Mercedes-Benz R-Class (2006-) Review

Overview

• Next: Reliability and Quality

Mercedes-Benz describes the R-Class as a "luxury crossover" or "Grand Sports Tourer", a vehicle that combines the best elements of a 4x4, a luxury saloon and an MPV.

Similar in theory to the smaller B-Class already on sale, it has a one-box '"monospace" cabin with six seats, the four individual rear seats laid out in pairs; the rearmost pair fold flat to form a load bay when not needed.

Essentially, this car, whatever you make of its trendy crossover tag, is a luxury-spec MPV with four-wheel drive. However, it is - at least until BMW and Audi launch their takes on a similar theme - the only such model from a so-called premium manufacturer.

Built on the same basic platform as the new-generation M-Class and GL-Class 4x4s, the R-Class is lower-slung than either, riding much closer to the ground.

It has permanent four-wheel drive with a 50:50 front:rear torque distribution and, while it's not going to be quite as intrepid off-road as the old-school G-Wagen - not least because its ground clearance is limited - it should cope well with slippery wintry roads and, dare we suggest it, caravan- or trailer-towing. Not that this is a utility vehicle as such: price-wise and kit-wise, it's firmly in the luxury league.

Two bodystyles will be offered, short-wheelbase (4,922mm long overall) and long-wheelbase (5,157mm) variants. The extra 235mm of the latter is all between the axles, giving greater legroom for passengers - those sitting in the rearmost pair of seats can really stretch out.

To pull such a large, heavy vehicle along, you need some pretty powerful engines: UK buyers are offered the R 320 CDI diesel (224bhp) and R 350 (272bhp) and R 500 (306bhp) petrol units. The 510bhp R63 AMG follows on sale summer 2006.