2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Consumer Reviews

For the Second Time, Bravo!

Written by: A.Setiawan on 10/14/2008

Vehicle

2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R320 CDI 4dr Wagon AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)

Review

This is our 2nd R-class and our umpteenth Benz. We had a R350 and an E- class in LA and now that we've moved to Jakarta, we decided to get another one this time a 7 seater and CDI to combat Jakarta's traffic. Having first bought a Toyota Alphard here, we now find it too big for self-drives and prefer the R-class. The 7 seating version makes better sense and more practical. We've now passed-on the Alphard to the kids for their activities and keep the R-class between my partner and me. We're no longer getting an S-class since the R- class also carries a lot of panache and grandeur without being too overbearing especially when we self- drive on the weekend and during vacation and not use the drive

Favorite Features

We like the 7 seating arrangement and fuel economy of the R320 CDI. We also like the panoramic moon-roof although we hardly ever open it in smog-congested Jakarta. The quiet Mercedes-Benz diesel engine is also a big plus as it can sometimes be a little bit mortifying to drive a noisy Benz. Well- done

Suggested Improvements

Mercedes ought to restyle the tail end of the car so as to not have such a retro look. And for future references, 7 seating right of the bat would be nice, instead of making it an add-on on future models thus shortening the model's life. At any rate, we're looking forward for the upcoming model!

6 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Underrated Great Family Crossover

Written by: yetialan on 09/10/2008

Vehicle

2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 4dr Wagon AWD (3.5L 6cyl 7A)

Review

Pro’s: I had an BMW X3 and drove the X5 along with the MDX the MB had the smoothest ride, best safety features (BMW doesn’t have third row curtin airbags), 3 rows of seating and the greatest comfort in the third row. Pricing was excellent got almost 16K off a brand new 08 and low 66 month 2.9% financing. Everything top of the line quality, metal feels thick strong and confident on the road. MB originally wanted to sell these in 06 for 60-80K. This was built to be a great cruiser like the s class. Feels like the s class and the panoramic roof is incredible. Cons: Navi not easy to use

Favorite Features

Panoramic roof, auto rear hatch, safety, drive is smooth like butter, does not rock the kids like the BMW X series models, third row can really seat adults, can still move 2nd row seats forward to get to the 3rd row with 2 baby seats in place in the 2nd row. Bumper sensors, AMG stying

Suggested Improvements

Navi is hard to use, better unpainted bumpers to prevent nicks

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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What to call the R-Class...Nice!

Written by: Rodney on 08/12/2008

Vehicle

2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 4dr Wagon AWD (3.5L 6cyl 7A)

Review

My wife and I were in the market to replace our Yukon XL 4x4. We were looking at the GMC Arcadia and Buick Enclave when at the time I became aquainted with an R350 at our research lab for vehicle design and repairability review. With all of the safety features this car provided along with the amazing interior room, the R class was just right for my family of 5. I am a first time MB buyer so this may be the last one I buy or the first of many. We are so very pleased with the vehicle. It drives like a cloud. We thought we would miss the Yukon, but those memories are gone. This car provides for all of our needs and then some. We just love this car!

Favorite Features

We have enjoyed having the back-up camera and the park assist feature. The leg room is short of incredible in this car. We opted for the P2 package, and I'm glad we did as it provides the Nav system and other nice features like the disk changer and I- Pod.

Suggested Improvements

I would think that many of the options should be standard equipment (Nav, DVD, hands-free phone) for a car in this price catagory.

11 out 11 people found this review helpful

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R-Class, Where you grow to after a van

Written by: Heris on 07/17/2008

Vehicle

2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 4dr Wagon (3.5L 6cyl 7A)

Review

My title says it all. The R-Class is the vehicle you grow to after the kids are too big for a van anymore. Teens now drive, they're too cool and big to be climbing in a van and this is just perfect. There's room for the drums and trips to the warehouse stores. It's not too tall so you don't get dirty getting stuff out of the back. It's better than a modern wagon. It's better than a van. It's better than I could ever imagine. Mercedes Benz is right on for the people that this was designed for but missing the marketing boat! They really need to interview some of us late 40's crowd. Have hand issues? Weak wrists? Carpal tunnel? You'll love how you shift gears in this jet. Lightly tap a button!

Favorite Features

Automatic liftgate, hands free phone, parktronic laser letting you know if you're too close to an object when parking, power seats, quick touch cruise control and gear shifting, huge back trunk space when back seats are folded down, large spacious ride for 2nd and 3rd rows. My teens love this wagon.

Suggested Improvements

More storage up front for large map books, room for a purse or a hook, driver drink holder moved forward, pedal adjustments. Use Hyundai's Hands Free Voice system Vs MB. Include distronics, nav, dvd, leather in base package. Darker sunscreen tint on front, drivers, and front passenger windows.

