MERCEDES-BENZ R-CLASS SPORT TOURER REVIEW

For The R-Class is a smooth, quiet cruiser with hushed engines. Cabin quality is excellent, too, and despite the car's size, it's actually pretty good to drive, with the reassurance of four-wheel drive on the top model

Against It's expensive to buy and run, and not hugely practical, as the standard-wheelbase model is too cramped in the rear and the car feels enormous in town

What Car? says

2 out of 5 stars

This smooth cruiser is a seven-seat alternative to prestige off-roaders, but only the long-wheelbase version provides real luxury for multiple passengers

Reader review rating

3

The Mercedes-Benz R-Class Sport Tourer full review Read in full

Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Both engines are strong, but R350 is best
Ride & Handling
4 out of 5 stars
Supremely smooth ride and good control
Refinement
4 out of 5 stars
A beautifully tranquil cruiser
Buying & Owning
2 out of 5 stars
Very expensive; high running costs
Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Solidly built and reliable
Safety & Security
4 out of 5 stars
No crash tests yet, but should perform well
Behind The Wheel
3 out of 5 stars
Comfortable and classy cabin
Space & Practicality
3 out of 5 stars
Short wheelbase model disappoints
Equipment
4 out of 5 stars
Plenty of luxury as standard

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There are 2 Mercedes-Benz R-Class versions available

Mercedes-Benz R-Class Sport Tourer R300 CDI BlueEFF. 5dr	£43,755	What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Mercedes-Benz R-Class Sport Tourer R350L CDI 5dr	£47,910	What Car? says:2 stars out of 5

Mercedes-Benz R-Class Sport Tourer R350L CDI Grand Edition 4WD 5dr

This is the more expensive of the two models in the range, but its extra power and space make it worth the extra

What Car? says:3 stars out of 5

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Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

Never mind which is the best model, the hardest thing is to work out what the R Class is. Mercedes calls it a 'luxury tourer', but think of it as the love-child of an S- and an M-class, with a bit of Viano genes.

It's an MPV-style luxury seven-seater, with four-wheel drive on the flagship model and which comes in two forms: the long-wheelbase version provides all the space a luxury car should have, but the room in the shorter version is disappointing and boot space is tight with the rearmost seats in place. Our favourite version is the long-wheelbase 350 CDI.

On top of the three-year unlimited-mileage warranty, Mercedes cars also come with the Mobilo package that provides you with roadside assistance for up to 30 years in more than 30 European countries. Different benefits apply, depending on what the problem is, and full details are available from the Mercedes Customer Assistance Centre.