2007 Mercedes-Benz R [ 2008 ]

MSRP: $43,000 - $87,400
Invoice: $39,990 - $81,282
MPG: 16 City / 21 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.3
Performance:8.1
Exterior:7.1
Interior:7.8
Safety:NA
Reliability:5.0
Pros
  • Sleek styling for a minivan alternative
  • Roomy and luxurious interior
  • Car-like driving performance
Cons
  • Expensive, even by luxury crossover standards
  • Rear doors open wide, a hazard in tight parking areas

Mercedes-Benz R

Overall Score - 8.3 (Very Good)

The R Class crossover has a spacious and luxurious interior, innovative styling and exceptional performance. If you're in the market for a luxury midsize SUV, you should also consider the Acura MDX, Lexus RX and Infiniti FX.

Reviewers say the 2007 Mercedes-Benz R Class excels by marrying elements from SUVs and minivans into a spacious and powerful automobile replete with Mercedes style and refinement. Introduced in 2006, the crossover shares the basic platform of the Mercedes-Benz ML SUV, but looks much more like a futuristic wagon. The Detroit News calls the R Class "cool postmodern styling," establishing "a new benchmark for luxury people movers." Edmunds says it's "The best possible combination of car, minivan and sport-utility vehicle the market has to offer." Consumer Guide awarded the 2007 R Class "Recommended" status.

Auto reviewers agree that the 2007 Mercedes-Benz R Class is steeply priced, even for the luxury segment. IntelliChoice gives the R350 base model a "worse than average" value rating based on five-year ownership compared to other cars in its class. The Boston Globe calls the price tag "hefty" and the Orlando Sentinel simply concludes "There are certainly cheaper ways to carry six people."

R-Class Performance - 8.1 (Very Good)

Many critics praise the R Class for its car-like performance. "Each of the four models accelerate, corner and ride like big luxury sedans," says New Car Test Drive.
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R-Class Exterior - 7.1 (Good)

The exterior styling of the R Class is distinctive. Edmunds calls it an "oddly handsome, stylish people mover," adding that it is "a genuine genetic mix of minivan and sport-utility vehicle." continue

R-Class Interior - 7.8 (Good)

Many critics agree that the R-Class provides a roomy and luxurious interior. Automobile Magazine says "no one can argue with the interior, which is gorgeous -- and, in truth, it's the major selling point for this vehicle." continue

R-Class Safety - NA

Although the 2007 Mercedes-Benz R Class has not yet been tested by the government or insurance industry, reviewers note that the R Class is filled with state-of-the-art safety technology, including plenty of standard air bags. continue

R-Class Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)

The 2007 Mercedes-Benz R reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The R Class is covered by a four-year/50,000 mile limited warranty. continue

Review Last Updated: 5/2/08