Still, these full-size SUV owners, used to a tall ride height and
massive headroom, won't be straining to see the road ahead or traffic around, or feel confined when inside the R-Class. Its visibility is exemplary from the driver's seat or anywhere else, and its head, shoulder, hip and legroom is also impressive even for taller occupants. Despite its higher seating position, than Mercedes' traditional E-Class wagon, for instance, the R remains lower to the ground than the large SUVs and even all minivans. This gives it a sportier profile, better overall aerodynamics and a lower centre of gravity, which benefits handling.
Other than a clunky noise that emanates from the front suspension when riding over speed bumps or hitting a bump or pothole on the road, a un-Mercedes-like characteristic that I've also experienced in Chevy's current Malibu, it handles fairly well for such a heavy vehicle, enhanced by adjustable shock absorbers that are a bit on the rough side when set to the sport position. Did you hear me say heavy? OK, such an ambiguous word isn't descriptive enough to do the R's substantive weight justice. It tips the scales at an imposing 2,225 kilos (4,905 lbs) in base R350 trim and 2,270 kg (5,004 lbs) when outfitted with the V8 as an R500. Its curb weight makes the leading minivans, once again, seem like bantamweights in comparison; the R500 even outweighs the mighty 2007 S550 sedan by 244 kg (539 lbs).
The
R350, therefore, is hardly energetic off the line, despite its sophisticated seven-speed automatic - which incidentally comes with paddle-like buttons on the reverse side of the steering wheel stalks. Shifts aren't particularly fast, but they're pretty smooth and the 3.5L, DOHC, 24-valve, V6 engine is also an impressive piece of engineering, sporting 268-horsepower at 6,000 rpm and a maximum of 258 lb-ft of torque at a fairly low 2,400 rpm. Those wanting more oomph should opt for the less technically advanced but much more powerful 5.0L, SOHC, 24-valve V8, boasting 302-horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 339 lb-ft of torque at 2,700 rpm. It's a throaty sounding V8, not unlike V8s out of Detroit, and responds well to throttle input.
Where the R shines, like most Mercedes-Benz vehicles, is in interior design and refinement. I'm not going to attempt to compare its specific details to others in this class, mostly because no rival premium automaker has attempted to enter the full-size crossover segment. Suffice to say that it's an extremely nicely put together vehicle, with beautifully detailed luxury touches throughout. Its seats are wonderfully comfortable, switchgear high quality and wood, metal and leather surfaces in league with others in this class. Those who like the design of Mercedes-Benz interiors will like the R, as it follows a similar design theme to others that preceded it, especially with regards to the dash and centre stack.
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| All that wood, leather and electronic gadgetry makes the R-Class pavement-crackingly heavy. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Other than a clunky noise that emanates from the front suspension when riding over speed bumps or hitting a bump or pothole on the road, a un-Mercedes-like characteristic that I've also experienced in Chevy's current Malibu, it handles fairly well for such a heavy vehicle, enhanced by adjustable shock absorbers that are a bit on the rough side when set to the sport position. Did you hear me say heavy? OK, such an ambiguous word isn't descriptive enough to do the R's substantive weight justice. It tips the scales at an imposing 2,225 kilos (4,905 lbs) in base R350 trim and 2,270 kg (5,004 lbs) when outfitted with the V8 as an R500. Its curb weight makes the leading minivans, once again, seem like bantamweights in comparison; the R500 even outweighs the mighty 2007 S550 sedan by 244 kg (539 lbs).
The
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| Throaty (but thirsty) 5.0L SOHC 3v/cyl V8 soon to be replaced by more modern 4v/cyl engine found in the new S-Class. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Where the R shines, like most Mercedes-Benz vehicles, is in interior design and refinement. I'm not going to attempt to compare its specific details to others in this class, mostly because no rival premium automaker has attempted to enter the full-size crossover segment. Suffice to say that it's an extremely nicely put together vehicle, with beautifully detailed luxury touches throughout. Its seats are wonderfully comfortable, switchgear high quality and wood, metal and leather surfaces in league with others in this class. Those who like the design of Mercedes-Benz interiors will like the R, as it follows a similar design theme to others that preceded it, especially with regards to the dash and centre stack.