Two decades before SUVs swallowed the family car market whole, Mercedes-Benz was experimenting with something altogether different.
The Vision R 320 CDI, revealed at Geneva in 2005, wasn’t a van, estate or saloon in the traditional sense. It was billed as a “Grand Sports Tourer”, and it quietly previewed the production R-Class that followed later that year.
Now, the near-production concept has taken centre stage in the Mercedes-Benz Museum’s “Youngtimer” exhibition, offering a fresh look at one of the more intriguing design statements of the 2000s.
Neither van nor wagon
The Vision R traced its roots back to the earlier GST concept of 2002, signalling Mercedes’ intent to create a new vehicle category. Measuring almost five metres long, it delivered the footprint of a luxury saloon but with a higher seating position and generous glasshouse that gave it a light, open feel.
Configured as a 4+2 seater, the layout featured individual seats in the first two rows and a two-seat bench at the rear. Mercedes framed it not simply as transport, but as a refined long-distance travel machine.
Inside, the cabin carried a lounge-like atmosphere, trimmed in “Mohairbeige” with contrasting lighter tones and metallic accents. A panoramic glass roof blurred the line between cabin and sky, while rear passengers were treated to flat screens integrated into the front headrests — peak mid-2000s tech.
Alu-Beam and diesel muscle
Visually, the concept stood out for its Alu-Beam paintwork, a newly developed metallic finish at the time. Ultra-fine pigment particles (between 30 and 50 nanometres) intensified light reflection and gave the surface a deeper gloss than conventional metallic paints.
Under the bonnet sat a then-new V6 CDI diesel producing 165kW and 510Nm, paired with air suspension and 4Matic all-wheel drive. The combination promised strong long-haul capability alongside dynamic composure — a key part of the Grand Sports Tourer brief.
A time capsule on display
The concept is currently displayed as part of the museum’s “Youngtimer” showcase, which runs until April 12, 2026. It’s a reminder of a period when manufacturers were willing to test new segments rather than refine existing ones.
The R-Class never quite became a mainstream success story. Yet, looking back, the Vision R feels prescient as a bridge between traditional estates and today’s multi-row SUVs. Comfort, space and long-distance refinement were its calling cards.
In hindsight, the Grand Sports Tourer may have arrived slightly ahead of its time.
