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Mercedes-Benz R-Class Estate (2006-2012) review

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Parkers overall rating: 4 out of 54.0

At a glance

Price new £36,217 - £73,917
Used prices £615 - £5,720
Road tax cost £385 - £735
Insurance group 44 - 50
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Fuel economy Not tested to latest standards
Range 299 - 651 miles
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Available fuel types

Petrol

Diesel

Pros & cons

PROS

Seats six in superb comfort, luxury cruising ability, excellent diesels

CONS

Bulky around town, poor seat position for rearmost passengers, ungainly looks

Written by David Ross Published: 6 June 2019

Overview

This is Mercedes-Benz’s take on a people carrier. It seats six, comes in short and long wheelbase forms, and has a suitably upmarket feel. It’s also the first premium people carrier with a sporty look and 4x4 as standard – which gives it a unique place in the new car market and means there are few alternatives. It excels at long distance motorway cruising but around town it can be a bit of a handful.

It’s also far from handsome with an unusual profile. However, if you want something sleeker than the usual people carriers and not as bulky as a traditional 4x4, the R-Class could be the answer. In October 2008 it was revised and a new 280 CDI two-wheel drive model was introduced while the six-seat configuration was dropped in place of a choice of either five or seven seats.

All models also gained AMG bodystyling.