2006 MERCEDES BENZ R500 - Sports Tourer

By Isaac Bouchard
Contributing Automotive Writer

The Benz-boys have become quite bold of late, daringly diving into new niche waters. First we had the CLS four-door coupe, and now it's the R-class 'Sports Tourer'. Some will conclude this is really just the world's most expensive minivan. Whether it actually defines a new class or not, expect a raft of similar models from BMW and the other high-end marques if it succeeds.

Brand-speak aside, what we've got here is a six passenger vehicle with flexible seating arrangements, all-wheel drive, and a distinctive silhouette. Looking a bit like a bigger Chrysler Pacifica, it has the full gamut of 21st Century Benz styling motifs, including complex headlamps, lots of chrome, and flamboyant sheetmetal.

A few quick and easy adjustments are all it takes to configure the interior of the R-Class to suit changing space requirements and transport tasks.

Interior architecture is defined by the three rows of two seats, all of which are comfortable, and most of which fold down for when you decide to bring garden mulch or cinderblocks home in your $70k car. The interior is beautiful wrought, thoughtfully detailed, and made with the kind of care Mercedes cars were once famous for. Lounging room is terrific in the first two rows, more than adequate in the back. Luggage space is very restrictive with a full passenger load, though it becomes enormous with the seats folded.

The R500 is a very pleasant drive. Basically a lowered ML-class off-roader, it uses the same powertrain (302hp V8 coupled to the new 7-speed automatic) and all-wheel drive system. The R's lower center of gravity pays dividends in less acute roll angles, and a more composed ride. It's an amazing highway cruiser, with lots of glass (including an enormous sunroof over the first two rows), perfect airflow management, low road noise, and a long wheelbased gate that is incredibly relaxing.

The R500's powertrain moves it along smartly, accompanied by an aggressive yet cultured soundtrack. There wasn't a test R350 six-cylinder available, but indications are that it would struggle a bit in the mountains' thinner air, though be perfectly adequate at lower altitudes. Mercedes would have a total knockout if they'd bring over the turbodiesel version, which runs almost as hard as the V8 and yet achieves astounding mileage.

It will be interesting to see if buyers embrace the R-class as they have the ML sport ute. While it's much better resolved for the uses most of us put such vehicles to, will it carry enough street cred in a market that's often driven more by style than substance? Either way, kudos to Mercedes Benz for taking a chance and being first in the pool.

COMPARISON VEHICLES: Various seven-passenger all-wheel drive vehicles.

HIGHS: Driving experience, interior ambiance, usefulness.

LOWS: Slightly ponderous, poor mileage in V8 guise.

VEHICLE PRICING: $56,275 base to $74,045 hard-loaded.

MILEAGE: EPA ratings of 13mpg City and 18mpg Highway; actual mileage: N/A

LIFE'S A TRIP - Enjoy the drive. Be a safe and courteous driver, obey all highway laws, never drive impaired and buckle everyone up. Copyright © 2005 The Weekend Drive, All Rights Reserved