2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Comfort Zone

A bigger outside means a bigger inside—an important trait in a people hauler like the R-Class. This new Mercedes has a flexible floor plan, allowing seating for as many as six or as few as two. Choose the former and the R-Class provides three rows of two individual seats. Each can be adjusted to accommodate an average-sized adult and the rear two rows fold flat forward in whatever combination one may need. In maximum seating mode, there's 15.2 cubic feet of storage space, whereas 42.2 cubic feet are available with the 3rd row folded down. Maximum storage is a whopping 85 cubic feet and, with seats so configured, a 4x8-foot sheet of plywood will fit flat inside.


This storage capacity trumps many large SUVs and actually approaches that of minivans, the kings of cabin space. With fine functionality, the R-Class is also more than just a little fashionable. The interior is beautifully appointed with leather seat inserts, birds-eye maple trim and a commendable fit and finish. Options include a panoramic sunroof that adds a wide swath of sky overhead, and a dual-screen, dual-source rear seat entertainment system.


Two R-Class models are offered, distinguished mainly by engine. The $48,775 R350 is powered by a 268-hp, 3.5 liter V-6. The R500, at $56,275, draws 302 hp out of its 5.0-liter V-8. Mercedes reckons 0-60 times of 7.8 seconds for the R350 and 6.5 seconds for the R500. For the family transport class, that's quick and quicker respectively, especially when tipping the scales at nearly two and a half tons. One reason for the heft is the platform. Both R-Class models are all-wheel drive. The 4Matic system has a default power spilt of 50/50 front/rear. The system varies the amount of torque from front to rear and side-to-side to maximize traction as conditions dictate. Along for the ride is an armada of active electronics: traction control, stability control and anti-lock brakes.

Cargo Space

Although not intended for off-roading the combination of four drive wheels with traction control and a lower, car-like center of gravity should make the R-Class far more roadworthy in winter weather than a traditional SUV. On dry roads, the four-wheel, independent suspension feels more like a sedan than a minivan, handling with assurance that belies its size. Both 6- and 8-cylinder engines are coupled to a 7-speed automatic transmission. Triggered by a steering wheel-mounted stalk, there are fingertip buttons on the back of the wheel for do-it-yourselfers.


Unstressed at speed and with enough power to execute a pass, the V-6 powers the R350 comfortably down the road. The V-8 breeds the benefits of excess with plenty of pedal underfoot for any driving situation. Though lower and nimbler than an SUV, the R-Class doesn't enjoy as much of a gas mileage advantage as one would expect. EPA ratings have not been finalized as of this writing, but highway mileage is expected to peak at around 20-22 mpg. During our road test, the thirstier V-8 averaged 17.2 mpg.