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:
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Mom with Style - 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
By Maria - November 3 - 10:53 pmI wanted to get a nice safe reliable car that had a lot of room but wasnt your typical "mom car" I had only seen a few of these so I wasnt sure about it. I test drove it and I loved it. Its spacious, its nice, safe and reliable.
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A car for all reasons - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
By jeff - August 4 - 11:50 amThe day after taking delivery we had 6 inches of wet snow, what snow. The 4 wheel drive was flawless as were the ABS brakes. I also have an S class and the ride of the "R" is at least comparable. What more could you want in a large sedan, SUV, station wagon all wrapped into one vehicle? It may not be the sexiest car on the road, but it is certainly the most functional.
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Practical Luxury - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
By JB - July 31 - 2:20 am16 Months ago the third child came along! We need a Minivan. Im not gonna drive it! You gonna drive it? No way! Brought the ML in for scheduled visit and this "Huge Wagon" is sitting in the showroom. Wow!! Some what like a minivan. (Just dont call it one...the sales staff gets offended). It is so car-like you forget youve got the whole family with you!! The girls love to sit in the way back and look for birds and planes! The little man sits high in the second row and sees everything! I love the shift lever simplicity. Dash is elegant yet simple. Nav wonderful. Gas mileage is what I expected. Comfort and quietness among the best. If you can afford it, you cannot beat it!
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MB lives up to its reputation - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
By Jeremy - July 17 - 4:36 pmThis vehicle is the first luxury car Ive ever owned. I bought it under MBs CPO program in June of 09 with about 15k miles. This car is a dream come true! At first I was weary about the V8s fuel economy but I easily get 16-18 around town and 25 on the highways. Very Impressive for a car and engine of this size. It handles and brakes like a sports car! I havent had it for long but no issues whatsoever thus far. The back seats have plenty of legroom and the panoramic roof is HUGE and never fails to impress my passengers. Overall I couldnt be more satisfied.
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A perfect compromise - 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
By Joe Brasco - May 22 - 11:30 pmThis 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.
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Fantastic car - 2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
By Paul - March 4 - 4:16 amReplaced 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.
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Outstanding New MB - 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
By Marcia Miller - February 11 - 9:30 pmThis 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.
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R350 - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
By r350owner - December 22 - 6:03 pmDriven 4500 miles in the first month, great car-wagon-suv, hauls well, excellent highway vehicle. Spend for the roof luxury package, xeon lights, the kids love it. Installed tvs not offered by MB in headrest worked out great. Mileage stays the same with a load or without, amazing! Nav system- great once you use a few times, find a golf course 3 hours ahead on your trip, what other vehicle does that with accuracy? Great vehicle A+!
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Ultimate Family Car - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
By FamilyGuy - December 6 - 4:10 amI have 2 young children and to accomodate my family I have driven another German Luxury SUV, Japanese SUV, and a Luxury midsize Sedan. Unfortunately, none of them never worked. The German SUV drive was too truck-like and the passanger interior was smaller than what I hoped for (no 3rd row seats). The Japanese SUV, was class leading in space, but the ride was not as smooth or quiet as what I got from my German SUV. Moreover, the 3rd row, was very difficult to get in and out of (BTW-this problem is common amongst almost all SUVs with 3rd rows). The German luxury sedans ride was great, but the size didnt fit. I have found that the R-class gives me the room I need and a great ride.
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Smooth & Spacious - 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
By David - November 29 - 5:13 pmWe are so happy with this car. We chose it over the LR3. MDX. XC90. Q7. Its smooth, spacious and solid. Its got the space inside that others have wasted. This is a well designed and very unique car. I would buy again.
