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2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Review:
1.
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Mercedes-Benz R-Class Full Review
7.
8.
2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Review
Mercedes-Benz adds a second midsize SUV for 2006, a crossover-type six-passenger wagon with all-wheel drive and available V8 power. R-Class shares its basic structure with Mercedes' ML-Class SUV, but seats six instead of five and is 12 inches longer in wheelbase and 15 inches longer overall.
Two models are offered: The R350 has a 268-hp V6, the R500 a 302-hp V8. A 7-speed automatic is the sole transmission. Both Rs have all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. ABS and traction/antiskid control are standard. R350 has 17-inch wheels, R500 18s; 19s are available for both. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags that cover all three seating rows are standard. Seating is in a 2-2-2 arrangement, with folding 2nd-row buckets and a folding 50/50 split 3rd-row bench. Leather/vinyl upholstery is standard. Mercedes Tele Aid assistance is available for R350, standard on R500. Available for both are a navigation system and steering-linked xenon headlamps.
Two models are offered: The R350 has a 268-hp V6, the R500 a 302-hp V8. A 7-speed automatic is the sole transmission. Both Rs have all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. ABS and traction/antiskid control are standard. R350 has 17-inch wheels, R500 18s; 19s are available for both. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags that cover all three seating rows are standard. Seating is in a 2-2-2 arrangement, with folding 2nd-row buckets and a folding 50/50 split 3rd-row bench. Leather/vinyl upholstery is standard. Mercedes Tele Aid assistance is available for R350, standard on R500. Available for both are a navigation system and steering-linked xenon headlamps.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize SUVs are similar in size and construction to Midsize SUVs. Most, in fact, are gilded versions of Midsize SUVs; though a few are exclusive upscale designs.
Our Best Buys include Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended picks are Mercedes-Benz R-Class and Volvo XC90.
New or significantly redesigned models include Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and Saab 9-7X.
Our Best Buys include Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended picks are Mercedes-Benz R-Class and Volvo XC90.
New or significantly redesigned models include Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and Saab 9-7X.
News
Like most Mercedes model lines, the just-introduced R-Class emphasizes both performance and economy for 2007. In the latter category is a new diesel V6 R320 CDI with 221 hp and a stout 398 lb-ft of torque. Added for speed demons is an R63 AMG with a new 507 hp 6.2-liter V8, the first engine created exclusively by Mercedes' AMG performance division. The in-between V8 R500 will eventually move to Mercedes' newer 5.4-liter engine to become an R550--but apparently not for '07. Look for Mercedes to reduce standard features and therefore sticker prices to make the R-Class more attractive to families. Sales so far have been mildly disappointing, in part, some say, because the R-Class was aimed at the wrong audience. Otherwise, this basic design won't change much for the foreseeable future.
2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger room | Fuel Economy (R500) |
| Quietness | |
| Ride | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
Test R350 averaged 17.6 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. No opportunity to measure with R500. Both engines require premium-grade fuel.
| 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
Admirably comfortable, rewardingly composed. Available air suspension has Comfort, Sport, Automatic settings. Uncomfortably choppy in Sport setting; some wallow and float in Comfort.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/22/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| R350 4-door wagon | $48,000 | $44,640 | $775 |
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| R500 4-door wagon | $55,500 | $51,645 | $775 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
R350
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine, all-wheel drive, 7-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, hill ascent/descent control, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather/vinyl upholstery, 8-way power front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, 2nd-row adjustable bucket seats, 3rd-row split folding seat, wood interior trim, power mirrors w/turn signals, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/weatherband/CD/MP3 player, digital clock, tachometer, compass, illuminated visor mirrors, rain-sensing variable intermittent wipers, universal garage door opener, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, rear privacy glass.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/65R17 tires, alloy wheels.
R500 adds to R350:
Powertrain
5.0-liter V8 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power tilt/telescope steering wheel, heated front seats, memory system (front seats, mirrors), Tele Aid assistance system, 6-disc CD changer.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
255/55HR18 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Premium Pkg.
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R350
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$5,400
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$5,022
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R500
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$4,400
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$4,092
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Navigation system, Tele Aid assistance system w/one-year service (R350), power panoramic sunroof, Harman/Kardon sound system, glovebox-mounted 6-disc CD changer, power liftgate.
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Comfort Pkg.
