Overview & Reviews

Both the R500 and the R63 AMG have been discontinued in the United States, and a lower-priced two-wheel-drive version of the R350 makes its debut. These trim level adjustments are meant to make the R-Class more accessible to a wider range of buyers. Other changes for 2008 include the making of formerly elective AMG styling cues as standard equipment and the addition of seven-passenger seating as a new stand-alone option.

• True six-passenger seating, out-handles traditional large SUVs, no minivan can match its sumptuous appointments or brand cachet.

• Ungainly rear doors, lack of torque from gasoline V6, hefty weight hampers acceleration and fuel economy, pricey for a glorified minivan.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 27 of 27.00

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  R-Class, Where you grow to after a van - 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Heris - December 10 - 4:46 pm

  My title says it all. The R-Class is the vehicle you grow to after the kids are too big for a van anymore. Teens now drive, theyre too cool and big to be climbing in a van and this is just perfect. Theres room for the drums and trips to the warehouse stores. Its not too tall so you dont get dirty getting stuff out of the back. Its better than a modern wagon. Its better than a van. Its better than I could ever imagine. Mercedes Benz is right on for the people that this was designed for but missing the marketing boat! They really need to interview some of us late 40s crowd. Have hand issues? Weak wrists? Carpal tunnel? Youll love how you shift gears in this jet. Lightly tap a button!

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  We love our well-kept secret - 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By MSS - September 9 - 1:56 am

  I practically stumbled across this car when I decided to check out the MB lot just for the heck of it one day. We had been looking closely at the GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave, but I was blown away by the interior size, comfort and luxury touches of this vehicle. Our R class includes fantastic features such as the backup camera, panorama roof (awesome), 6 CD changer, Sirius radio for 6 months, and the 7 seat option. The car rides very well and the torque makes up for what the HP lacks. Although I should say with three kids, I want exactly looking for massive power -- more for interior space and three rows of seats, which the R class has in spades.

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  Best car of the World! - 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Jeff - August 23 - 3:03 am

  We were looking for a vehicle which could accommodate a 7 member family. We love the R-class and comfort of Mercedes. Its absolutely quiet inside and got decent accelaration for such a vehicle. Overall I give it a 100% score

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  Supremely Practical--with compromises - 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By NYC Driver Fam of 5 - November 14 - 9:36 pm

  Bought this car after an exhaustive research process into every car with 3 row. Did not want giant SUV (Suburban, Esalade) and biggest new Lexus did not have comfy back row. R-Class is extremely comfy in all rows. Middle row even shifts forward allowing additional room in the rear, if desired. Car runs very smoothly as one would expect from a MB. Middle row appears to have as much leg room as an S-Class and more head room. We opted for the center seat, which is good for child, but not full width. Cargo space with all seats in place is okay, but not great. Rear seats manually fold flat like a minivans. MB did away with the 5.0 litre engine. 3.5 is sluggish and a disappointment.

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  A good family car - 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By JW - April 5 - 12:03 pm

  We traded in our Porsche Cayenne for an R350 due to passenger limitation in the Porsche. The Mercedes offered a spacious interior with comfort and luxury as well as easy maneuverability. The engine can be sluggish to start but the ride is smooth once you get going. If youre tall, you may want to think twice as there is little clearance between my head and the interior roof of the car without moving the seat all the way down. The sun visor is also tricky to put down without having to move my head back. Difficult to get used to after having 2 suvs with more height and flexibility.

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  R350 - 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By BWoodward - June 10 - 8:23 am

  I am coming from a 2007 Escalade ESV and have to say I had a lot of reservations about "downsizing"! We have 4 kids 2 of which in car seats and wow is all I can say about this car. I love that the 2nd row seats can move back and forth allowing for very easy access to the 3rd row which seats my 6ft plus 15 year old very nicely! The pick up is great and it is tons of fun to drive. Not too mention very pleasing to the eye to look at. I would say so far my only con is that it seems to have a lot of little things go wrong. Less then a month of owning it the steering column broke in my kids school parking lot and I could not turn the wheels which was scary to say the least.

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  The Only Green Luxury Family Utility Vehicle - 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By J R - February 15 - 5:26 pm

  With the 7 seat option now, if you are in the market for a luxury brand to haul a family of 5 + occasional/regular guests, this is the must have. Having done my share of research on 7- Seater SUVs (MDX, Q7, GL etc.), I am not regretting my decision to buy this "Van or SUV" vehicle at all. I waited for 2 months after hearing about the 7 Seat option before picking up my 2008 R320 CDI on August 29th. We get all the 4WD benefits that the SUVs bring and most of the family comforts of a 7 seater Van including, most importantly, a good rear seat which seats adults and not people under 5 alone. Also, the Mercedes brand has its fair share of luxury inputs to this vehicle.