model range with a short version specially developed for the European market. This came with a wheelbase reduced from 3215 millimetres to 2980 millimetres and a body shortened to 4922 millimetres.

The design of the R-Class was characterised by individuality and presence. The front end was dominated by a striking radiator grille, whose horizontally stretched louvres symbolised effortless superiority and dynamism. The almond-shaped headlamps were just as expressive: Placed far on the outside, they amplified the width effect of the bodywork. The A- and D-pillars were connected by a curved roof line, which resulted in an elongated, coupé-like silhouette. The striking wedge shape and powerfully taut shoulders rounded off the appearance of the Grand Sports Tourer.

Inside, the R-Class offered much more space than conventional saloons – around 64 per cent of the body length was available for passengers. This resulted in pure spatial luxury: The distance between the first and second rows of seats was 920 millimetres, with a further 840 millimetres available between the second and third rows. In addition, the seats in the second row could be individually adjusted fore and aft. In terms of headroom and shoulder room, too, the R-Class advanced into new dimensions of comfort. Up to six passengers were seated on comfortable individual seats, which were also equipped with armrests in the second row of seats. A centre console between the individual seats was available as an optional extra for the rear.

The vehicles in model series 251 series fulfilled the desire of leisure-oriented families for a car that not only offered plenty of space, but could also be adapted to different transport tasks in just a few simple steps: The four seats in the rear could be folded down individually, resulting in a flat load floor over 2.20 metres long when making full use of the possibilities. The large EASY-PACK tailgate, which could optionally be opened and closed by remote control, made loading and unloading easier.

Initially, there was a choice of three engines: A 165 kW/224 hp V6 diesel engine was used in the R 320 CDI. The 3.0-litre engine belonged to the newly developed OM 642 engine family and used third-generation common-rail direct injection, which ensured more favourable fuel consumption, further reduced exhaust emissions and audibly smoother running. The engine delivered its maximum torque of 510 Nm from just 1600 rpm – a peak value in this displacement class. The combined average fuel consumption of the R 320 CDI was between 9.3 and 9.5 litres per 100 kilometres.

The petrol-powered R 350 marked the middle performance level. It had a 3.5-litre V6 from the M 272 engine series, which mobilised 200 kW/272 hp. As a result, the R 350 completed the standard sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds and reached a top speed of 230 km/h. In the top-of-the-range R 500 model, a V8 petrol engine provided superior propulsion. The engine came from the M 113 series and delivered 225 kW/306 hp and a best torque value of 460 Nm. The powerful 5.0-litre engine accelerated the R 500 from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and enabled a top speed of 245 km/h.

The 7-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC provided the power transmission for all engine variants, with the special feature of DIRECT SELECT electronic transmission operation. This made it possible to change gear using additional steering wheel gearshift buttons in addition to the usual automatic gear selector lever. Further power distribution – half to each axle – was the responsibility of the standard 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive, whose transfer case was flange-mounted directly to the 7G-TRONIC. The 4ETS electronically controlled traction system, which also came as standard, kept the new R-Class safely on course even in adverse road conditions.

With a front double wishbone axle and a four-link rear axle, the chassis concept of the Grand Sports Tourer anticipated that of the GL-Class, which was launched a little later. The standard equipment of all R-Class models initially included air suspension on the rear axle. AIRMATIC all-round air suspension, which was also combined with the ADS adaptive damping system, was also available as an option. This made it possible to raise the body by up to 50 millimetres on rough roads at the touch of a button. When travelling at speeds above 120 km/h, AIRMATIC automatically lowered the body by 20 millimetres to reduce air resistance.

The safety equipment of the R-Class models was, as usual with Mercedes-Benz, comprehensive. Adaptive front airbags, front side airbags and windowbags were fitted as standard. All seats also had seat belt tensioners and belt force limiters. The PRE-SAFE® preventive protection system, which prepared the vehicle and passengers for a potential collision in the best possible way in critical situations in terms of driving dynamics, could be ordered as an option. Crash-responsive NECK-PRO headrests were also optionally available.

