The R-class certainly looks the part. The long-wheelbase R350 and R500 are humongous, longer even than a Cadillac Escalade. (A shorter-wheelbase version will be sold only in Europe.) At first glance, it doesn't appear to be that long, mainly because it's well proportioned and lower than a conventional SUV. With the seventeen-inch wheels that are standard on the R350, it looks a bit slab sided, but things improve with the eighteens on the R500. The AMG Sport package will have even brawnier nineteen-inch wheels and tires.The exterior design is a bit fussy, but no one can argue with the interior, which is gorgeous-and, in truth, it's the major selling point for this vehicle. All R-class models get three rows of two seats each. The center pair slide fore and aft to give a maximum of 40.4 inches of legroom. Even the third-row seats, which have four-position backrests, allow passengers to lounge in style. All four rear seats fold completely flat for an 85-cubic-foot cargo area. Plenty of the interior components are shared with the new M-class SUV, such as the hooded gauges, the column-mounted gear selector, the voguish start/stop button, and the center stack. The architecture is different, however, and soft-touch plastics and classy wood and chrome trim make it feel like a quality piece. History
The unibody R-Class wagon is about an inch longer than Mercedes' flagship S-Class sedan. Two distinct sunroofs are optional: a conventional glass panel or a double-sized panoramic unit with a 5-foot-7-inch glass panel. When opening the panoramic sunroof, half of the panel moves atop the other so headroom isn't affected. Powered roller blinds in this roof protect occupants from the sun.
The four-spoke multifunction steering wheel features brushed-aluminum accents, and a new electronic gear selector is mounted on the steering column. The upper section of the two-tone dashboard arches over the instrument cluster, which holds two cylindrical binnacles for the speedometer and tachometer.
Privacy glass is standard, and a single-lift tailgate is installed. The R-Class' fully independent suspension uses double wishbones up front and a four-link setup at the rear. Seven-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels hold 17-inch tires on the R350, and the R500 rides on 18-inch rubber. AMG 19-inch wheels are also available, and a Saks Fifth Avenue Signature Edition gets a unique set of wheels. A load-leveling rear air suspension is standard, and the driver can select from three operating modes: Normal, Comfort or Sport. Dealer-installed roof rails are available.
The refined, versatile, luxurious R-Class yields a lush ride even when surfaces get rough. Few drivers could ask for a more satisfying luxury tourer for long hauls.Just a touch of driveline and road sound is evident, but the engine is nearly silent unless pushed hard. A nest of headrests impairs the rearward view, which is otherwise okay and helped by ample mirrors. The seats offer magisterial comfort and support, are wholly adjustable to suit one's physique, and remain appealing even after hours of driving. Reflections are evident in the steep windshield, but they're not too distracting. Cylindrical gauges are big and easy to read.