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:

• 

  Looker - not driver! - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Wayne - March 12 - 1:43 pm

  I have two boys, my partner and three dogs. we needed to upgrade from our 05 E-Wagon. It is too bad that with this larger wagon you lose touch with the road. It is very comfortable and spacious, nice to look at but not fun to drive. OK on the highway but take it onto a winding road and yuk! You are able to steEr out of an emergency but it does not hold the road. This is my 11th MB. A little bummed but will probabaly be back for a smaller one!

• 

  I was warned. - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Fast Ed - January 5 - 10:13 am

  I have met a lot of former Benz owners. I didnt believe them when they said stay away. For the money, this car spends way too much time in the shop. We had one dead key requiring a 2 hour replacement drive, one dead ignition switch requiring a tow. Headlights that short out when the car is off. Many electrical gremlins. Service engine light always on (they tell me it is fine). Great looking car, lots of room, but if you cant trust it to get home, what good is it? Maybe the last 6 cars we owned (all American I might add) we just got lucky and they never broke. Buyer beware. I would be real leary of buying a used one. Make sure you live close to the Benz dealer.

• 

  Supremely Practical--with compromises - 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By NYC Driver Fam of 5 - November 14 - 9:36 pm

  Bought this car after an exhaustive research process into every car with 3 row. Did not want giant SUV (Suburban, Esalade) and biggest new Lexus did not have comfy back row. R-Class is extremely comfy in all rows. Middle row even shifts forward allowing additional room in the rear, if desired. Car runs very smoothly as one would expect from a MB. Middle row appears to have as much leg room as an S-Class and more head room. We opted for the center seat, which is good for child, but not full width. Cargo space with all seats in place is okay, but not great. Rear seats manually fold flat like a minivans. MB did away with the 5.0 litre engine. 3.5 is sluggish and a disappointment.

• 

  My Problems with MB of N.A. - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By DNK - November 2 - 12:00 am

  Better than expected ride and handling. Great for road trips. MPG are better than advertised. But lacks nice wheels/rims. I did an upgrade, makes all the difference in making the vehicle look much sportier.

• 

  Almost 1 year old and still in love! - 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By David - July 27 - 6:13 am

  I am one of those crazies who trades every year. This vehicle may finally be the one that passes the year mark for me. Perfect ride, perfect power. Still one of the freshest looks out there in the sea of bland auto designs. No, I still havent gotten use to the minivan stigma, but boy once they ride in it, the critics convert quickly. Interesting that other makers are rushing this look to market. Cant wait to see what MB does at mid-cycle to freshen the front end.

• 

  Vrroooom! - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By New Merc Owners - July 20 - 12:43 pm

  Traded in an FX45 and initially missed the vroom but in R class there is lots of room so who needs the v (as in velocity). With that said this car holds up well on the highway, and I was doing the passing and not being passed. The interior is luxurious compared to others in this class and as a six footer I can even sit comfortably in the back seat. So far so good - also the wife loves the way it looks and everytime I park it I get another comment on my ride - -

• 

  A good family car - 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By JW - April 5 - 12:03 pm

  We traded in our Porsche Cayenne for an R350 due to passenger limitation in the Porsche. The Mercedes offered a spacious interior with comfort and luxury as well as easy maneuverability. The engine can be sluggish to start but the ride is smooth once you get going. If youre tall, you may want to think twice as there is little clearance between my head and the interior roof of the car without moving the seat all the way down. The sun visor is also tricky to put down without having to move my head back. Difficult to get used to after having 2 suvs with more height and flexibility.

• 

  Gadget Mania.- Not your ordinary SUV - 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By M Sirianno - November 28 - 8:06 pm

  You name the Gadget - this thing has it. If you actually read the manual (500 pages)you will discover why a Mercedes costs more than most cars on the road today. Example- hold down the heater button after the key is out and the system continues to blow hot air for 20 mins. So while you run into the store for a few quick things, the car is still warm when you get back! The list goes on and on and on. This is an amazing vehicle if youre a gadget freak like me. If your not, you could foolishly mistake it as just another SUV

• 

  Cruiser - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By gvitalik - November 20 - 7:00 am

  Bought it because looks different than anything on the road. Switched from Infiniti FX which I loved and what a difference in Mercedes. Less sporty, but a lot more stable, user and practical. Always correct people from calling it a minivan as I am too young for one. Mercedes had great deals in May on these because of slow sales and I could not refuse when I got a payment of $20 more vs. FX with less down on a vehicle that cost $61K. Memorial Day weekend took it from SF Bay Area to Southern California and enjoyed the whole ride with airmatic. With speeds over 85 it just glides comparing to my FX where every bump was felt. Panoramic roof is outstanding

• 

  Great car - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By sgg - November 14 - 5:23 pm

  This is a great car for the purpose intended , i.e. long trips , hauling kids and stuff. Iinterstate cruising is comfortable and as fast as you dare. Gas consumption in the R500 is about 20 mpg on the highway and 14 mpg in town. I will probably get another R class, but will get the diesel version .