A wide selection of available equipment packages created scope for additional individualisation and upgrading of the individual R-Class models: In addition to the AIRMATIC Package, there was also a Chrome Styling Package for the exterior, a Sports Styling Package with a specially designed instrument cluster, 19-inch sports rims and electrically adjustable sports seats, as well as an Interior Package with leather upholstery, electrically adjustable front seats, and wood trim. The air conditioning concept also guaranteed a high level of long-distance comfort: In addition to the standard THERMATIC with two-zone climate control and a separate control panel for the rear passengers, a newly developed multi-zone THERMOTRONIC was available as an option, with more than a dozen sensors and an additional booster fan ensuring that the desired temperatures set by the driver, front passenger and rear passengers remained constant. As an option, the R-Class could even be equipped with a separate rear air conditioning system for the third row of seats.

In general, special attention was paid to the feel-good factor for passengers in the rear of the vehicle. Thanks to a separate DVD/CD player offered as an optional extra, they were also able to choose their own entertainment programme. In this case, the colour screens and headphone jacks were integrated into the backs of the front head restraints.

At the time of its market launch, the gross list prices for the initially only available diesel model R 320 CDI (which, without bearing this additional designation, had 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive as standard) were 52,200.00 euros for the short version and 53,940.00 euros for the long version. The supremely motorised top model R 500 (also still without the "4MATIC" suffix in the model designation) was priced at 64,960.00 euros for the short version and 66,700.00 euros for the long version. At 51,504.00 euros and 53,244.00 euros, respectively, the petrol-powered R 350 was the cheapest way to get into the R-Class.

Together with the short body style of the R-Class, which was shown for the first time at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2005, Mercedes-Benz presented the "Vision R 63 AMG", the near-production-standard preview of a particularly dynamic interpretation of the R-Class. Powered by the all-new M 156 high-revving V8 engine, developed independently by AMG, with a displacement of exactly 6208 cc, an output of 375 kW/510 hp at 6800 rpm and a maximum torque of 630 Nm, the concept car promised a unique mix of ample space, top comfort for up to six passengers and performance data on a par with high-level sports cars.

Externally, the show car differed from the production version of the R-Class in numerous details. These included the "Dark Titanium Grey" paint finish with matching trim, redesigned front and rear aprons in the typical AMG look, bi-xenon headlamps, an AMG sports exhaust system with two chrome-plated twin tailpipes, and AMG 21-inch 5-spoke light-alloy wheels painted titanium matt with 265/40 R 21 wide-base tyres.

The production model of the R 63 AMG finally made its début at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2006. Motorisation and performance data corresponded to the concept car from the previous year. The R 63 AMG also adopted features of the exterior appearance and interior from the show car. As expected, the performance version of the Grand Sports Tourer shone with top-class driving performance: With the short wheelbase, the R 63 AMG accelerated from standstill to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds, while the long-wheelbase version took a tenth of a second longer; the top speed was 250 km/h in both cases (electronically limited). The AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC with steering wheel gearshift buttons, DIRECT SELECT selector lever and three drive programs was used for power transmission. The combination of all-wheel drive with a torque distribution of 40:60 per cent between the front and rear axles, which enhanced the driving dynamics, and the AMG sports suspension with AIRMATIC and adaptive damping system enabled a highly dynamic and comfortable driving style.

The visual appearance of the top-of-the-range model was characterised by newly designed front and rear aprons with AMG styling, an AMG sports exhaust system with chrome tailpipes and darkened tail lamps with sports styling. "6.3 AMG" lettering on the front wings and 20-inch AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels with 265/45 R 20 wide tyres lent the side view a striking touch. The R 63 AMG was the first Mercedes-Benz vehicle to be available with 21-inch AMG light-alloy wheels as an option. The interior featured AMG sports seats at the front, nappa leather upholstery with Alcantara inserts on all seats, black aluminium trim, the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with gearshift buttons and the AMG instrument cluster with special main menu and RACETIMER.

A sporty outfit with and without AMG insignia was also available for the other R-Class models right from the start. This applied to all three engine versions and both body variants. Among other things, the focus here was on the AMG-style front and rear aprons as well as an extensive selection of different light-alloy wheels in 18, 19 and 21-inch formats, some with and some without AMG styling.

