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 Carruck!! - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By R-Class fan - October 17 - 10:03 am

  The R-Class is the perfect family vehicle! Great highway car, great features, great ride, great size, great for hauling to our lake house, great for going out with friends, six adults will fit in the car in formal attire! Enjoy the ride!!

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  R-Class - 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By mcelada - October 14 - 1:07 pm

  Euromotors Germantown is wonderful. I just purchased my second car from them an R350. Everyone there is always helpful and very friendly. My sales person, Danny, is helpful and knowledgeable. I highly recommend Euromotors Germantown to all my friends & family. I told them to asked for Danny (best). I am so glad to see Charles back with Euromotors. He is pleasant and helpful.

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  A Great Ride for a Family! - 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By NDavis - September 23 - 2:10 pm

  We purchased this car in August and been thrilled ever since! We are a family with three children and switched from an 2002 Odyssey. I have found that cargo space is adequate for regular shopping and school backpacks, sport equipment, etc. Longer trips are fine with a cargo box on top. The gas mileage that we are getting is phenomenal compared to the 2002 minivan and the car is a blast to drive (certainly in comparison to a minivan :). Safety of the vehicle is great, weve been rear ended on the highway and everyone was fine..the car really absorbed the impact well. Im looking forward to driving this car for a very long time.

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  Very good family vehicle but... - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Van - September 17 - 11:36 pm

  The R500 is a very good family vehicle. It does seat 6 normal sized adults comfortably. The ride is smooth and quiet similar to Lexus (of which Ive owned two). For the size of the car, it handles very well and has plenty of pep with the 5L engine. On the other hand, the build quality is suspect. In the first week we had it, we had to replace an O-ring. Now, were having problems with the automatic lift gate - sometimes it closes completely, sometimes it doesnt. Weve sometimes had to close it 5 or 6 times before it will shut all the way. Now the car is starting to pull to the right - prob. an alignment problem. Also, one of the bulbs on the tailgate light has burned out.

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  Emphasis on Ride/Comfort not Reliability - 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By ZTG - August 17 - 5:20 am

  The R350 was a very good choice at the time of purchase because it was the first true cross-over that focused on room & comfort. The interior design is ingeniously ergonomic. The performance is quaite acceptable for a station- wagon type vehicle. Much to my surprise, there were quite a few intermittent reliability issues (i.e.; the rear hatch would drain the battery in wet conditions. MB did not figure this out until the hatch completely failed.

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  Luxury Car for Big Families - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By kmk - August 16 - 9:10 pm

  We have 4 kids of all ages and sizes. We found the R class to be the only luxury car to fit us all comfortably, especially the 3rd row. Very safe, fairly fuel efficient, and has a great ride!

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  The Early Review - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By mbrfan - July 19 - 2:16 pm

  I have watched MB develop the R from the GST concept several years ago and owning one has been rewarding. Solid drive, comfortable but sport feel, large interior room but nimble. The 268 HP and associated torque are fine, making the R500 extra 30+ HP and additonal torque unnecessary - in my mind. The dash "menu" displays are very weak and must be improved. They work but are weak. The Nav system is dated both in use and POIs; The MB Tex in rows 2 & 3 isnt close to best in class. The American market will take a few years to adopt the R - or not. I like wagons so this is great but not everyone will endear themselves to the R. MB will figure out the content vs price in MY 06/07.

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  Best car I ever had - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By caygirl - July 5 - 2:20 pm

  I have had the BMW X5, and 325Ci and the Porsche Cayenne, and this is the best car I have had by far. It is practical, comfortable, and well appointed. My husband has the Mercedes S class and is happy to get in and drive it with our two kids in the back and nanny or other passenger in the third row. Everyone is happy and comfy. I strongly recommend this car if you need seating for more than 4. Fast too. Caveat: Parktronic is a must!

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  R350 2007 - 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By John - July 3 - 1:03 am

  The automobile is a fine ride overall. The BlueTooth ranks with BMWs. It works great, not like Acuras that frequently disconnected mid-sentence. Sleek look and well designed cabin.

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  Its Not a Minivan - 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Savage - June 16 - 6:36 am

  Due to the growing size of our family a car that seated 6 or more was in order. We did not want a minivan, already had an SUV, wanted a wagon or something that drove more like a car for our long road trips to the beach. This Crossover gives everyone their own room and plenty of it with a nice smooth ride. Bought used and it was well worth the price (new was out of our league), plus it has the Warranty so Mercedes service fixes almost everything.