Secret MPVs of 2006 - Mercedes R-Class

On sale: Spring 2006
Price: From £45,000 (est)

Mercedes may call its new R-Class a grand sports tourer, but what exactly does that mean? Well, inside there's a high-quality cabin and six seats spread over three rows, so a premium people-carrier seems to be the answer.

Not that the R-Class is targeting the same customers as Ford’ new Galaxy. Even the entry-level model is likely to be priced north of £40,000, so it's more likely to find favour with people who would otherwise buy a big 4x4.

In this respect, Mercedes may have got its timing spot-on. Off-roaders are increasingly coming under pressure from environmentalists and politicians.

Affluent families who value the space and versatility of these cars, but who are concerned by the hostility they attract, may find the R-Class an appealing alternative.

Engine options include 3.5-litre V6 and 4.0-litre V8 petrol engines, and a 2.9-litre V6 turbodiesel, while power reaches the wheels via a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Refinement is impressive, and you also have the reassurance of four-wheel drive.

Inside, there's plenty of head- and legroom for those in the first two rows, and although space isn't so generous for those in the rearmost seats, two adults can still sit there in comfort if you opt for the long-wheelbase version.

Standard-wheelbase cars are less accommodating, but because the middle pair of chairs slides individually, you can balance legroom between the four rear passengers so that everyone has just about enough. Luggage space is virtually non-existent, though.


See the February 2006 issue of What Car? magazine for a free 100 Secret Cars of 2006 and Beyond supplement.