Parallel to the market launch of the R 63 AMG 4MATIC, which was available in Europe from autumn 2006, Mercedes-Benz launched the R 280 CDI 4MATIC as the fifth model variant. This model, which rounded off the lower end of the range, was equipped with a version of the OM 642 V6 diesel engine tuned to 140 kW/190 hp and reached a top speed of 210 km/h. Thanks to its powerful torque of 440 Nm, the engine, which also had a displacement of 3.0 litres, accelerated the R 280 CDI 4MATIC from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.8 seconds. The engine was characterised by the use of a high-pressure pump with up to 1600 bar injection pressure, piezo injectors and a VNT turbocharger (Variable Nozzle Turbine) with electrically adjustable angle of attack of the guide vanes. Two oxidation catalytic converters and a maintenance-free particulate filter, both fitted as standard, also resulted in low exhaust emissions.

With gross list prices of 96,976.00 euros and 98,716.00 euros for the long version, the Performance version of the R-Class once again entered completely different price regions compared to the R 500, while the R 280 CDI 4MATIC, which was only available with a short wheelbase for 49,068.00 euros, rounded off the lower end of the range.

With a view to the further development of the model series, the model designations were also modified at this time: Although all variants of the R-Class were then equipped with all-wheel drive as standard, the suffix 4MATIC was now added to the respective model name. In future, however, there would be entry-level models with rear-wheel drive, from which the all-wheel drive variants had to be differentiated.

Mercedes-Benz also equipped the R-Class with further optional assistance systems that made life easier at the wheel and further enhanced driving safety and comfort. These included, in particular, DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control, the LINGUATRONIC control system, which could be used to control the car telephone, audio system and navigation system by voice command, and a newly developed reversing camera, which provided support during parking manoeuvres. Also new on board the Grand Sports Tourer were the optional actively ventilated luxury seats for the driver and front passenger, a remote-controlled auxiliary heater and an electric steering wheel heater.

From the market launch of the R-Class, the optional Sports Package was available for both the interior and exterior. The former included electrically adjustable sports seats at the front, a sports instrument cluster, a sports pedal system and aluminium trim. The exterior version of the Sports Package included chrome trim, a radiator grille in sterling silver with chrome applications, dark-coloured tail lamps, blue tinted heat insulating glass and 19-inch sports rims with 255/50 R 19 tyres.

From May 2007, the R-Class featured slight stylistic retouching at the front and rear and even more variability: In addition to the familiar configurations with up to six individual seats, a five-seater and a seven-seater version were now added to the range. For the first time, the R-Class could now also be ordered with a second row of seats for three people. This resulted in five seats and a huge, flexibly usable luggage compartment, which, even in the case of a model with the short wheelbase, resulted in a load compartment length of almost 2 metres with the seats folded down. The short and long versions also had practical stowage compartments under the load compartment floor with a capacity of 51 and 52 litres, respectively. When not in use, the centre rear seat could be easily converted into a comfortable centre armrest. All seats, regardless of their general configuration, were fitted with three-point seat belts.

2007 also saw a fundamental expansion of the product range: The V6-powered R 280 CDI, R 280 and R 350 models were now also available with rear-wheel drive instead of the previously obligatory all-wheel drive and were available with either a short or long wheelbase. Due to the weight reduction and the inherent reduced friction losses in the drivetrain, their average standard fuel consumption was even more favourable than that of the 4MATIC versions. The R 280 CDI, for example, consumed 8.9 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres. The V6 petrol engine in the R 280 was a new addition to the engine range. The engine produced 170 kW/231 hp, accelerated the R-Class to 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds and consumed an average of 10.9 litres of premium petrol in the NEDC.

The R 500 4MATIC was also newly motorised: Its 5.5-litre V8 engine belonged to the M 273 engine family and, with 285 kW/388 hp, provided an increase in power of 60 kW/82 hp compared to the predecessor model – while at the same time reducing NEDC average fuel consumption by up to 7 per cent.

At the same time, all model variants – with the exception of the R 500 4MATIC – were converted to steel suspension all round; the previous air suspension with level control on the rear axle was now only available as an option for all models, as was AIRMATIC with the ADS adaptive damping system.

With the arrival of the rear-wheel-drive models, the petrol-powered R 280 took over the role of entry-level model in the R-Class. Gross list prices were set at 46,707.50 euros for the short version and 48,492.50 euros for the long version. The R 500 4MATIC, equipped with a new engine, cost 69,079.50 euros and 70,864.50 euros, respectively. Unlike in the case of its performance data, it thus did not significantly reduce the gap to the AMG model.

