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 car- just looks a little different - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Mozart - February 27 - 3:13 am

  My husband first saw the car on-line and immediately loved the styling. I wasnt as sold on it as he was but he talked me into taking it for a test drive. Im glad he did! We love the car and all the room. The kids love it too.

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  An amazing automobile - 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Jack W. - January 13 - 3:23 am

  The R350 is an absolute blast to drive. Perfect for our family of 5. My wife simply loves driving this car and so do I. The panorama roof is spectacular along with the exceptional fit and finish. You feel very safe in this auto. Voice activation works very well and the sound system is superb. With the shifting capability on the steering wheel the car has plenty of power and is very spirited. All seats are comfortable and access to the third row is easy. Highly recommend this car if you need more room but dont want to lose the fun of driving.

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  Better than I ever dreamed - 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Nancy - December 6 - 3:00 am

  I was happily surprised with how this vehicle drives as I was not initially impressed with its looks. In fact my husband said it looked like a hearse. After test driving it, I had my husband test drive it and he fell in love! (We did test drive the diesel as well and my husband found it to be noisier). The car drives like a dream! It is hard to park in tight spaces (hard to see the nose of the car) and it is too easy to switch gears accidently when driving (suggested improvement). All and all, would highly recommend.

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  R350 - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By B Factor - August 28 - 1:36 am

  I have owned other Mercedes my last was a ML500.When the lease was over I though of another but then decided on the New R. Looked at the 500 R but when I drove the 350 I found it was just fine the power no need for the bigger engine. I have found it to be a excellent car and the new 350 engine execellent in power and gas milage. It offers all of the SUV I had plus handles like a car. I am glad I made this choice and the lease offer thru my dealer was fine.

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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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  6 months old - 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Ed - May 18 - 3:23 pm

  Great car, fun to drive, Really big and somewhat difficult to park. Exceptionally good performance and gas mileage for a 6 cyl. Quality everywhere with no problems in first 6 months although at the 30 day checkup the service department was a poor. I wont be back to the selling dealer. Skip the parktronic and rear camera. They are only good from about 3 feet.

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  Very functional car - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By scott - May 16 - 8:13 pm

  This is the most functional vehicle we have ever owned. Great power, fantastic in the snow and very comfortable. 2 trips to Palm Springs and the car was a pleasure to drive. Get the panaramic roof for sure. A true 6 passenger (adults) vehicle.

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  Awesome vehicle with superior Quality!! - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Alfar16 - May 16 - 5:20 pm

  I traded a C300 for an R350 because of an expanding family. The vehicle has not disappointed on bit. I fit my family of four with ease and without baggage, this vehicle will fit 6 people comfortably. The car lacks a little power but is not noticeable once one the highway. No problems so far with as Ive read in some reviews. The vehicle has striking presence and luxury is apparent as you roll down the street. I would definitely keep the R-350 for a long time as comfort is not comparable for this price range.

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  No Buyers Remorse - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Richard Poe - April 11 - 3:00 pm

  I drove a Suburban (or some version of it) for 15 years, and was ready for a smaller, more driver friendly car. This is it. The V8 is great, mileage a surprising 19/22, and I love the handling and responsiveness compared to the suburban. Its so aerodynamic, I cant feel a gust when I meet an 18 wheeler. While storage is not what I was used to (how could it be?) it is still very good. This car had 7000 miles (put in service 1/07). It was CPO and I bought 1 extra year ($1595), gave me 5 1/2 yr, 100,000 warranty. Paid less for it than my last Denali XL, and feel I got a lot more car. It is sure more fun to drive.

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  6k miles later and we still like it lots - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Rod - April 7 - 2:13 am

  After 6k miles and hauling around kids and Home Depot runs, groceries, it still is a pleasure to drive around. Heard reliabilty issues but ours must have been built on Wednesday because so far its been hassle free. The comfort level is Big Benz all the way. Lots of power, great sound system, easy to get in and out of. Were glad we got it.