Dealerships should get delivery of the new 2006 Mercedes R-Class this fall. The United States will get the long-wheelbase version of the R-Class – necessary to accommodate the third-row – while European markets will get a shorter wheelbase model. Mercedes-Benz officials expect U.S. buyers to snap up around 60 percent of R-Class volume, which should be set at around 50,000 units a year. Though pricing was not available at press time, stickers are expected to start in the $70,000 range and climb upward. The R350 will be the entry model, followed by the R500 and its more powerful, 5.0-liter V8 engine. Also expect AMG models to follow shortly after debut, and a turbo-diesel model is also under consideration, equipped with a 224 horsepower engine.