The TRAVEL EDITION special model was also available from May 2007 as a sales promotion measure at the market launch of the slightly revised R-Class. Limited to 250 vehicles of each version and engine, the specially specified equipment package included the Interior Sports Package with electrically adjustable sports seats in Alcantara/ARTICO with white topstitching, sports pedals in brushed stainless steel, exterior styling with chrome and aluminium applications, the EASY-PACK tailgate with remote control and the PARKTRONIC electronic parking aid for the front and rear. An exclusive iPod 30 GB with engraving including integration kit served as a bonus. A special feature of the offer was that the TRAVEL EDITION Equipment Package was free of charge for the 250 available vehicles and included in the gross list price of the respective base model.

In 2008, Mercedes-Benz introduced "BlueTEC" for the first time in the R-Class – the technology developed in-house for the sustainable reduction of diesel emissions. The R 320 BlueTEC for the US market was one of the first three diesel SUVs in the world that not only undercut the particularly demanding limits of the American Bin 5 standard, but also already had the potential to fulfil the future strict Euro 6 emissions standard. In contrast to the E 320 BlueTEC and E 300 BlueTEC saloons with oxidation catalytic converter, particulate filter and an additional SCR catalytic converter, the SUVs used the second BlueTEC version with AdBlue injection. This involved injecting a harmless aqueous urea solution into the exhaust gas flow. This released ammonia, which converted up to 80 per cent of the nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water in the downstream SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) catalytic converter.

The OM 642 V6 diesel engine, with which the new BlueTEC models of the R-Class, GL-Class and M-Class were equipped, demonstrated that low fuel consumption and particularly low emission levels were also possible in large SUVs. The 3.0-litre engine delivered 155 kW/211 hp and achieved a best torque value of 540 Nm.

Some details of the six-cylinder diesel had to be modified for use with AdBlue injection. The pistons were given a revised bowl geometry for better mixture formation and a compression ratio reduced from 17.7 to 16.5. The VNT exhaust gas turbocharger and the engine control unit also had to be optimised and redesigned.

From autumn 2009, the substantially reduced-emission R-Class, now under the model designation R 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, was also available in Europe. Together with the GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC and ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, it was one of the world's cleanest multi-purpose vehicles in the premium class. The R 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC and its sister models already met the limits of the Euro 6 standard that came into force in 2014.

The increased technical effort that went into the BlueTEC models was also reflected in the gross list price shown for the R 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC: At 59,619.00 euros, it was almost 2500.00 euros higher than that of the 10 kW/13 hp more powerful R 350 CDI 4MATIC.

In 2009, the R-Class was also available in all engine versions and wheelbases – including the BlueTEC version – as a particularly comprehensively equipped "Grand Edition" special model. The equipment package included exclusive 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a bicolour finish and heat-insulating glass in blue all round. Bi-xenon headlamps with dynamic active light function and cornering lights, LED daytime running lights with chrome surround integrated into the front bumper and darkened tail lamps completed the customised appearance. The interior was characterised by wood trim in anthracite poplar with chrome applications and a "Grand Edition" badge, the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles, and sports pedals in brushed stainless steel.

The "Grand Edition" equipment package had a gross list price of 3927.00 euros for all models across the board.

Compared to the GL-Class and especially the M-Class models, which were technically related but clearly assigned to the SUV segment, the R-Class qualified more as a niche vehicle in terms of production numbers. At the end of the first production cycle in spring 2010, several things became apparent: Firstly, customers clearly preferred the available long-wheelbase versions; secondly, they favoured one particular model in an unusually clear way – the petrol-powered R 350 4MATIC with the long wheelbase, which with just under 49,000 units alone accounted for almost half of all vehicles produced up to the facelift; and thirdly, prospective R-Class customers apparently had little interest in the AMG versions. Only 84 vehicles of the short model were built in the two years of its market presence, and only 238 of its long counterpart.

