2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class: Road Test
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2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class ▼
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- MSRP: $43,000 -$87,400
- Invoice: $39,900 -$81,282
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Our road test for the 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class help you decide if a 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| R350 w/nav. sys. | R500 w/P2 Pkg, air susp. | R320 CDI w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 6.2 |
No opportunity yet to test R63. R350 and R500 accelerate briskly, though R500 V8 delivers more thrust in all conditions. Transmission compelled to upshift and downshift more frequently in R350 vs. R500, though shifts are silky smooth. Transmission in one test R350 periodically suffered jerky gear changes at low speed.
R320 CDI suffers brief turbo lag, then accelerates briskly.
FUEL ECONOMY
| R350 w/nav. sys. | R500 w/P2 Pkg, air susp. | R320 CDI w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 6 | 3.6 |
Test R350 averaged 17.6 mpg. No opportunity yet to measure fuel economy with other models. All gas engines require premium-grade fuel.
R320 CDI requires ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel. Note that CDI is unavailable in California and certain Northeastern states.
RIDE QUALITY
| R350 w/nav. sys. | R500 w/P2 Pkg, air susp. | R320 CDI w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 8 | 5.6 |
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/P2 Pkg, air susp. | R320 CDI w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
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 control, outstanding brake pedal modulation.
QUIETNESS
| R350 w/nav. sys. | R500 w/P2 Pkg, air susp. | R320 CDI w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7 | 6.5 |
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. Turbodiesel in R320 CDI sounds louder here than in E-Class and M-Class, with clatter that's intrusive during acceleration and noticeable at idle and in cruising.
CONTROLS
| R350 w/nav. sys. | R500 w/P2 Pkg, air susp. | R320 CDI w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.5 |
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 returns to same position after each shift, requiring driver to monitor gear selection on instrument panel screen. Navigation system absorbs most audio functions, requires multiple steps for some basic tasks, and low-mounted screen requires long glance away from road to read.
DETAILS
| R350 w/nav. sys. | R500 w/P2 Pkg, air susp. | R320 CDI w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.2 |
R-Class's interior materials are notably rich in look, feel, quality.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| R350 w/nav. sys. | R500 w/P2 Pkg, air susp. | R320 CDI w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.3 |
Generous room. Supportive seats. Entry/exit easy via large doors, no-stress step-in height.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| R350 w/nav. sys. | R500 w/P2 Pkg, air susp. | R320 CDI w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 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-ft 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/P2 Pkg, air susp. | R320 CDI w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 7.8 |
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/P2 Pkg, air susp. | R320 CDI w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 8 | 5.9 |
R-Class deserves a look for its clever combination of 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/P2 Pkg, air susp. | R320 CDI w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 81 | 80 | 82 | 67.5 |
Total Score: 81
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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