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 1 through 10 of 27.00

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  If you have car seats - 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Plano, TX- Mom - October 29 - 10:06 pm

  We came across the R350 when looking at the GL450. We have two car seats but needed a 3rd row periodically when my parents are staying with us. You can only access the third row from the passenger side in the GL (and most SUVs)which is difficult for my parents. We then looked at the R350 and you can access the rear row even with car seats in the 2nd row,from both sides. The 3rd row are real seats and have very good leg room and child seat anchors if needed. The ride & handling of the car are very good. We also got the P2 package which gave us some great options, mem seats, nav, HK stereo, hands free phone(w/bluetooth) etc. After looking at 6 vehicles, we are thrilled with the R350.

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  A Family Vehicle with lots of room - 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Alison - May 22 - 8:53 am

  We needed a family vehicle that could seat 6-7 people comfortably and still provide space for baby gear, groceries or luggage. We wanted a cross-over type of vehicle, not a monster SUV, and something that still provided luxury, safety and performance. I have been an Audi driver for the past five years so comfort, performance and safety were key. After looking at a number of vehicles we decided to look at the R Class. (The Audi Q7 didnt cut it with cubic space.) I am very pleased with the key factors I had to consider and extremely happy with the space we were seeking. We chose the P1 package with a couple of extras, the I-pod hook up (I love) and heated seats.

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  Great car but often broken - 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Lin - March 11 - 11:10 am

  We ordered this car new and love it. However we feel compelled to get rid of it before the warranty is over. To summarize the ills: the car has spent more than 6 weeks in the shop over 3 years. Fist the battery was changed 3 times due to faulty computer module. This model had to be changed 3 times. The engine oil pan leaked at 30,000 miles and they had to pull the trans to fix that. A wheel bearing failed. Brake rotors had to be change and now the engine is in "limp" mode and we dont know why. Routine maintenance is very expensive ($1,200 at 40,000 miles).

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  For the Second Time, Bravo! - 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By A.Setiawan - February 17 - 8:43 pm

  This is our 2nd R-class and our umpteenth Benz. We had a R350 and an E- class in LA and now that weve moved to Jakarta, we decided to get another one this time a 7 seater and CDI to combat Jakartas traffic. Having first bought a Toyota Alphard here, we now find it too big for self-drives and prefer the R-class. The 7 seating version makes better sense and more practical. Weve now passed-on the Alphard to the kids for their activities and keep the R-class between my partner and me. Were no longer getting an S-class since the R- class also carries a lot of panache and grandeur without being too overbearing especially when we self- drive on the weekend and during vacation and not use the drive

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  Underrated Great Family Crossover - 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By yetialan - April 21 - 10:46 am

  Pro’s: I had an BMW X3 and drove the X5 along with the MDX the MB had the smoothest ride, best safety features (BMW doesn’t have third row curtin airbags), 3 rows of seating and the greatest comfort in the third row. Pricing was excellent got almost 16K off a brand new 08 and low 66 month 2.9% financing. Everything top of the line quality, metal feels thick strong and confident on the road. MB originally wanted to sell these in 06 for 60-80K. This was built to be a great cruiser like the s class. Feels like the s class and the panoramic roof is incredible. Cons: Navi not easy to use

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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.