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Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG responsible for Group Research & Mercedes-Benz Cars Development unveiled the new Mercedes-Benz R-Class at the New York International Auto Show 2005.
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New York International Auto Show 2005
Mercedes-Benz R-Class, R 350 BlueTEC, W/V 251 model series, 2009
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R-Class - W/V 251
Mercedes-Benz 2009 SUV campaign: BlueTEC models
Mercedes-Benz GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC
Mercedes-Benz R 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC
Mercedes-Benz ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC
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Mercedes-Benz 2009 SUV campaign: BlueTEC models
Mercedes-Benz E 350 BlueTEC Saloon, 212 series, pictured with the SUVs of the 2009 campaign, from left to right: GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, 164 series (X 164), ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, 164 series (W 164), R 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, 251 series.
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E 350 BlueTEC Saloon - W 212, SUV campaign 2009 - GL-Class, X 164, M-Class, W 164, R-Class, W 251
100 years of all-wheel drive in 2007, Mercedes-Benz passenger car with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, 2006. Outer lane: C-Class Saloon, model series 203 (front), followed by S-Class Saloon, model series 221, R-Class Grand Sports Tourer, model series 251, and G-Class SUV, model series 463. Inner lane: E-Class Saloon, model series 211 (front), then M-Class and GL-Class, model series 164.
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Passenger Cars with 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive - W/S 203, W/V 221, W/V 251, W 463, W/S 211, W 164, X 164
Mercedes-Benz Off-Roader/Sport Utility Vehicles mit BlueTEC Antrieb, 2009. V6-Dieselmotor OM 642, Common-Rail-Einspritzung, 2.987 cm³, 155 kW/211 PS. Fahrzeug in Lasuritblau metallic (349): R 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, Version mit langem Radstand, Baureihe 251, Interieur Alpakagrau, 18-Zoll-Leichtmetallräder im 5-Doppelspeichen-Design, Schiebe-Hebe-Dach elektrisch in Glasausführung (Sonderausstattung). Fahrzeug in Cubanitsilber metallic (723) ohne Schiebedach: ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, Baureihe 164, 19-Zoll-Leichtmetallräder im 5-Doppelspeichen-Design. Fahrzeug in Iridiumsilber metallic (775) mit Fondpanoramadach (Serienausstattung): GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, Kotflügelverbreiterungen und 21-Zoll-Leichtmetallräder im AMG 5-Speichen-Design (Sonderausstattungen).
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GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC - X 164, ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC - W 164, R 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC - V 251, Off-Roader/Sport Utility Vehicles
Mercedes-Benz Off-Roader/Sport Utility Vehicles mit BlueTEC Antrieb, 2009. V6-Dieselmotor OM 642, Common-Rail-Einspritzung, 2.987 cm³, 155 kW/211 PS. Fahrzeug in Lasuritblau metallic (349): R 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, Version mit langem Radstand, Baureihe 251, Interieur Alpakagrau, 18-Zoll-Leichtmetallräder im 5-Doppelspeichen-Design, Schiebe-Hebe-Dach elektrisch in Glasausführung (Sonderausstattung). Fahrzeug in Cubanitsilber metallic (723) ohne Schiebedach: ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, Baureihe 164, 19-Zoll-Leichtmetallräder im 5-Doppelspeichen-Design. Fahrzeug in Iridiumsilber metallic (775) mit Fondpanoramadach (Serienausstattung): GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, Kotflügelverbreiterungen und 21-Zoll-Leichtmetallräder im AMG 5-Speichen-Design (Sonderausstattungen).
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GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC - X 164, ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC - W 164, R 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC - V 251, Off-Roader/Sport Utility Vehicles
Mercedes-Benz Off-Roader/Sport Utility Vehicles mit BlueTEC Antrieb, 2009. V6-Dieselmotor OM 642, Common-Rail-Einspritzung, 2.987 cm³, 155 kW/211 PS. Fahrzeug in Lasuritblau metallic (349): R 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, Version mit langem Radstand, Baureihe 251, Interieur Alpakagrau, 18-Zoll-Leichtmetallräder im 5-Doppelspeichen-Design, Schiebe-Hebe-Dach elektrisch in Glasausführung (Sonderausstattung). Fahrzeug in Cubanitsilber metallic (723) ohne Schiebedach: ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, Baureihe 164, 19-Zoll-Leichtmetallräder im 5-Doppelspeichen-Design. Fahrzeug in Iridiumsilber metallic (775) mit Fondpanoramadach (Serienausstattung): GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, Kotflügelverbreiterungen und 21-Zoll-Leichtmetallräder im AMG 5-Speichen-Design (Sonderausstattungen).
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GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC - X 164, ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC - W 164, R 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC - V 251, Off-Roader/Sport Utility Vehicles
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