Agile and Comfy
The on-road demeanor is definitely “luxury liner.” As mentioned earlier, out tester was equipped with the optional Sports Package, which throws on bigger wheels and an AIRMATIC air suspension with adaptive damping system (and tinted glass too). As fans of Mercedes-Benz know, AIRMATIC is a decadent device, providing an extremely high level of on-road comfort. Our R 350 BlueTEC just glided over offending bits of pavement.
But the R 350 also provides a very stable and steerable dynamic. It doesn’t lean much and goes where it’s pointed. It actually “drives” smaller than its considerable length (over five metres).
If you’re looking for an engaging driving experience, however, you will have to look elsewhere. While the steering is precise, it doesn’t feel like it has a direct connection to the pavement; definitely a sit back and enjoy the ride kind of thing.
Cabin Comforts
Of course, the main calling card of people-mover devices is their cavernous interiors. The R 350's second-row seating area is as big as you would ever need, with huge amounts of legroom. The huge rear doors also open up the rear section of the cabin beautifully. But I wonder if the mass and length of the doors might make them somewhat difficult for small fry to use on their own?
To accommodate seven, you need to fit three in the second row and two in the third row. The middle position in the 2nd row is half as wide as the other two outboard seats – serviceable but not opulent. If you don’t need that middle seat, you can select the no-cost option of two executive seats and a centre console.
The third row will actually fit average-sized adults, though I wouldn’t think you would want to be back there for extended stretches. It’s a bit tight. Getting into the third row also requires a bit of agility, though those large rear doors certainly help matters.
The seating and cargo area is very flexible. All rear seats can be folded down individually and (fairly) easily once you know the drill. When all the rear seats are folded down, it opens up huge space (2,385 litres). Even with all the seats up, the R-Class still offers a very useable storage area. Unlike some rivals, however, R-Class doesn’t offer the option of rears seats that “power” up and down.
Furthering utility is the standard self-leveling air suspension at the rear axle, which should stabilize the R-Class when it’s fully loaded.
The on-road demeanor is definitely “luxury liner.” As mentioned earlier, out tester was equipped with the optional Sports Package, which throws on bigger wheels and an AIRMATIC air suspension with adaptive damping system (and tinted glass too). As fans of Mercedes-Benz know, AIRMATIC is a decadent device, providing an extremely high level of on-road comfort. Our R 350 BlueTEC just glided over offending bits of pavement.
But the R 350 also provides a very stable and steerable dynamic. It doesn’t lean much and goes where it’s pointed. It actually “drives” smaller than its considerable length (over five metres).
If you’re looking for an engaging driving experience, however, you will have to look elsewhere. While the steering is precise, it doesn’t feel like it has a direct connection to the pavement; definitely a sit back and enjoy the ride kind of thing.
 |
| The R 350's second-row seating area is as big as you would ever need, with huge amounts of legroom. (Photo: Mike Goetz/Auto123.com) |
Cabin Comforts
Of course, the main calling card of people-mover devices is their cavernous interiors. The R 350's second-row seating area is as big as you would ever need, with huge amounts of legroom. The huge rear doors also open up the rear section of the cabin beautifully. But I wonder if the mass and length of the doors might make them somewhat difficult for small fry to use on their own?
To accommodate seven, you need to fit three in the second row and two in the third row. The middle position in the 2nd row is half as wide as the other two outboard seats – serviceable but not opulent. If you don’t need that middle seat, you can select the no-cost option of two executive seats and a centre console.
The third row will actually fit average-sized adults, though I wouldn’t think you would want to be back there for extended stretches. It’s a bit tight. Getting into the third row also requires a bit of agility, though those large rear doors certainly help matters.
The seating and cargo area is very flexible. All rear seats can be folded down individually and (fairly) easily once you know the drill. When all the rear seats are folded down, it opens up huge space (2,385 litres). Even with all the seats up, the R-Class still offers a very useable storage area. Unlike some rivals, however, R-Class doesn’t offer the option of rears seats that “power” up and down.
Furthering utility is the standard self-leveling air suspension at the rear axle, which should stabilize the R-Class when it’s fully loaded.
 |
| When all the rear seats are folded down, it opens up huge space (2,385 litres). (Photo: Mike Goetz/Auto123.com) |