Mercedes-Benz dealers will have yet another model to squeeze into their showrooms next spring when the six-seater R-class arrives in the UK.

The model, which Mercedes describes as a grand sports tourer, represents quite a departure from the carmaker’s traditional luxury saloons.

Unveiled in production form at the recent New York Motor Show, the R-class is designed to meet the needs of modern families looking for a versatile vehicle with style and performance. Each of the six passengers have individual seats, with the rear two rows folding flat independently to expand the load capacity to 2, 057 litres.

The R-class will be offered with a range of six- and eight-cylinder engines, including common-rail turbodiesels, all coupled to a seven-speed automatic transmission with F1-style button change as standard. Options will include air suspension, Pre-Safe collision protection system, a sports styling package and in-car entertainment systems.