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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  wasnt to pleased - 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By patricia warren - April 16 - 7:10 pm

  i did love my car at first until i realized,i had to replace brakes every 20000 miles.i had to return the vehicle several times for headachey, minor issues in the beginning of my lease.once i hit 50k miles. down hill my vehicle went.brakes for the 4th time.radio out air out tail light out for about the 10th time.power steering out. just one thing after the next.

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  Terrific Vehicle - 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Jeff - January 9 - 10:33 pm

  This vehicle is better than advertised. Its ride is very smooth with power when its needed. It handles well and has a tighter turning radius than expected. For the size of vehicle, the MPG is pretty good. Seats are very comfortable, especially the 2nd row seats -plenty of room. Our R-Class has plenty of options and it will take some time to learn, but it hasnt been too hard so far. Price was somewhat high, but not too far above some SUVs and lower than luxury SUVs. Meets our needs for a family of 5 extremely well and I highly recommend it for other families of similar size.

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  Enjoyed this car very much - 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Brian in Fort Wayne - December 24 - 1:40 am

  Leased this car for 27 months and I was initially skeptical that I would like this car/suv/wagon. I very quickly learned to really like this vehicle. Quiet, roomy, decent performance and mileage.

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  Great car! - 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By mommyof2 - December 23 - 6:00 am

  We bought our R-class in May of 07 and love it! It is excellent in the snow and there is a lot of room in for all of our stuff! We have little boy so with little ones comes carseats, strollers and bags..the R-class accomodates all of these very well. The only thing I wish it would have had is a middle console in the second row, which is now available on the 08 model. Other than that we love the car. A great buy and reasonably priced for a Mercedes.

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  Six Months Old and Growing on Me - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By MB4ME - November 28 - 8:10 am

  This is my fourth MB, including 1 wagon and 2 sedans previously, all wonderful vehicles. R-Class has surprising ease of handling like a sedan. Interior is roomy for six adults and gorgeous. Reading the manual first is imperative to become familiar with the hi-tech features. Nav system is great once you master the input procedures. Cargo area adequate for my golf clubs and groceries with seats up. Great sound system. I am averaging 21 mpg. Awesome all-wheel drive and brakes gripped the road in downhill driveway in the snow. My teenagers are fascinated with the different and innovative crossover R. The more I drive the R-Class the more I appreciate the engineering and styling vision.

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  Great family vehicle; beast in the hills - 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By DSpike - November 3 - 9:50 pm

  Great family vehicle with lots of room and fantastic comfort when cruising on the highway. Low rating on "Fun-to- Drive" because frankly this car/van/stationwagon/crossover isnt intended to be fun to drive the way a sedan might. Its a safe, roomy, family vehicle with style. That said, I will confess that the diesel engine makes this vehicle a beast in the mountains. We live in Colorado and it is sometimes mind- boggling to me how easily this car climbs steep grades. I will say that snow handling was very poor with the original tires, but once replaced became respectable. Fuel economy for this size vehicle is also very respectable. Overall 24-25 mpg. (Around town 19; Highway 27).

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  Versatile luxury - 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Ralph - November 2 - 7:40 am

  At first, I went to get a 4 door sedan, therefore I was hesitant to get what I thought of as a "minivan in disguise". But the more I drive it, the more I love it! I like the way it handles both on the highway and around the city. It feels like a Mercedes Benz car not a minivan or truck. People love the back seats, and the plentiful leg room available. The diesel model, which I have, is giving me great mileage per gallon of gas. I love that the seats in the back can be arranged in different configurations, very versatile. It is very luxurious inside. The sound system is excellent.

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  Do not buy an R350 - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Pete - October 19 - 3:50 am

  We purchased our car used from a Mercedes dealer, it has been in the shop 9 times in 8 months. Tail lamps melted, rear hatch locked shut, air vents all broke. Temperature controls were stuck on a temperature could not change. Plastic on seat rails has broken multiple times. Bad wheel bearing, rattled catalytic converter, broken latch over spare tire, misc trim pieces needed to be realigned. We loved the car initially but after 8 months of loaners for a week at a time in some cases we have vowed to never buy another Mercedes. We have had several Mercedes prior to this one and this car has been a major dissappointment. I would encourage anyone not to buy this car. Do your homework!

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  I love my R-Class - 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Dorthy S. - October 7 - 12:23 am

  My previous car was an E350 MB. While I loved the handling and styling of the car, I chose the R-class for the room and seating capacity. However I was also surprised with the way the car handles and I really love the styling. I pretty much leave the rear seats down but I like knowing that they are available if needed. I love how long the cargo space is with the 2nd row laid down for extra room If I need to haul longer items. Right now with the great lease and retail programs they have on the R- class, it makes it a great value.

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  I Wish I Could Reverse Time - 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By dave - August 23 - 5:36 am

  I bought this car thinking it would be a huge hit and I would be one of the first to have one. It seems like I am the only to have one. Personally, I think it looks great. I luckily avoided black because it looks like a hearse is that color. I got the 350 because the 500 was that much more money. This car has extreme steering vibration at high speeds. This vibration also comes with a deep noise that does not sound too good. Yacht length rear doors make nearly imposible to avoid denting a car in a parking lot. Head-lamps keep flashing, door handle does not work at times and reverse lights sometimes fail to work.