Mercedes-Benz has announced that it will raised prices across its entire range by an average of 1.4%. This only includes cars registered after or on April 1 this year, and doesn’t affect the prices of the S, R or CL-class Coupe.

The German manufacturer also announced details for its new R-class and S-class models.

R-class

The six-seat R-class is priced from £38,470 on the road for the R 350 and arrives in the UK on April 6. The R 320 CDI costs £38,475 and the long wheel base version, which has an extra 225mm between the axels, costs £39,970. In addition to the standard variant, SE and Sport upgrades are available, costing £2,950 each. The range-topping R 500, available in SE or Sport trim only, starts from £49,990 on the road.

Specification levels include seven-speed 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with Speedtronic speed limiter and cruise control as standard; as well as permanent 4MATIC four-wheel drive. Automatic headlights and windscreen wipers; parameter speed-sensitive power-assisted steering; automatic climate control; 17-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels and three rows of seating all feature on every model.

All R-class models feature ABS with BAS (brake assist), and ESP (electronic stability program) with ASR (acceleration skid control).

Six airbags are fitted as standard, and ISOFIX child seat mounting points with top tethers are fitted to all rear seats. The front passenger seat includes the Mercedes-Benz automatic child seat sensor, which deactivates airbags when an appropriate transponder-equipped baby seat is used.

Remote central locking and tyre pressure loss warning system are also standard.

S-class Saloon

The S-class is priced from £54,975 for the S 320 CDI and will reach UK showrooms on March 16. The long wheel base version adds £4,000 to the price.

The S 320 CDI has 17-inch alloy wheels; seven-speed 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with Speedtronic speed limiter and cruise control as standard (controlled by a DIRECT SELECT wand on the steering column); adaptive brake lights (which flash in emergency braking conditions); and adaptive brakes that hold the car when stationary. These brakes are also fitted with ABS and BAS (brake assist), and the ESP (electronic stability program) and ASR (acceleration skid control). Metallic paint is standard.

Eight airbags (two front, four side impact and windowbags) are standard, as is a development of the ‘AirMATIC’ air suspension system.

The S-class is the first Mercedes to have an electric parking brake. When the driver stops, the parking brake is automatically applied, and there’s no need to switch it off when pulling away – the car can do it automatically.