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.