2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class: Road Test
2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class ▼
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- MSRP: $42,100 -$45,600
- Invoice: $39,153 -$42,408
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Our road test for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class help you decide if a 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| AWD R350 w/navigation | R320 CDI w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Only AWD R-Class models have been made available for us to test. R350 accelerates briskly, but the transmission in one test model periodically suffered jerky gear changes at low speed. R320 CDI suffers brief turbo lag, then accelerates quickly.
FUEL ECONOMY
| AWD R350 w/navigation | R320 CDI w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 3.2 |
In Consumer Guide testing, an R350 averaged 17.6 mpg. No opportunity yet to measure fuel economy with the diesel. R350 requires premium-grade gas. Note that R320 models are not available in California and certain northeastern states.
RIDE QUALITY
| AWD R350 w/navigation | R320 CDI w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 5.7 |
Any R-Class is admirably comfortable and rewardingly composed. The available air suspension has Comfort, Sport, and Automatic settings. Automatic is the best, as Sport is uncomfortably choppy, while Comfort allows for some float and wallow.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| AWD R350 w/navigation | R320 CDI w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
Acts more like a station wagon than an SUV. The steering is impressively linear and accurate, though some drivers may prefer a weightier feel. R-Class corners with impressive grip and balance with no excess body lean. Stopping control is strong.
QUIETNESS
| AWD R350 w/navigation | R320 CDI w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 6.6 |
Luxury car levels of road- and wind-noise suppression. The R320 CDI's diesel engine sounds louder here than in the E-Class sedan or M-Class SUV, with clatter that's intrusive during acceleration and noticeable at idle and in cruising.
CONTROLS
| AWD R350 w/navigation | R320 CDI w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 |
R-Class blends business-like gauges and sophisticated but generally easy-to-use dashboard controls. Large, well-marked climate dials deserve special praise. Gear shifting via the short column lever takes acclimation. The lever returns to the same position after each shift, requiring the driver to monitor gear selection on instrument panel screen. The navigation system absorbs most audio functions, requires multiple steps for some basic tasks, and its low-mounted screen requires a long glance away from the road to read.
DETAILS
| AWD R350 w/navigation | R320 CDI w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7 |
The cabin design is the expected blend of rich, textured plastics, soft-touch surfaces, and high-quality materials.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| AWD R350 w/navigation | R320 CDI w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7.4 |
Generous room on supportive seats. Entry and exit are easy via large doors and no-stress step-in height.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| AWD R350 w/navigation | R320 CDI w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 6.2 |
Spacious. Six-footers have abundant 2nd-row headroom and knee space, plus adequate under seat foot space. Seats blend fine support with soft padding. Second-row seats slide forward and tilt up for entry and exit to the 3rd-row seat, which is roomy enough for two six-foot adults and more comfortable than those in most midsize SUVs. Larger passengers may wish for more shoulder space. Extra-large rear doors ease entry and exit from the 2nd row; 3rd-row access requires some awkward maneuvering. Note that both the 2nd- and 3rd-row seats recline.
CARGO ROOM
| AWD R350 w/navigation | R320 CDI w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 8.4 |
Second- and 3rd-row seats fold easily to lay flush with the floor, providing a cargo hold that's nearly 8 feet long. The available 2nd-row console protrudes above the seatbacks, though. Liftover is low for easy loading. Deep door pockets and multi-chambered 1st- and 2nd-row consoles provide abundant small-item storage.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| AWD R350 w/navigation | R320 CDI w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
R-Class combines Mercedes-Benz luxury and driving dynamics with minivan-like utility. This SUV's ability to transport six adults in executive-jet comfort is unparalleled in this class. It's not cheap, but slow sales should mean big discounts.
Total Score
| AWD R350 w/navigation | R320 CDI w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 79 | 80 | 68.1 |
Total Score: 80
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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