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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Overview

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2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Review

By KBB.com Editors

Is it an SUV? Is it a really large station wagon? Is it, well, a minivan? Though the exterior styling of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is hard to define, this is a vehicle better judged from the inside out. If you find what you desire on the inside, the exterior can be easily justified. Dubbed a "sports tourer," Mercedes believes the R-Class has what upscale families need: Luxury, space, utility and performance. The R-Class includes a seven-speed automatic transmission, an all-wheel-drive option and a choice of gasoline or diesel engines. Other stand-out attributes include its remarkably spacious and feature-rich seating for six people and so much cargo space it bests the huge Cadillac Escalade.

You'll Like This Car If...

If your need for utility is equal to your need for luxury and the thought of driving a vehicle that may be perceived (well, perhaps) as a minivan doesn't bother you, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is a vehicle you will want to check out.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you don't require spacious seating for at least four people on a regular basis with plenty of additional cargo, the R-Class is too much car for you. It's big!

What's New for 2008

The R350 is now available with two-wheel or all-wheel drive. All models offer a three-person second-row bench seat, AMG body styling and 18-inch wheels. The R500 and R63 AMG are discontinued.

Driving the R-Class

Driving Impressions The 3.5-liter V6 powering the R350 partnered with Mercedes' full-time all-wheel-drive system and seven-speed automatic transmission creates a pleasant, but not spirited driving experience. The R320 CDI actually feels quicker,...

no surprise given its abundance of low-end torque. We found that even on winding roads, the R-Class smoothly carved through the turns and the seven-speed transmission delivered seamless shifts, always finding just the right gear when needed. Like many Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the R-Class has both Sport and Comfort suspension settings, and we found the Sport setting quite pleasing and agile. Stopping this heavy vehicle is also no problem with its 13.8-inch front brake rotors and standard ABS and Brake Assist features. The R-Class also has an excellent turning ratio, making it even easier to maneuver than many SUVs.

Favorite Features

Second-Row "Captain's Chair" Seating
We are quite fond of the second-row seat comfort and space. This is one car that makes the back-seat riders as lucky as those in the front.

Panoramic Sunroof
It's nearly six feet of glass, making the back-seat passengers feel much less "trapped" than in any other vehicle we know.

2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Details

Interior

The interior of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class feels more like a family room than a car. Especially when outfitted with the panoramic sunroof that spans nearly the entire length of the vehicle, the interior space of the R-Class looks and feels downright cavernous. The base vehicle is loaded with eight-way power front seats, bird's-eye maple interior trim and fold-flat second and third-row seats. The R-Class' second row of seats features items usually found only in the first row: Individual seat adjustments, reading lights, armrests, air vents, cup holders, middle console and available iPod integration or dual-screen DVD player.

Exterior

The R-Class's windshield and hood are raked steeply, kind of like a minivan. There is method to this van-like madness however -- it improves the aerodynamics of this heavy, 4,845-pound vehicle. The profile is long and sloping, with a slightly "chopped-top" retro appearance, somewhat reminiscent of the Dodge Magnum wagon. As you see the vehicle coming down the road, you may think it's a minivan or an SUV, but there's one thing of which you will have no doubt: With its prominent grille and nameplate branding you'll know it's a Mercedes-Benz.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Key standard equipment includes the seven-speed automatic transmission, electronic traction system, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control and cruise control. For safety, Mercedes-Benz supplies each R-Class trim with anti-lock brakes (ABS), ESP stability control, a rollover sensor, front, door-mounted and side-curtain airbags for each of the three rows, seatbelt pretensioners with belt-force limiters, tire-pressure monitoring system and automatic anti-theft alarm. Other standard luxury equipment includes power front seats, easy fold-down second- and third-row seats, eight-speaker audio system with auxiliary audio input and a retractable cargo cover.

Optional Equipment

Options abound on the R-Class. A Sport Package includes 19-inch wheels, while the R320 has a fuel-efficient diesel engine and all-wheel drive. Other options include bi-xenon curve-illuminating headlights, harman/kardon Logic 7 audio system with six-disc CD changer, rear-seat entertainment system, power glass sunroof, power panoramic sunroof, power rear-quarter windows, Keyless Go starting system, satellite radio, power liftgate, navigation system, multi-contour seats, heated front seats, Distronic radar-based cruise control, rear sunshade, heated second-row seats, auto dimming mirrors, wood-and-leather multi-function steering wheel and iPod integration kit.

