Mercedes-Benz R-Class CDI SE review

The revised five-door R-Class might be four cars in one, a combination of sports saloon, estate, people carrier or SUV but that is its problem, the design tries to be too many vehicle types. It is always going to be a compromise of a vehicle; it is neither one thing or the other.

There is no getting away from the fact that being an expensive Mercedes, the R-Class is a quality product and despite the fact that even the standard model is almost five metres long, nearly two metres wide and 1.6 metres high, it still looks a sharply styled with a sleek executive and sporting appearance thanks to the addition of AMG body parts.

The most popular models will of course be the diesel powered versions. The V8, 5.5-litre petrol variant really doesn’t have much appeal because of its huge price, huge 311g/km CO2 emissions output and future running costs.

The R-Class in its many forms will still mainly be bought and run by businesses or business users and the chauffeur and private hire operators so diesel models will be their choice.

I can see the new configuration of two wheel drive with a standard length wheelbase and a 280hp CDI turbodiesel engine being more appealing at £36,420 to some private, well off, status-conscious family buyers.

However adding options to the vehicle such as leather upholstery, metallic paint, hands free phone kit and burr walnut wood trim will push the price closer to £40,000 and even more once the obligatory satellite navigation system is added.

Space and practicality

Premium class looks, scarcity, interior space and driving refinement, plus the Mercedes-Benz pedigree, are the reasons to buy this unusual vehicle. Whilst the R280 CDI can accommodate five adults in some comfort with ample amount of luggage or load carrying space 305 to 1,931 litres thanks to the split and folding rear seats, the rear legroom is pretty tight for a luxury family car.

However the high-up command seating positions does give excellent visibility out of the vehicle. The build quality is impeccable and all the controls and instruments logically positioned so most of the time it is an easy vehicle to drive, despite it size.

Refinement

This particular model may not have the magic-carpet ride of the height adjustable air suspension but the double wishbone front set up and four-link rear system gives a smooth and flat ride but with some body roll and fore and aft pitching because of its tall height.

Road noise absorption is particularly impressive and wind noise intrusion for such a big vehicle is low as well. There is plenty of predictable grip from the steering which gives good feedback to the driver.

The standard equipment level is high as well and includes front and side airbags, Neck Pro active head restraints, alarm, ambient interior lighting Pre-Safe anticipatory occupant protection, anti-lock braking, stability handling control, automatic climate control, electrically operated windows and door mirrors, automatic headlights and wipers, stereo radio and CD player with eight speakers, aluminium interior trim and tinted glass.

Engine and transmission

The strong and refined V6, 3.0-litre, CDI turbodiesel engine with 190hp of power and 440Nm of torque, from just 1,400rpm, is mated with Mercedes 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission operated with a easy to use steering column gear selector or steering wheel gearshift buttons. The vehicle also has Speedtronic cruise control.

This engine – transmission combination is ideal for all types of driving from heavy traffic in towns and cities, country roads through to high speed motorways. The vehicle handles all these conditions in a relaxed manner. Fuel economy should average 30.7mpg but 26.2mpg was the best my test car returned.

Emissions are 238g/km, above the new 226g/km London Congestion Charge of £25 a day and the vehicle excise duty is in the top Band G which means £300 a year and £400 from 1 April 2008. So it will be expensive to run.

This very much a niche vehicle, huge on image and pretty big in size especially for town driving. How you define it I still don’t know and because it doesn’t fit neatly into any particular sector it is likely to be low on the radar for consideration by customers, apart from current Mercedes owners of course.

MILESTONES

Mercedes R280 CDI SE. Price £36,420 (£39,530 as tested)

Engine: 3.0-litre, V6, high pressure, common rail diesel with turbocharger, 190hp, 440Nm at just 1,400rpm

Performance: 130mph, 0-62mph 9.7 seconds, 30.7mpg (26.2mpg actual), CO2 238g/km, VED Band G £300 (£400 from 1 April)

For: Stylish, refined, high quality, smooth and responsive engine, comfortable and quiet ride, good to drive

Against: Expensive to buy and run, it doesn’t have an easy fit in any premium vehicle sector

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