Wald Int'l Black Bison Mercedes-Benz R-Class: cyberpunk family hauler

[mikeyb]

http://www.motorauthority.com/content/thumbs/w/a/wald_black_bison_mercedes_r_class_001-0615-950x650.jpg

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Don't feel bad if you've never heard of the Merecedes-Benz R-Class. Yes, it's sold in America and yes, it's been out for quite a while now, but its dismal sales have been the exception to Mercedes' rule. That's what makes Wald's decision to give the not-quite-a-minivan the Black Bison treatment all the more mystifying.

On the whole, the result is pleasing - the R-Class looks less like a minivan and more like a tallish wagon, but the hyper-modern front end and pizza-dish wheels seem at odds with the vehicle's rather more mundane mission. On the whole, however, even the busy and tech-heavy front end can't weight the overall black-on-black package down. The rear view is especially nice thanks to an integrated rear diffuser and the new quad muffler tips.

No word yet on what Wald will charge for the Black Bison R-Class upgrade kit, but considering it's only aero pieces and a custom exhaust, don't expect pricing to ride much higher than that of the recently-released Black Bison Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which starts around $5,000.
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[seanmcsean]

There isn't a tuning company on this planet that could make that vehicle look attractive.

[coolmazda5]

That MB thing looks like a hearse (lol2)

[mikeyb]

I think it is pretty nasty.

[GoFast]

and yet you all like the 5?

[mikeyb]

and yet you all like the 5?

You don't want us all to break out the MS3 hating signs? ;)

[GoFast]

You don't want us all to break out the MS3 hating signs? ;)

lol if the shoe fits..why not? My point is that so many are saying this thing is hideous but how is it really that much different than the 5...looks wise

[mikeyb]

lol if the shoe fits..why not? My point is that so many are saying this thing is hideous but how is it really that much different than the 5...looks wise

Its a minivan, enough said. You can not polish a turd.

[coolmazda5]

and yet you all like the 5?

Yes, a decently pimped 5 looks much better than that thing. There are some Wald kits for other people movers I really like though (I think the Cayenne one is good), so it is not Wald, it is this particular car...

[GoFast]

lol they just dont look all that different to me....

[coolmazda5]

lol if the shoe fits..why not? My point is that so many are saying this thing is hideous but how is it really that much different than the 5...looks wise


lol they just dont look all that different to me....

Yeah riiiiiiiiight :D, also the Mazda3 hatch looks like the KIA Rio5, but one is hideous, take a guess on which one ;)

My point: similar concept, but if you read anywhere in the press Mazda has accomplished what others haven't: make a people mover look OK.

And I mention the press, don't listen to me, I'm biased of course :D

[ms6acton]

Its a minivan, enough said. You can not polish a turd.

did u not see myth busters were they polished a turn :D

[EvilJen]

It looks like it's covered in plastic. (puke)

[mikeyb]

did u not see myth busters were they polished a turn :D

I did see that episode.

[GoFast]

Yeah riiiiiiiiight :D, also the Mazda3 hatch looks like the KIA Rio5, but one is hideous, take a guess on which one ;)

My point: similar concept, but if you read anywhere in the press Mazda has accomplished what others haven't: make a people mover look OK.

And I mention the press, don't listen to me, I'm biased of course :D

Ha! Even in the rio5 to m3 hatch comparo neither is really hideous. I will say though that the rip looks more like a focus hatch rather than a m3, at least IMO.

As for this 5 vs Benz comparo, I just don't think either looks that bad not that different.

[TinmanMS6]

Fuck it. I'd hit it, but only if they started with the AMG version.