Used 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Is it an SUV? Is it a really large station wagon? Is it, well, a minivan? Though the exterior styling of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is hard to define, this is a vehicle better judged from the inside out. If you find what you desire on the inside, the exterior can be easily justified. Dubbed a "sports tourer," Mercedes believes the R-Class has what upscale families need: Luxury, space, utility and performance. The R-Class includes a seven-speed automatic transmission, an all-wheel-drive option and a choice of gasoline or diesel engines. Other stand-out attributes include its remarkably spacious and feature-rich seating for six people and so much cargo space it bests the huge Cadillac Escalade.

The 3.5-liter V6 powering the R350 partnered with Mercedes’ full-time all-wheel-drive system and seven-speed automatic transmission creates a pleasant, but not spirited driving experience. The R320 CDI actually feels quicker, no surprise given its abundance of low-end torque. We found that even on winding roads, the R-Class smoothly carved through the turns and the seven-speed transmission delivered seamless shifts, always finding just the right gear when needed. Like many Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the R-Class has both Sport and Comfort suspension settings, and we found the Sport setting quite pleasing and agile. Stopping this heavy vehicle is also no problem with its 13.8-inch front brake rotors and standard ABS and Brake Assist features. The R-Class also has an excellent turning ratio, making it even easier to maneuver than many SUVs.

The interior of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class feels more like a family room than a car. Especially when outfitted with the panoramic sunroof that spans nearly the entire length of the vehicle, the interior space of the R-Class looks and feels downright cavernous. The base vehicle is loaded with eight-way power front seats, bird’s-eye maple interior trim and fold-flat second and third-row seats. The R-Class’ second row of seats features items usually found only in the first row: Individual seat adjustments, reading lights, armrests, air vents, cup holders, middle console and available iPod integration or dual-screen DVD player.

The R-Class’s windshield and hood are raked steeply, kind of like a minivan. There is method to this van-like madness however — it improves the aerodynamics of this heavy, 4,845-pound vehicle. The profile is long and sloping, with a slightly "chopped-top" retro appearance, somewhat reminiscent of the Dodge Magnum wagon. As you see the vehicle coming down the road, you may think it’s a minivan or an SUV, but there’s one thing of which you will have no doubt: With its prominent grille and nameplate branding you’ll know it’s a Mercedes-Benz.

Second-Row "Captain’s Chair" Seating
We are quite fond of the second-row seat comfort and space. This is one car that makes the back-seat riders as lucky as those in the front.

Panoramic Sunroof
It’s nearly six feet of glass, making the back-seat passengers feel much less "trapped" than in any other vehicle we know.

Key standard equipment includes the seven-speed automatic transmission, electronic traction system, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control and cruise control. For safety, Mercedes-Benz supplies each R-Class trim with anti-lock brakes (ABS), ESP stability control, a rollover sensor, front, door-mounted and side-curtain airbags for each of the three rows, seatbelt pretensioners with belt-force limiters, tire-pressure monitoring system and automatic anti-theft alarm. Other standard luxury equipment includes power front seats, easy fold-down second- and third-row seats, eight-speaker audio system with auxiliary audio input and a retractable cargo cover.

Options abound on the R-Class. A Sport Package includes 19-inch wheels, while the R320 has a fuel-efficient diesel engine and all-wheel drive. Other options include bi-xenon curve-illuminating headlights, harman/kardon Logic 7 audio system with six-disc CD changer, rear-seat entertainment system, power glass sunroof, power panoramic sunroof, power rear-quarter windows, Keyless Go starting system, satellite radio, power liftgate, navigation system, multi-contour seats, heated front seats, Distronic radar-based cruise control, rear sunshade, heated second-row seats, auto dimming mirrors, wood-and-leather multi-function steering wheel and iPod integration kit.

The R350’s V6 is generally adequate but might be less spirited dealing with a loaded vehicle and a steep uphill climb. If you’re not deterred by the thought of owning a diesel, the R320 CDI’s turbocharged V6 diesel engine provides great acceleration and superior fuel economy.

3.5-liter V6
268 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
258 lb. – ft. of torque @ 2400-5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/20 (2WD), 15/19 (4WD)

3.0-liter V6 Turbodiesel
215 horsepower @ 4000 rpm
398 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1600-2400
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24