Mercedes-Benz R-Class Review

2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 Station Wagon

When Mercedes-Benz showed the Vision GST (Grand Sports Tourer) concept at the 2004 North American International Auto Show, it wasn't just a one-off showcar but a new type of vehicle for the company. The GST was the basis for what would become the Mercedes-Benz R-Class, a car that can best be described as a luxury touring wagon.

Part minivan, part station wagon, part "what were they thinking?" the Mercedes-Benz R-Class is several cars rolled into one and effectively combines the best features of each. Although the R-Class isn't quite as roomy as a minivan and only features six standard seats, it is essentially a luxury family hauler for those who would never consider owning a traditional minivan.

It's true that the R-Class isn't as versatile as a real minivan. Its traditional hinged rear doors, for instance, aren't as family-friendly as a minivan's sliding doors. Styling is another area where the R seems to come up short -- at least in the realm of luxury vehicles. Most of our editors find the big wagon's look ungainly and excessive.

Still, for those who can afford it, the positives far outweigh the negatives for Mercedes' "sports tourer." It's roomy, luxurious and available with two different engines, not to mention just about all of Benz's latest techno toys. It also comes standard with all-wheel drive for extra traction in inclement weather. For those wanting a versatile luxury vehicle that deftly sidesteps the perceived stigma of a minivan (or an SUV, for that matter), the Mercedes-Benz R-Class makes sense.

Current Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Both current trim levels of the Mercedes-Benz R-Class come with all-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic transmission. A 2+2+2 seating arrangement (for a total capacity of six people) is also included for every model.

The entry-level R350 wagon is powered by a 3.5-liter, 268-horsepower V6 and comes standard with 17-inch wheels, heated outside mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, real maple wood trim, a power driver seat, the COMAND control interface and a CD player with an auxiliary input jack.

In R320 CDI trim, a 3.0-liter diesel-fueled V6 engine powers the big wagon. It's good for only 215 hp but delivers an impressive 398 pound-feet of torque. While the diesel version boasts impressive fuel economy, it's not available in California or California-emission states due to stricter emissions standards. The R320 CDI comes with similar standard equipment to the R350.

Options are mostly grouped in large, expensive packages. Upgrades include seven-passenger capacity, a panoramic sunroof, power rear quarter windows, a power rear liftgate, park assist sensors, an adjustable air suspension (that improves handling), adaptive xenon HID headlights and an AMG Sport styling package with 19-inch wheels.

While the R-Class is certainly roomy inside, its overall size can be a hassle in tight spaces. Although the rear doors provide a very large opening to ease getting in and out, they are very long and can result in plenty of dings in the mall parking lot.

Past Mercedes-Benz R-Class Models

The Mercedes-Benz R-Class was introduced for 2006 in R350 and R500 guises. The latter trim featured a 5.0-liter, 302-hp V8. Even with the extra power, though, the 2.5-ton R500 still wasn't exceptionally quick, but it provided noticeably more grunt compared to the R350. Eighteen-inch wheels and heated front seats were among the extra features that came standard on the R500.

For 2007, the R320 CDI and R63 AMG debuted. This latter performance-tuned model was essentially a minivan on steroids, boasting a monstrous, naturally aspirated 6.3-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 larger wheels and tires, and firmer suspension tuning.

However, soft sales signaled the demise of the two most powerful R-Class models. The R500 and R63 AMG were discontinued after 2007.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.