Feeling like a luxury minivan, the three-row R-Class has room for six or seven in its flexible interior.
The ride is comfortable and quiet.
Handling is responsive and secure, but the steering is too light.
The 5.0-liter V8 returned 15 mpg overall in our tests.
A 3.5-liter V6 is optional.
The seven-speed automatic sometimes hesitated to downshift.
Access is very easy, but the long rear doors can strike adjacent cars when swung open.
The second-row seats are very roomy and comfortable, but the third-row seats are tight.
When they are folded, early R-Class models could only carry four passengers; in 2008 a second-row bench seat was offered, increasing seating capacity.
Fit and finish are excellent, but some controls are awkward.
In 2008, the V8 was dropped and a 3.2-liter V6 diesel was added.
The 2012 models marked the last year for the slow-selling R-Class.
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