2008 Mercedes-Benz R [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 64 R reviews and test drives.
Mercedes-Benz R - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz R ranks 9 out of 15 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 64 published reviews and test drives of the Mercedes-Benz R, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The R-Class crossover has a spacious and luxurious interior, innovative styling, and exceptional performance. Still, it's up against stiff competition and ranks near the bottom of its class and the luxury crossover class.
Reviewers say the 2008 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 M-Class SUV, but looks much more like a futuristic wagon. For 2008, the R-Class remains virtually unchanged, though the R500 and R63 AMG models have been discontinued. CNET says the R-Class "combines the best features of a luxury sedan, an SUV, and a minivan to give its occupants an incredible amount of comfortable space."
The R-Class comes in two trims -- the R350 and diesel-powered R320 CDI. The R350 is available in two- or all-wheel drive, while the R320 only comes with all-wheel drive.
- "In many respects, the R-Class, with its cool postmodern styling, establishes a new benchmark for luxury people movers." -- Detroit News
- "TAKEN on its own, the R-class is a pretty wonderful piece of machinery." -- Los Angeles Times
- "I find it difficult to recommend a vehicle that is so difficult to live with. After all, anytime you take a car somewhere, unless for the proverbial Sunday drive, its to arrive at a destination, which will require parking. Being that this behemoth is one of the widest vehicles on the planet, complicated by extremely long rear doors that open ultra-wide, well, its pretty well the most inconvenient vehicle Ive had to test in eons." -- Automobile.com
- "There are certainly cheaper ways to carry six people, but initial sales of the R-Class suggest that quite a few customers prefer their minivan -- or SUV, or station wagon, or whatever it is -- to carry a three-pointed star in the grille." -- Orlando Sentinel
R Performance - 8.2 (Very Good)
Many critics praise the R-Class for its car-like performance, which ranks in the top half of its class. "It's more satisfying to drive than most other minivans, and it can accelerate faster than some luxury sedans," says New Car Test Drive. "All-wheel drive makes it great for the wintry conditions, and it will easily fit in most garages." Continue with our full Performance Review to learn about the R's unique seven-speed automatic transmission. continue
R Exterior - 7.0 (Good)
The exterior styling of the 2008 Mercedes R-Class is distinctive for its mix of minivan and SUV features. "This is a swell-looking vehicle, limned in sweeping, gestural lines that cavort over the vehicle's astounding wheelbase of 126.6 inches," says the Los Angeles Times. Still, the styling isn't distinctive enough to pull the R's exterior ranking out of the bottom half of its class. Continue with our full Exterior Review to learn why critics complain about the long rear doors, or check out our Mercedes-Benz R-Class Photo Gallery to see it for yourself. continue
R Interior - 8.1 (Very Good)
Many critics agree that the 2008 Mercedes R-Class provides a roomy and luxurious cabin, leading to an interior score near the top of the class. Automobile Magazine says "[N]o one can argue with the interior, which is gorgeous -- and, in truth, it's the major selling point for this vehicle." Continue with our Interior Review to learn about the kid-friendly second row, or check out our Mercedes-Benz R-Class interior photos. continue
R Safety - NA
Although the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class has not yet been tested by the federal 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 with our full Safety Review to learn about the R's excellent visibility. continue
R Reliability - 7.0 (Good)
The 2008 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 with our full Reliability Review. continue