5 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Best car of the World!

Written by: Jeff on 07/17/2008

Vehicle

2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R320 CDI 4dr Wagon AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)

Review

We were looking for a vehicle which could accommodate a 7 member family. We love the R-class and comfort of Mercedes. It's absolutely quiet inside and got decent accelaration for such a vehicle. Overall I give it a 100% score

Favorite Features

Spacious interior for comfortably seating 7 people, interior design, park assist, memory seat and auto folding exterior mirrors

Suggested Improvements

None

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Love this vehicle!

Written by: Mara on 07/10/2008

Vehicle

2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R320 CDI 4dr Wagon AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)

Review

We were looking for passenger room, and better fuel economy than our Suburban, and were very interested in a diesel. This vehicle looks sharp, seats 6-7 very comfortably, and I couldn't be happier driving it! We average 28 mpg with highway driving, and about 23 in town. With the back seat down, there is good storage space, and when using the back seat for passengers, no one complains about the comfort back there, as they did in the Suburban. We are thrilled with this vehicle!

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Why buy the R-Class

Written by: Sheri on 07/03/2008

Vehicle

2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R320 CDI 4dr Wagon AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)

Review

You'll love this vehicle if you have "tweens". Those teens that are not licensed to drive alone, so you still have to haul them and their high school buddies one or two more years. These teens have outgrown the 'soccer mom's van' and they, too, want to look cool if they are still going to have to be chauffeured by Mom or Dad. The driver will love saving your wrists and joints by just having to tap with your finger the steering column wand to change gears. 26 mpg is a deal sealer on this large vehicle. This is such a wonderful vehicle! You need to market to true baby boomers and tween families, such as I described. CALL this vehicle a WAGON... and it ain't yo' mama's wagon of the past

Favorite Features

The ParkTronic’s idiot proof system to help park your car. The automatic lift gate. No more unnatural, painful jerking of my wrists and thumbs to shut a back lift trunk door.

Suggested Improvements

Better interior storage space and cup holders. Navigation, distronics, bluetooth, and DVD should be standard.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Outstanding New MB

Written by: Marcia Miller on 06/05/2008

Vehicle

2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R320 CDI 4dr Wagon AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)

Review

This car drives and rides like a car but has large seating (7) capacity and good storage availibility for whatever. It's handling is exceptional considering its size. This is one outstanding vehicle. My R is a CDI which gives me lots of power and good mileage for a 5000+ lb. car.

Favorite Features

Handling, ride and power.

Suggested Improvements

5 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Supremely Practical--with compromises

Written by: NYC Driver Fam of 5 on 05/04/2008

Vehicle

2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 4dr Wagon AWD (3.5L 6cyl 7A)

Review

Bought this car after an exhaustive research process into every car with 3 row. Did not want giant SUV (Suburban, Esalade) and biggest new Lexus did not have comfy back row. R-Class is extremely comfy in all rows. Middle row even shifts forward allowing additional room in the rear, if desired. Car runs very smoothly as one would expect from a MB. Middle row appears to have as much leg room as an S-Class and more head room. We opted for the center seat, which is good for child, but not full width. Cargo space with all seats in place is okay, but not great. Rear seats manually fold flat like a minivans. MB did away with the 5.0 litre engine. 3.5 is sluggish and a disappointment.

Favorite Features

Love the panoramic roof giving the middle and back rows a glass ceiling. Unbelievably comfy and spacious seats in all rows. Auto open/close gate is nice. Backup camera (should be standard) is good as well. Park-assist beeps when close to cars in front/back and very useful.

Suggested Improvements

3.5 litre engine is inadequate. Must've been a cost compromise, but this very large car need more power. Command (nav., radio, etc.) is small screen, not touch screen, not intuitive. Poorly designed even compared to our prev. 5-year old Lexus system. MB should be embarrassed.

15 out 18 people found this review helpful

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Got what I was looking for

Written by: NSIM on 04/11/2008

Vehicle

2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 4dr Wagon (3.5L 6cyl 7A)

Review

We were looking for a vehicle which could accommodate a 6 member family. Test drove most of the vehicles and finally ended up on the best one. We just love the class and comfort of Mercedes. Though I am bit skeptical about the Merc's notorious reliability, everything is fine so far. It's absolutely quiet inside and got decent accelaration for such a heavy vehicle. Overall I give it a 95% score

Favorite Features

Spacious interior for comfortably seating 6 people, interior design, back up camera, park assist, bluetooth, memory seat and auto folding exterior mirrors

Suggested Improvements

Remote start, more luggage space when all 6 seats are used.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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