Overview & Reviews

Part minivan, part station wagon, part "what were they thinking?" the Mercedes-Benz R-Class was several cars rolled into one. Although the R-Class wasn't quite as roomy as a minivan and only featured six standard seats (a seventh seat was optional), it was essentially a luxury family hauler for those who would never have considered owning a traditional minivan. Of course, the R-Class wasn't as versatile as a real minivan. Its large, wide-swinging traditional rear doors, for instance, weren't as family-friendly in a tight parking lot as a minivan's sliding doors.

Still, the R-Class was roomy, luxurious and available with a wide variety of engines, not to mention just about all of Benz's latest techno toys. Almost all R-Class models also came standard with all-wheel drive for extra traction in inclement weather. For those wanting a versatile used luxury vehicle that deftly sidesteps the perceived stigma of a minivan (or an SUV, for that matter), the Mercedes-Benz R-Class might make sense.

Used Mercedes-Benz R-Class Models
Produced from 2006 through 2012, the Mercedes-Benz R-Class was a large crossover wagon that during its run offered a wide choice of engines ranging from a diesel V6 to a powerhouse AMG V8. Most R-Classes came with all-wheel drive, as a rear-drive model was offered for just a single model year.

The most recent version of this model came in a choice of R350 (gas V6) and R350 Bluetec (diesel V6) trims. Both came with all-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic transmission. A 2+2+2 seating arrangement (for a total capacity of six people) was standard, with a 2+3+2 configuration optional. The R350 was powered by a 3.5-liter 302-horsepower V6, while the R350 Bluetec had a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6. The latter made only 210 hp but delivered an impressive 400 pound-feet of torque along with highway fuel economy in the low- to mid-20s.

Both trims came standard with 19-inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power driver seat and Bluetooth connectivity. Upgrades included a panoramic sunroof, a power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a power liftgate, adaptive xenon HID headlights, a rear seat entertainment system, a navigation system and an iPod interface. Oddly, leather upholstery was not available on the R-Class -- Mercedes' admittedly nice MB-Tex premium vinyl was standard across the board.

In reviews, we noted that the R-Class was certainly roomy and boasted excellent interior materials. But while the rear doors provided a huge opening to ease getting in and out, they were very long and could result in plenty of dings in the mall parking lot. On the road, the R-Class was a bit like driving your own personal high-speed train: big, heavy and with an eerie way of making high speeds seem completely reasonable. Handling wasn't an especially strong point, as the R-Class didn't inspire much more confidence than a typical large luxury crossover. Neither engine produced especially impressive acceleration.

The Mercedes-Benz R-Class was introduced for 2006 in R350 and R500 guises that could only be had with six seats and all-wheel drive. Through 2011, the original R350 featured a 3.5-liter V6 that produced 268 hp and achieved worse fuel economy than the later V6. The R500 and its 5.0-liter V8 might have provided a welcome amount of extra grunt, but it actually produced the same 302 hp as the later V6 while swilling fuel at the rate of 14 mpg combined. All R-Class models had a seven-speed automatic transmission.

For 2007, the R320 CDI and R63 AMG debuted. The R320 CDI was similar to the later Bluetec diesel in terms of output, but it wasn't certified for sale in California-emissions states. The R63 AMG high-performance-tuned model was essentially a minivan on steroids, boasting a monstrous, naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 that made 503 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes estimated that the R63 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The R63 also handled better than the other R-Class trims thanks to firmer suspension tuning and larger wheels and tires.

Soft sales brought the demise of the two most powerful Mercedes-Benz R-Class models, as the R500 and R63 AMG were discontinued for 2008, the same year that a rear-wheel-drive R350 joined the lineup and optional seven-passenger seating (with a middle seat in the second row) debuted. The following year saw the 50-state-compliant R320 Bluetec diesel engine replace the R320 CDI, new audio and navigation systems debut and the short-lived rear-wheel-drive R350 leave the lineup.

For 2010, the diesel model became the R350 Bluetec and received a smidge more torque. The biggest changes took place for 2011, when a styling refresh saw a larger grille debut and the oddly shaped front lights give way to cleaner units that looked more like those used on other Benz models. New mirrors, wheels, taillights and bumpers rounded out the exterior remake, while new headrests, new wood accents and a revised instrument display updated the cabin.

The last year of production for the R-Class was 2012, which may be the most desirable for the gas-powered V6, as that year brought a new 3.5-liter gas V6 with more power (302 hp) and slightly better fuel economy than the older engine. That year also saw a few more standard features thrown in, including a navigation system and satellite radio.

