Mercedes-Benz R-Class

The Mercedes-Benz R-Class was created for buyers seeking the driving dynamics of a luxury sedan with the space and functionality of a sport utility. Mercedes-Benz calls the R-Class a grand sport tourer, but in essence it's a luxurious minivan.

The R350 has four conventional doors and a top-hinged, one-piece tailgate, much like a station wagon. It comes in either rear-wheel drive (R350 2WD) or full-time electronically controlled 4Matic all-wheel drive. Like many upscale SUVs, it has a third row seat, although with passenger space dimensions normally only seen in minivans. It is powered by a 268-hp, 3.5-liter gasoline V6. Mercedes-Benz also offers an R320 CDI model with a 215-hp 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 paired to its 4Matic all-wheel drive system. Standard equipment on all models includes; leather seating, birds-eye maple trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, folding second- and third-row bucket seats, rain-sensing wipers, multi-function control buttons on the steering wheel, and lots of cup holders.

For 2008, Mercedes-Benz has dropped the R500 and R63 AMG models.