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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  Great Large Car ! - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By royalpar1 - July 5 - 11:36 pm

  Although this is a true crossover from mini van to suv, it is large, drives great, and is beautiful. Dealer incentives for a 2006 are hard to beat. Best car for the money in its class

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  The Reign of Diesels - 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Oilburner - July 2 - 1:16 pm

  There is some turbo lag until 2000rpms. Transmission shifts sluggishly when using comfort mode. Sport mode is a notable improvement. Past 2000rpm, the R Diesel launches into a breath depriving shove! It will surprise nearby motorists. 398ft-lbs does make a difference. Try test driving the V8 gas version, see for yourself. Suspension and handling is typical MBenz firm but no a racer. Transmission shifter takes a while to get used to. Tried it on cold icy highway conditions. Computer stability and traction programs do work in a very subtle way.

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  Upgrade to 5.0 litre - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Dan - June 16 - 10:30 pm

  Drove both versions before deciding on the 5.0 liter. The 3.5 was sluggish, and lacked responsiveness when it was called upon for sudden acceleration. Not as prominent in larger engine. Some body roll on corners, but not too bad. Steering isnt that responsive. Comfortable ride, reliable car. Shifting is smooth unless car is called upon to accelerate (as noted above). Gear shifter is unique (one day, someone will put this car into reverse by accident thinking that theyre putting it into park). A pleasure to ride in, better than a standard SUV. Quiet ride. Controls all in good spots. Good in snow.

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  Why buy the R-Class - 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Sheri - June 11 - 1:00 pm

  Youll love this vehicle if you have "tweens". Those teens that are not licensed to drive alone, so you still have to haul them and their high school buddies one or two more years. These teens have outgrown the soccer moms van and they, too, want to look cool if they are still going to have to be chauffeured by Mom or Dad. The driver will love saving your wrists and joints by just having to tap with your finger the steering column wand to change gears. 26 mpg is a deal sealer on this large vehicle. This is such a wonderful vehicle! You need to market to true baby boomers and tween families, such as I described. CALL this vehicle a WAGON... and it aint yo mamas wagon of the past

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  Chodes car - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By chode - May 12 - 9:40 am

  Great car to drive. Ride is smooth without feeling floaty. Our car has the airmatic suspension. Sport mode is pretty harsh but the other two modes provide a very nice ride. Interior quality is superb. Forward visibility is excellent. Rearward visisbility is not the best, a backup camera should be standard, but it is not even available. Overall I really like it. It looks different from most other cars on the road. It is a very versitile design. In 2007 mercedes benz offered the 550 motor in some of their line ups. This car with that 550 motor would be awesome. I know the AMG version is out there, but at almost 90 grand it too much bread.

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  Dont want to drive a van or SUV? - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Chuck J. - May 7 - 7:06 pm

  If you want all-wheel drive, room for 6, and cant picture yourself driving a van or SUV, theres no other choice. The Pacifica fits the bill, but its slow, underpowered and ugly. And, the rear seats on the Pacifica are not as easy to get into. Some reviewers are slamming the R500, because its a Mercedes that doesnt register with their sense of what a practical car is. Who off-roads or uses all that van cargo space? The positives: V-8 power!, unique sculpted styling, 1st class ride and appointments, not driving the same SUV or van that everybody else is driving. Did I mention blowing the doors off of most vehicles? When the suspension lowers at 70MPH, youll know sport touring!

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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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  Great car with such a size - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By great dane - March 25 - 9:43 pm

  Good mileage for such a heavy vehicle. Absolutely quiet and smooth in switching gears. Enough space for even a six-footer in the third row. Takes a while to get used to the brake assistant.

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  Unlike any other - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By tiefenem - March 19 - 3:53 pm

  Well rounded vehicle, lots of fun to drive, love the option of being able to select a sport mode or comfort mode. Panorama roof is a hit with the family. Trim work is excellent, guages, controls easy to use.

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  Almost perfec except for the engine noise - 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Kenny - February 10 - 4:00 pm

  This is an excellent crossover, which Mercedes named it the "Grand Sports Tourer" uniquely classified-like no other. Lets start with exterior and will work our way to the interior. Got the Premium Package 1 includes: panorama sunroof, automatic rear pop- out windows, dual shade sunvisors, pwr tailgate, TeleAid, harman/kardon Logic7 sound system, rear audio controls, Sirius satellite radio, hands-free communication system - bluetooth adapter..awesome clarity. Superb ride and comfort but the engine while inside the cabin was a bit loud and more noticeable but overall the R350 gets two thumbs up from me.