User Reviews:

• 

  Not bad - could be better - 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By exV70R driver - June 8 - 5:16 pm

  I have 4 small children and I needed a car that would seat all of us. I must admit I wasnt thrilled with the looks of the car and considered it only because it would hold everyone in relative comfort and because the 2008s were on the way and the dealerships had boatloads to get rid of in late July. Having come from a Volvo V70R, I had to have the V8 and not the V6. While the R500 is a great choice for someone with 4 kids, it is nowhere near as responsive or fun to drive as the Volvo. To be fair, the V70R is the Sport version and the R500 has never pretended to be remotely sporty - unless you want to lay down 80 large for the AMG version. After all, its a glorified minivan/station wagon.

• 

  A perfect compromise - 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Joe Brasco - May 22 - 11:30 pm

  This car a fantastic family verhicle. Not only does it ride like a Mercedes S-Class but it has the same unrivaled leg room - even in the third row. I love th ease of converting from three rows to two and back - the only car I know where this can be done with one hand from the rear of the car while loading! You will love riding this car and long road trips will be a breeze.

• 

  The R-500 (S500 Station wagon) - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By EmAnBkLyN - May 12 - 3:43 am

  Just picked the car up this weekend. I LOVE IT! Handles like a dream, the V8 pulls! I am a 740IL owner and I feel the speed on this car. The AWD handling is just great! A lot of people think its a minivan. No, it is not! Its an S500 Station wagon build in the states.

• 

  The Large MB - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By TEDS M.B. - May 2 - 10:26 pm

  I found the auto to be overall very nice, but I think more detail to operating directions would have been better, such as a video tape or a small book like past models had. The explanation of operation needs upgrade.

• 

  Stylish compromise - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Sailor - April 28 - 7:23 pm

  This vehicle is the perfect compromise for people like me who want carrying capacity, but dont want an SUV. It drives like a car, which is what I want, but has lots of carrying capacity. It is big, inside and out. What dont I like? I would like to see a split bench seat in the 2d row, to allow 7 passengers. And the navigation system is really user-UNfriendly. You basically have to stop the car to input info or make changes. And why is there no Bluetooth capability?

• 

  Mercedes R350 - 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By jayw5 - March 7 - 2:26 am

  The Mercedes R350 is the worst car ever, visibility is poor but the car is very stable driving at high speeds. I purchased an extended warranty thinking that I was going to keep the car but I am rushing to get rid of it. The car only has 45,000 miles but have replaced the battery three times due to a faulty computer, and front shock @ 20,000 miles and the other front shock @ 40,000 miles. Each shock is $1,300 dollars, no mechanic want to touch it.

• 

  Fantastic car - 2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Paul - March 4 - 4:16 am

  Replaced GL450 (which I loved)with R350. Never realized driving would be so much fun. Mileage not great but 19 in town and 24 on the road with the second tankful! Handles very much like my wifes S500 and is just as comfortable and secure on the road. Without question its the best; most reliable, nicest appointed and well engineered Mercedes Ive had.

• 

  Smooth Ride - 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Benz Fan - February 15 - 3:53 pm

  Tough trading in our CLK320...but the R350 did not disappoint us. The smoothness of this mercedes sold us on a test drive. Interior is beautiful to look at and the seats are total comfort. The cabin is spacious and the third row really does fit adults comfortably including getting in and out. The exterior is unique, with that mercedes flare, yet understated overall.

• 

  Outstanding New MB - 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Marcia Miller - February 11 - 9:30 pm

  This car drives and rides like a car but has large seating (7) capacity and good storage availibility for whatever. Its handling is exceptional considering its size. This is one outstanding vehicle. My R is a CDI which gives me lots of power and good mileage for a 5000+ lb. car.

• 

  Great Car, when it is not at the dealer - 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Joe - January 12 - 10:20 pm

  Incredible comfortable mile eater. More rear legroom that an S class. 3.5 l engine struggles a little with the weight of the vehicle but performance is fine. Bought a CPO 2 years old with 25,000 miles on the clock . In 12 months has been back to the dealership 5 times for unscheduled visits. Crankshaft Position sensor , running out of fuel while indicating at least half a tank 3 times, both axles replaced due to noise on turning. Officially Mercedes Benz has refused to but back the vehicle because 5 visits in a year is acceptable. And I thought I was buying a premium German Vehicle! And guess where the car is today, back at the dealer to have the ball joints replaced.