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!!!! - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By MarkC - November 2 - 7:20 am

  So far so great. What a Vehicle. The space is positively shocking. 6 full size adults could fit in this car effortlessly. It drives like a sedan not a truck or minivan. The R500 has power to spare. Chock full of amenities. We are very pleased so far. And our dealership was great. We said so long to our over-sized SUV and have not missed it yet. This car will probably change the SUV or crossover market.

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  Great car with some nagging issues - 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By android45 - August 25 - 8:50 pm

  Have been driving the R350 for a year now. Consistently getting 23-24 mpg with my daily commute at 70-75 mph. Great highway cruiser with good comfort (AC/Interior). Fold down seats work quite well. Car has had a crown steer pulling problem since new which they tell me to live with. MB nickel and dimes you on the options as well. Sliding rear doors and backup camera would be a big improvement as well as standard park distance (it is big and difficult to park).Decent value with $5000 incentive and Employee discount. Overpriced as compared to others in this segment. Great looking car with decent fit and finish.

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  Design Problem - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Jolly Roger - August 7 - 5:06 am

  Excellent ride with better than expected fuel economy. 22Mpg @ 80/85 MPH. Problem is attempting to parallel park. There is no way to see the front end when parking, you just have to guess how close you are to anything that might be in front of you. Difficult to find a vechicle in stock with Parkatronic, unless you want a black interior.

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  Just purchased car 4 month ago and PROBLEMS already!!! HELP - 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By msbenz1105 - July 3 - 10:26 am

  Im a 1st Mercedes buyer that had my eyes on the r350 since I saw it for the first time 2 yrs ago. I told myself that car will be my next purchase and so i decided to get rid of my 2000 Lexus GS300 that I had for 10 yrs and LOVED and buy the R350. Excited and pleased with my new purchase until about 2 weeks ago. My SRS indicator lit up( and is still on just out of no where), my ac System continue to stay on and blow air after car is off and key out, sometimes dont even turn the ac on and fan still runs?? And now my battery dies everyday. Had to just start it for the last 4 days...Has any one every had any of these problems, please reply back.

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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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  Objective Review - 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Rocket Man - January 22 - 5:10 am

  Its an excellent car with great performance during extreme weather conditions. This car cuts through snow very nicely.

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  Best Yet - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Dave - December 1 - 6:40 am

  Have 5k miles and what a great car. The best Mercedes yet. You cant get into trouble with this all wheel drive car!

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  Great car, but a ton of money - 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By big dan - November 8 - 11:40 am

  The interior is superb, roomy, and comfortable. Except for a driveline noise that seems to be appearing, the interior is quiet and the ride is smooth. You can tell that the engine is a little small for this 5000lb beast, but the 7-speed makes do with what its got to make it manageable. Fuel mileage is around 17.5 city and 22 highway. Not bad for a 7 passenger vehicle! The maintenance cost is high, so beware. An oil change (just oil, nothing else!) is $280. You can do the maintenance yourself, but I am expecting a challenge from MB on lease turn in time.

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  This car is a nightmare - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By XPress - July 16 - 2:20 am

  The uniqueness of this car is what makes it attractive. The ride and drive characteristics are great. The unusual appearance gets stares & questions. After 1 year and more than 22,000 miles, I feel qualified to relate all that is not right with this car. Multiple visits to more than one dealers service department makes this a thumbs down choice for reliable transportation. Car is in the service dept now for the 9th time and is still there after 13 days (the service manager says they need it for at least another week). The problems are recurring; i.e., transmission shifts hard, repeated warning lights (SRS, low coolant,check engine), body panels ill fitting (wind noise), door hard to close. I cannot recommend

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  Recommendable - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By jp - June 7 - 5:26 pm

  I had leased it for 2 years. Overall good performance especially for family. Lots of space. Very quiet ride. Would have been happy with some more juice! Good value compared to the very expensive models. Sleek front look, but not so with the rear look. I guess, you can be the judge. Had some minor issues, no big deal.