Mercedes-Benz engineers are renowned for their healthy conservatism, so it's no surprise they didn't radically overhaul the R-Class design. However, this doesn't mean the car is unchanged—it has noticeably improved.
The R-Class, built on the M-Class platform, first appeared in 2005, and now it's time for updates. Externally, changes are hard to spot at first glance. Only the round fog lights and 18-inch wheels, now standard for all six-cylinder versions, catch the eye. Only the flagship R 500 4MATIC with eight cylinders stands out with its 19-inch wheels. The color palette for both body styles—short and long—has expanded with three new "mineral" shades: white, beige, and green.
2007 Mercedes-Benz R-class
© Photo: Mercedes-Benz
The real changes happened inside. The second row now consists of three individual seats, so formally the R-Class has become a five-seater. However, it can still be transformed into a two-, three-, four-, six-, or seven-seat vehicle.
The trunk volume has also increased. In the five-seat configuration, the short-wheelbase version holds 939 liters, while the long-wheelbase version offers 1118 liters. Folding the second row yields an impressive 2001 liters, 51 liters more than before. The extended version offers even more substantial 2436 liters instead of the previous 2385. Simply fantastic! The R-Class once again proves it's ideal for long journeys, and that's not just talk.
2007 Mercedes-Benz R-class
© Photo: Mercedes-Benz
The R-Class is a successful blend of an SUV and a comfortable sedan, with a clear lean toward the latter. The car excels in both comfort and handling. The new engines are a significant advantage, adding dynamism. The petrol R 280 with 231 hp accelerates to 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds while being economical—less than 11 liters per 100 kilometers. You'll agree, that's a decent result.
Naturally, the six-cylinder V-diesel with 190 hp and 440 Nm of torque consumes even less. The all-wheel-drive R 280 CDI 4Matic is content with 9.3 liters per 100 km, while its rear-wheel-drive sibling R 280 CDI uses just 8.9 liters. The flagship R 500 4Matic also received a new heart: a 5.5-liter engine producing 388 hp. Compared to the previous V8, it gained 82 hp, while fuel consumption dropped by seven percent.
2007 Mercedes-Benz R-class
© Photo: Mercedes-Benz
Next season, the engine lineup will be joined by a unique development—the Vision R 320 Bluetec. The Bluetec technology with a catalytic converter almost completely neutralizes harmful nitrogen oxides, breaking them down into safe nitrogen and water.
But let's return to reality. Such fantastic cars will only appear in 2008, but now you can buy the R-Class with new attractive options. Many will surely be interested in the automatic Thermatic climate control with multiple filters for sequential air purification in the cabin. Younger buyers will appreciate the special socket for connecting audio players, games, and other electronics. Russian customers will likely appreciate the heated steering wheel and video voice parking system: when reverse gear is engaged, the camera image automatically appears on the central display.
2007 Mercedes-Benz R-class
© Photo: Mercedes-Benz
There's no point in describing the driving characteristics in detail. The suspension, borrowed from the M-Class, remains at a high engineering level. Up front, there's the signature independent suspension with double wishbones; at the rear, a multi-link setup with air elements. Thanks to this, the R-Class isn't afraid of off-road conditions: the crossover's ground clearance adjusts from 183 to 215 mm.
The cautious approach of German engineers hints that the R-Class is destined for a long life without revolutionary changes. Evolution is the only right path for a solid car.
Under the Hood
2007 Mercedes-Benz R-class
© Photo: Mercedes-Benz
The R280 version is equipped with a 190-horsepower V-diesel. Maximum torque is achieved at 2500 rpm, so the car pulls strongly from low revs and provides a smooth, intense power build-up. In the R500, the torque plateau also starts at 2500 rpm, but unlike the R280, it decreases avalanche-like. The driver will also notice slight delays in gear changes from the automatic transmission.
Driving
The R-Class is built on the same platform as the M- and GL-Class but differs from them in greater maneuverability.
2007 Mercedes-Benz R-class
© Photo: McLaren Mercedes
Interior
The luxurious interior unmistakably reveals the R-Class's belonging to the Mercedes-Benz family.
Comfort
The car is ideal for long trips.
Safety
Safety is at the most modern level. In addition to numerous airbags, the driver and passengers are protected by intelligent stabilization systems.
Price
From a competitive standpoint, the price of the R-Class is not optimal.
2007 Mercedes-Benz R-class
© Photo: Mercedes-Benz
| Dimensions, mm | 4920x1920x1660 |
| Engine | petrol V8, 5461 cc, 388 hp/6000 rpm |
| Transmission | automatic, 7-speed |
| 0-100 km/h, s | 6.1 |
| Top speed, km/h | 250 |
| Competitors | Practically none in this price and technical category |
2007 Mercedes-Benz R-class
© Photo: Mercedes-Benz
Pros and Cons
+ The car offers comfort and good handling.
- The air suspension can play a trick when parking at a curb.
Our Opinion
The new R-Class is hard to classify into any existing category. Of course, it's an SUV, but it has virtually no direct competitors. The car deserves attention. It's a successful hybrid of an SUV and a comfortable sedan, perfectly suited for long family trips.