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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  R350 - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By r350owner - December 22 - 6:03 pm

  Driven 4500 miles in the first month, great car-wagon-suv, hauls well, excellent highway vehicle. Spend for the roof luxury package, xeon lights, the kids love it. Installed tvs not offered by MB in headrest worked out great. Mileage stays the same with a load or without, amazing! Nav system- great once you use a few times, find a golf course 3 hours ahead on your trip, what other vehicle does that with accuracy? Great vehicle A+!

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  Ultimate Family Car - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By FamilyGuy - December 6 - 4:10 am

  I have 2 young children and to accomodate my family I have driven another German Luxury SUV, Japanese SUV, and a Luxury midsize Sedan. Unfortunately, none of them never worked. The German SUV drive was too truck-like and the passanger interior was smaller than what I hoped for (no 3rd row seats). The Japanese SUV, was class leading in space, but the ride was not as smooth or quiet as what I got from my German SUV. Moreover, the 3rd row, was very difficult to get in and out of (BTW-this problem is common amongst almost all SUVs with 3rd rows). The German luxury sedans ride was great, but the size didnt fit. I have found that the R-class gives me the room I need and a great ride.

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  Smooth & Spacious - 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By David - November 29 - 5:13 pm

  We are so happy with this car. We chose it over the LR3. MDX. XC90. Q7. Its smooth, spacious and solid. Its got the space inside that others have wasted. This is a well designed and very unique car. I would buy again.

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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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  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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  Deceptive for hauling - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By flevy - September 19 - 12:30 am

  I had leased the R500 and took it home. Only then did we find out that the third row seats did not fold flat or out of the way. When folded, the seat becomes perpendicular to the back and sits 9 inches from the second row. If you are packing for a trip, you lose a tremendous amount of volumetric space. This was never shown and makes it an unrealistic car for trips to the beach. Poor design. Ended up taking the car back and getting SUV.

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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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  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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  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.