Acceleration

R350 w/nav. sys.	R500 w/air susp., nav. sys.	Class Average
6	7	6.2

Both models accelerate briskly, however V8 delivers more thrust in all conditions. Transmission compelled to upshift and downshift more frequently in R350 vs. R500, though shifts are silky smooth. Some testers noted that transmission in one test R350 periodically suffered jerky gear changes at low speed.

Fuel Economy

R350 w/nav. sys.	R500 w/air susp., nav. sys.	Class Average
4	4	3.4

Test R350 averaged 17.6 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. No opportunity to measure with R500. Both engines require premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

R350 w/nav. sys.	R500 w/air susp., nav. sys.	Class Average
8	8	5.5

Admirably comfortable, rewardingly composed. Available air suspension has Comfort, Sport, Automatic settings. Uncomfortably choppy in Sport setting; some wallow and float in Comfort.

Steering/Handling/Braking

R350 w/nav. sys.	R500 w/air susp., nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	5.7

Acts more like a station wagon than an SUV. Steering impressively linear, accurate, though some drivers may prefer weightier feel. Corners with impressive grip, balance, no excess body lean. Strong stopping power, outstanding brake-pedal modulation.

Quietness

R350 w/nav. sys.	R500 w/air susp., nav. sys.	Class Average
8	8	6.6

Luxury-car levels of road- and wind-noise suppression. V6 heard more than V8, but otherwise no less refined in sound, feel than smooth V8.

Controls

R350 w/nav. sys.	R500 w/air susp., nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	6.6

Upscale blend of businesslike gauges, sophisticated but easy-to-use dashboard controls. Large, well-marked climate dials deserve special praise. Gear shifting via short column lever takes acclimation. Lever falls easily to hand, but returns to same position after each shift, requiring driver to monitor gear selection as indicated on instrument panel screen. Navigation system absorbs most audio functions, requires multiple steps for some basic tasks. Low-mounted screen requires long glance away from road to read. Interior materials notably rich in look, feel, quality.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

R350 w/nav. sys.	R500 w/air susp., nav. sys.	Class Average
8	8	7.5

Roomy; seats supportive in cruising, cornering, though Comfort Package's 10-way seats have tacked-on control pod that intrudes on leg space and looks incongruous. Entry/exit easy via large doors, no-stress step-in height.

Room/Comfort (rear)

R350 w/nav. sys.	R500 w/air susp., nav. sys.	Class Average
8	8	6.3

Spacious. Six-footers have abundant 2nd-row head and knee room, plus adequate under-seat foot space. Seats blend fine support, soft padding. Second-row seats slide forward and tilt up for entry/exit to the 3rd-row seat, which is roomy enough for two 6-foot adults and more comfortable than those in most midsize SUVs, though larger passengers may wish for more shoulder room. Extra-large rear doors ease entry/exit to 2nd row; 3rd-row access requires some awkward maneuvering. Note that both 2nd- and 3rd-row seats recline.

Cargo Room

R350 w/nav. sys.	R500 w/air susp., nav. sys.	Class Average
9	9	7.9

Second- and 3rd-row seats fold easily to lay flush with floor, providing nearly 8-ft of storage space, though available 2nd-row console protrudes above seatbacks. Liftover is low for easy loading. Deep door pockets and multichambered 1st- and 2nd-row consoles provide abundant small-item storage.

Value within Class

R350 w/nav. sys.	R500 w/air susp., nav. sys.	Class Average
8	7	5.8

R-Class earns our Recommended nod for the way it combines Mercedes-Benz luxury and driving dynamics with minivanlike utility. Though not inexpensive, the R-Class's ability to transport six adults in executive-jet comfort is unparalleled in this class.

Total Score

R350 w/nav. sys.	R500 w/air susp., nav. sys.	Class Average
73	73	61.5

Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		52
Average Score		61
High Score		73