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2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
Plush People-Mover
The long and lean R-Class is a cross between a minivan and an SUV, with all of the luxury appointments you expect from a Mercedes-Benz.
Not quite an SUV, not quite a minivan and not quite a wagon — but with attributes of all three — the R-Class is what Mercedes-Benz calls a “sports tourer.” It’s lower and sleeker than an SUV or minivan but larger and more commodious than a wagon. It handles more like a car than an SUV, thanks to its car-like construction.
The Mercedes-Benz R-Class is designed to appeal to affluent buyers who want the convenience of an SUV or minivan but don’t want to sacrifice style or good driving dynamics.
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The R-Class is available in two flavors: the gasoline-powered R350 and the diesel-powered R320 CDI. Both use six-cylinder engines.
The diesel engine uses special technology (called common-rail direct-injection) to maximize power and efficiency and minimize the stink and smoke associated with older diesel engines. While its output is modest at 221 hp, the engine provides ample torque at 398 pound-feet. This enables strong low-end power that you can feel while driving around town. The EPA estimates that the R320 CDI will return 27 mpg city/37 mpg highway.
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The R350 comes powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 268 hp. It's fitted to a seven-speed automatic transmission with touch-shift capability that is operated via an electronic gear selector mounted on the steering column. The EPA puts the R350's fuel economy at 15 mpg city/19 mpg highway. Mercedes-Benz’s full-time all-wheel-drive system is optional on the gasoline-powered R350, and standard on the R320 CDI. It includes traction control for added grip on slick roads or broken pavement. A four-wheel independent suspension provides handling that is superior to that of most SUVs and minivans. An electronic air suspension with adaptive damping delivers a smoother, more controlled ride.• Mercedes-Benz R-Class Vehicle Summary
Four-wheel antilock disc brakes with brake assist are standard, as is Mercedes-Benz’s electronic stability control. The R350 rides on 17-inch wheels and tires. An AMG Sport Package for the R350 includes 19-inch wheels and tires, along with various trim items.
With a roomy cabin that seats six adults in three rows of seats, Mercedes claims the R-Class has best-in-class third-row legroom. The rear seats can fold flat to expand cargo capacity.
Wood and brushed-aluminum accents are used throughout the interior. A tall center stack on the dashboard houses a large LCD display for the vehicle’s standard CD stereo system and optional telephone and navigation systems. Side-curtain airbags that span all three seating rows are standard; rollover sensors can take up slack in the seatbelts and deploy the side-curtain airbags if the vehicle rolls over.
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You’re looking for a stylish yet practical luxury alternative to a wagon, minivan, or SUV; you need seating for up to six and the ability to haul bulky items; you’re looking for good fuel economy in a large vehicle, in which case the diesel-powered R320 CDI is worth considering.
The superior fuel efficiency and handling dynamics of a wagon are more to your liking; you need off-road ruggedness and the ability to haul/tow heavy loads; a well-equipped minivan would suit your needs.
Six adults fit comfortably in the spacious and well-trimmed interior, though getting into the third row can be difficult; an optional bench seat makes seating for seven possible, although not comfortable.
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