Mercedes-Benz R-Class 320L CDI SE Road Test Report

tom Says

Performance 4 Stars

At over five metres long (L model) and weighing the best part of three tonnes the R-Class needs a strong engine to haul it along. The 5.5-litre 388hp petrol V8 version is certainly sufficient, but costly to run, as was the now discontinued 503hp AMG R63… Anyway, the most sensible engine is the 320 CDI which, though not shatteringly powerful, has loads of torque and so is more than ample for any likely scenario. Putting 224hp through a high-tech 7-speed auto transmission and all four wheels, the R320 can sprint to 62mph in 8.8 secs and reach a top speed of 137mph.

Ride & Handling 4 Stars

Unsurprisingly the R-Class feels big when you’re trying to park it, but otherwise it’s mass and dimensions are surprisingly unobtrusive. No surprise that it’s most at home wafting gracefully along the motorway, but barrelling along A roads and even small B roads should pose no problem for a competent driver as the steering is precise while the compliant, self-levelling air suspension keeps that huge body nicely under control. It’s also reassuring to know that you’ve got an electronic 4-wheel traction control system, as well as Acceleration Skid Control and Electronic Stability Programme, should it all go badly wrong.

Build Quality & Reliability 4 Stars

There was a time when Mercedes-Benz was the byword for rock-solid build and total dependability, but that reputation took a serious knock during the ‘90s when manufacturing standards were allowed to slip. In more recent years, and certainly since the R-Class was launched in ’05, the Stuttgart company has pulled its socks up and once again builds cars up to a standard, not down to a price. Whether Mercedes has quite caught up with, say, Lexus, is debateable, but judging by this R-Class, Mercedes is back on a par with the best of its German rivals.

Safety & Security 5 Stars

The king-sized R-Class certainly fits the bill for those who feel more secure with plenty of metal around them. And, unlike most big 4WD SUVs, this one rides lower so it will ultimately be more stable in extreme situations. There are also all the safety features that you’d expect, and more: dual stage front airbags, side airbags, window airbags for all three rows, Isofix and Top Tether child seats mounts on all rear seats, whiplash-reducing Neck-Pro head restraints and Pre-Safe which recognises a potential accident situation and immediately prepares by tensioning the front seatbelts, adjusting the front passenger seat position and even closing the sunroof if fitted. An alarm isn’t standard equipment, but other sophisticated security systems make it very hard to steal.

Space & Practicality 5 Stars

The R-Class has land-yacht dimensions, especially this £2,250 more expensive, 235mm longer version, but around two thirds of its overall length is for occupants. The six-seater L has acres of interior space, with those in the two second-row seats enjoying all the roominess, comfort and luxury afforded those in the front. The middle row seats can also slide back to give limousine-like legroom. It’s only failing is that with all six seats in place there’s little luggage space (414 litres), but this can extend to a truly remarkable and cavernous 2,385 litres with seats removed.

Ownership & Value 3 Stars

If you’ve a large family and you’re looking for an affordable MPV then the R-Class L probably isn’t for you. But if you want a capacious, luxurious and prestigious people carrier, and you don’t mind paying for it, then you’re on the right track. 30.4mpg (combined) is pretty respectable for such a large car, but at around £41k for this particular model it’s not cheap to buy. Throw in some extras such as COMAND satnav, extra rear airbags and 19-inch AMG wheels (as fitted to the car I tested) and the price becomes closer to £50k, but you do get a lot of car, and a pretty good one at that.