Category: Large MPV 
Price Range: £36,970 to £53,630
Refined engine, imposing, badge, spacious cabin, huge boot.
Looks, lack of air suspension, no seven-seat option, pricey.
A classy, if expensive way of transporting people. It's blunted by the absence of extra rear seats.
On first acquaintance back in 2006 we struggled to pigeon-hole the Mercedes R-Class. Here was an intriguing, if at times beguiling, mix of MPV, SUV and even estate car.
After much head-scratching we concluded that the R-class was a classy way of carrying six lofty adults around, preferably in a muddy field in total comfort.
Seems we weren't the only ones confused and Mercedes has had a dramatic rethink.
Firstly, the insane, but unloved R63 AMG, was axed along with the thirsty, but slow, R350 petrol. In its place is an all-new entry-level model, the R280 CDi.
Here's where the change of philosophy occurs. The 4x4 hardware is dropped, as is the novel 2+2+2 seating and comfy air-sprung suspension.
The R280 CDi is only available in the shorter of the two wheelbases with only a traditional 2+3 seating arrangement.
Latest Readers' Drives About the Mercedes R-Class
wrote on 01 05 2007