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R500
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$625
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$581
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Power-folding mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night, automatic day/night rearview mirror, cargo cover and net.
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Trim Pkg.
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R350
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$1,750
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$1,628
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R500
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$1,200
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$1,116
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Full-leather upholstery, upgraded wood interior trim, additional interior lights, additional chrome exterior trim.
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Entertainment Pkg.
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R350
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$1,190
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$1,107
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R500
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$790
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$735
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Harman/Kardon sound system, glovebox-mounted 6-disc CD changer (R350).
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Sunroof Pkg.
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R350, R500
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$1,490
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$1,386
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Power sunroof, sun-visor extensions, opening rear-quarter windows.
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Panoramic Sunroof Pkg.
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R350, R500
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$2,390
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$2,223
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Power panoramic sunroof, sun-visor extensions, opening rear-quarter windows.
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Airmatic Suspension Pkg.
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R350
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$1,400
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$1,302
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R500
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$1,200
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$1,116
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Variable-assist power steering, adjustable load-leveling air suspension.
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AMG Sport Pkg.
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R350
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$4,500
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$4,185
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R500
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$4,200
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$3,906
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255/50HR19 tires, unique alloy wheels.
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Lighting Pkg.
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R350, R500
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$890
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$828
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Steering-linked adaptive bi-xenon headlights w/washers.
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Safety |
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Rear side airbags
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R350, R500
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$385
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$358
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Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system
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R350, R500
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$750
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$698
|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
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Tri-zone automatic climate controls
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R350, R500
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$1,050
|
$976
|
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DVD entertainment system
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R350, R500
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$3,000
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$2,790
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Includes 2nd-row center console.
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Satellite radio
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R350, R500
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$500
|
$465
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Multicontour front seats
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R350, R500
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$780
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$725
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Heated front and rear seats
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R350
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$1,190
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$1,107
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Heated rear seats
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R500
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$690
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$642
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2nd-row center console
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R350, R500
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$400
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$372
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Keyless Go
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R500
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$1,080
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$1,004
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Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel
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R350, R500
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$530
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$493
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Power liftgate
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R350, R500
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$520
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$484
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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255/55R18 tires
|
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R350
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$900
|
$837
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Unique alloy wheels
|
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R500
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$250
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$232
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2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mercedes-Benz R-Class 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 126.6 |
| Overall Length, in. | 203.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 77.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 65.2 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4766 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 85.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 25.1 |
| Seating Capacity | 6 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 39.8 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 40.4 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.2 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | sohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.5 /213 | 5.0 /303 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 268 @ 6000 | 302 @ 5600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 258 @ 2400 | 339 @ 2700 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
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| 7-speed automatic | 16/21 | 13/18 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Mercedes-Benz R-Class 4-door wagon |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | --/-- | Unlimited |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: Premium Pkg. (Navigation System, TeleAid Assistance System w/one-year service, Power Panoramic Sunroof, Harman/Kardon Sound System, Glovebox-mounted 6-disc CD Changer, Power Liftgate), Comfort Pkg. (Power Tilt/Telescope Steering Wheel, Power-Folding Mirrors w/Driver-Side Automatic Day/Night, Memory System (Dirver Seat, Mirrors), Day/Night Rearview Mirror, Cargo Cover and Net), Trim Pkg. (Full-Leather Upholstery, Upgraded Wood Interior Trim, Additional Interior Lights, Additional Chrome Exterior Trim), Airmatic Suspension Pkg. (Variable-Assist Power Steering, Adjustable Load-Leveling Air Suspension) Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 17.55 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Mark Bilek At $58,000 I would have a hard time explaining why I chose this vehicle over a minivan. Still, this is a good vehicle that is easy to drive and park. The 3rd-row seats are difficult to get to and the low roofline limits this vehicle's cargo capacity. Sadly, R-Class is a Mercedes posing as a minivan--and it doesn't do a very good job. Rick Cotta Like the slow-selling Pacifica from sister-company Chrysler, the R-Class seems to be the answer to a question few are asking. But it is a REALLY CLASSY answer. My only real complaint is with Mercedes' new 7-speed automatic, which doesn't seem to be well sorted out. Our loaded V6 tester was about $58,000; a lofty price, but perhaps justifiable if the R meets your needs. |
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Also in the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercedes-Benz R-Class Full Review
7.
8.
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