2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Review

With a more streamlined profile than most sport utility vehicles, Mercedes-Benz's 2007 R Class combines some of the attributes of a minivan and tall wagon, with a roomy, luxurious interior that has seating for six. It still retains some of the rugged running gear of an SUV.

All R Class models come with the 4Matic road-oriented all-wheel-drive system that includes special functions for downhill driving and starting out uphill (Hill Start Assist). The system normally has a 50/50 torque split but can bring more power to the front or rear wheels as needed. The four-wheel independent suspension and rack-and-pinion steering afford a smooth ride and sharp, carlike handling.

The R350 comes with the 268-horsepower, 3.5L V6 engine that's used throughout much of the Mercedes-Benz line. There's also an R500 version, with a 302-horsepower, 5.0L V8. All R Class models have a seven-speed automatic transmission.

The new R63 AMG brings an AMG-developed, 6.3L V8 making 503 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque and can accelerate to 60 mph in only five seconds, according to Mercedes-Benz. The engine shares no common parts with other Mercedes-Benz V8s, is made of a unique silicon-aluminum alloy, and has a number of features for high-performance driving. Appearance-wise, the R63 gets a different, more aggressive appearance in front and in back, with a unique grille, tinted taillights, and chromed exhaust pipes. Inside, the R63 gets special doorsills and stainless-steel pedals.

Also new this year is an R320 CDI model, which includes a 3.0L, direct-injection, turbocharged diesel V6 engine making 221 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. With fuel economy ratings of 19 city, 26 highway, the diesel enables the larger and heavier R Class to get fuel economy that rivals a gasoline-powered minivan.

All R Class models come fully equipped as luxury touring vehicles, with standard dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors, Birdseye maple trim, a SmartKey locking and entry system, and an eight-speaker, MP3-compatible sound system with auxiliary input. There's also an optional panoramic sunroof that extends over rear occupants.

The height-adjustable Airmatic air suspension and the adaptive damping system (ADS) are standard on the R63, but both features are optional on the other models.

All the safety features that would be expected in a large people mover are standard. The first and second rows get side air bags, but there are also side-curtain air bags extending to all three rows. Stability control and anti-lock brakes with brake assist are also standard.

Top options include a harman/kardon Logic7 sound system, tri-zone climate control, the Parktronic parking aid, Distronic smart cruise control. DVD-based navigation, and a rear-seat entertainment package.
Two new models-a more economical turbo diesel model and a high-performance AMG variant-join the 2007 Mercedes-Benz R350 and R500, which were all-new for the 2006 model year. see less