Under the Hood

The R350's V6 is generally adequate but might be less spirited dealing with a loaded vehicle and a steep uphill climb. If you're not deterred by the thought of owning a diesel, the R320 CDI's turbocharged V6 diesel engine provides great acceleration and superior fuel economy.

3.5-liter V6
268 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
258 lb. - ft. of torque @ 2400-5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/20 (2WD), 15/19 (4WD)

3.0-liter V6 Turbodiesel
215 horsepower @ 4000 rpm
398 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1600-2400
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Mercedes-Benz R-Class vehicles for sale near you.

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2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

7.6

Out of 10

Based on 161 Ratings for the 2006 - 2012 models.

Review this car

Value

7.8/10

Quality

8.0/10
Reliability

7.9/10

Performance

8.4/10
Comfort

9.0/10

Styling

8.7/10

Comfort

By Joey (VA) on Saturday, June 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 48,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Room,ride,all wheel drive"

Cons: "Styling,eats tires, sunroof creaks"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"We looked at so many options but found that the Rclass is the only vehicle that meets all needs if you don't mind the styling and don't want a minivan."

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Very,very nice

By Mark c (NY) on Tuesday, April 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 97,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "It has the characteristics of most cars in one!"

Cons: "City gas mileage is poor"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I've been living with my r350 for about 8 months now. I only had the one problem so far. The suspension airbag went bad NAND out around $400 to replace. Other than that the car is fantastic, it rides smooth , the ride feels like your in a luxury car and feels smaller than it actually is. This is my first mercedes benz, now I see why it's the king of high end luxury. BMW , Lexus , caddillac ,fall short in refinement."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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a great car

By steve (IN) on Monday, March 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 66,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "a perfectly sized vehicle"

Cons: "engine light comes on too often"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"i love this car and am very disappointed that mercedes has chosen to stop selling them in the usa . stopped in 2012 . the diesel gets 28 + mpg when driven at the speed limit on the highway . it is very comfortable and the seating in the third row is very good for an adult and better than most full size SUVs . it sits lower than a SUV and handles more like a quality car than a minivan or SUV . the only problem i have had is that the engine light comes on too often , but never for anything significant . usually just a sensor failure of some kind , which was usually covered by mercedes benz . i know of no vehicle that compares to the R class , and i believe the only reason this is no longer sold in the usa is poor sales which were due to an anemic marketing program by MB . i can't find a used Rclass to buy with lower mileage because no one wants to sell theirs .."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Best auto that's no longer built

By BaldEagle (CA) on Saturday, March 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 90,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Easy to drive"

Cons: "space between seats in cargo configuration"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Compared 3 SUVs when selecting this car in 06: Land Rover, Qx56 and R500. The only one that drove like a sedan was the RClass. That's why I bought it. It's a great car and I dont understand why it isn't more popular with SUV owners. It has as much or more cargo volume than the other two, and it is very comfortable. MB service is very good."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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LOVE MY R but the repair cost are outrageous

By DBLR (CT) on Tuesday, November 06, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 98,000

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 5/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Funt o drive, Great pick up for a crossover"

Cons: "gas millage, maintance cost"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"I know owning a Benz, is not suppose to economical, but the car has been in the shop over 10 times in the last 2 yrs. Air shocks, engine light going on often, axle ect..... Please keep in mind each diagnostic is 300 at the Mercedes Service department. I have been lucky and found a shop that only works on Mercedes and the cost for repairs are a lot cheaper than the Service Center. THE GAS IS KILLING MY POCKETS. It usually cost me about 100 bucks to fill up and that will last 5 days if that. But on the bright side. Its all I could want in a vehicle. It has all the bells and whistles, SUPER roomy for a family of 6, Love the Harmon system, the heated seats. It is by far the most comfortable, stylish car I have ever owned. I would certainly consider purchasing another in the future."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Best car I have ever owned.

By Doglover (OH) on Sunday, October 28, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 79,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Great fuel milage, fun to drive."

Cons: "No heated seats, but great heater."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Love this car. Only thing I wish it had was heated seats, since this is my winter car. It from Florida, where heated seats are not nessary. Drives in snow and ice with no problems. Sound system is great, and the sunroof is like having a convertible."

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See all 161 reviews