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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  No problems-Great Car - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Serving us well - October 7 - 3:16 pm

  We bought this car early of "07" and have driven it from the Canadian line to the gulf of Mexico. Driving in winter blizzards and southern frog floaters. Avg gas mileage for hwy- 23to24 mpg. City-19 mpg. Great touring car, for its size it handles very well. What little warranty work we have had done, we have done it when its time for service. If this car keeps performing like this in the future, MB will have good success.

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  R 320 CDI - 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Philip Tworek - July 6 - 5:23 pm

  This has got to be the best vehicle in its crossover class. For the growing family that wants the wagon but not the van you cant beat the R- class. Definitely buy with all the options, then you never look back and regret what you didnt get. The ride is very smooth and yet in the corners it handles pretty tight. The panoramic rooftop is for sure a thing of wonder. This is a definate purchase for the folks wanting great gas efficiency along with great looks and quality. Performs like a true diesel but if you put your foot on the gas there are some ponies under the hood to be discovered.

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  Happy but dissapointed - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By douglas - June 4 - 8:03 pm

  Its a great car, I love the look of it from the front and when I got inside and test drove I fell in love and I got a great deal. First brand new car I purchased and am glad I did. So I have owned mine now for 4 years and its still drives like a brand new car .

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  Love my Diesel R Class - 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Martha Pink - May 22 - 12:06 pm

  Love the comfort and drive of the R- Class. Especially highway driving. Enjoy the cruise controls. Love the better fuel mileage. Heavy car, little road nose. Comfort with four adults and two children. Very quiet engine, for a diesel, but powerful. Most people are surprised its a diesel, its so quiet. Would only own this car in a diesel, due to power and fuel mileage. Drives like a dream.

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  First trip - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By jabbahop - May 20 - 5:00 pm

  I drove our new R350 1000 miles from the dealer in KY. I now know why the car is called a tourer. Quiet, smooth, comfortable - a great ride. It isnt a quick vehicle but has enough power. Nice surprises - the cruise control with two increments (up and down one mile per hour to tune speed) - intermittent wipers - ipod integration kit (though it would be nicer to be able to select a play list from the radio controls) - better gas mileage than I feared (22.5) Little annoyances - should have checked out the Xenon lights because on low beam, they dont have great illumination - black interior (and carpet) shows dirt, dust. Overall very happy with it and family loves the room!

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  Got what I was looking for - 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By NSIM - April 8 - 2:50 pm

  We were looking for a vehicle which could accommodate a 6 member family. Test drove most of the vehicles and finally ended up on the best one. We just love the class and comfort of Mercedes. Though I am bit skeptical about the Mercs notorious reliability, everything is fine so far. Its absolutely quiet inside and got decent accelaration for such a heavy vehicle. Overall I give it a 95% score

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  The Smoothest ride! - 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By mb lover - February 3 - 12:50 am

  I love this car! This is my 2nd Mercedes. I Previously owned the M class and turned it in for this. I needed some convincing because of its van-like shape, but I drove it and had to get it in the Black it looks so much sportier! The front of the vehicle makes a bold statement. Its a definite head-turner or maybe its me. My R is by far the smoothest and heavy riding car I have ever owned with plenty of space.I love to drive it and it loves to drive. I could go on with the pros but you do need to drive one to feel the whole experience. I wish there were more standard options in this luxury crossover but hey, its a Mercedes!

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  Awesome change from a Minivan - 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Mom of three - January 25 - 2:13 am

  Great lines, a real eye turner on the road, school parking and grocery store. Awesome handling, fun to drive.

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  Best family vehicle - 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By coladin - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Coming from an XC90, an exceptional family vehicle, we are now back in a car, along one, but a car nonetheless. Tonnes of space, great ride and handling considering its size and the mileage is amazing. Whereas the XC90 struggled to get 240 miles for 19 gallons of gas, the R gets an easy 380 of pure city driving. Plus, it has great torque and very driveable and people always seem to notice it, it is very handsome with the AMG package and 19 inch wheels.

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  MUST READ!!! - Cash Test - 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By usarmy89delta - November 26 - 4:21 pm

  After reading some review Ive decided to write my own. In 2008 I bought for my spouse an R350 4Matic. We drove it and took it on trips all the time and never gave us any trouble (except a few blown lights) and eventually put close to 40k miles on it. On June 2010 my wife was driving in the city with both our kids when an elderly lady wich had a suspended licence drove right into her lane (she crashed head on). When I arrived I saw the car totalled but my wife and kids with out a scratch on. The cars crash alert system had been activated (it moved the drivers seat all the way forward, it moved the steering wheel, cut the engine and even placed the hazards lights on).