What's Wrong With This Picture: Mercedes R Class, Hold The Horror Edition

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

Mercedes sold only 2,825 R Class “Grand Sport Tourer” models in the US last year, confirming once and for all that the eigenwillig CUV is a bonafide flop in this country. So much so that a GL-inspired restyling is already under development, possibly with a GL-inspired name as well: GLR.

Fixing the R’s gastropod styling won’t hurt, but the heavier association with Mercedes’ far more popular SUVs is probably just as important from a sales perspective. Mercedes once believed that the R-Class would birth an entirely new segment of “Grand Sport Tourer” vehicles. Instead it just proved that CUVs are the methadone of SUV addiction. In case enough consumers feel like going cold turkey, Mercedes’ new E-class wagon (on sale in the US eventually) has nearly 69 cubic feet of storage with the bench folded flat (headed to America later this year). [via Auto Motor und Sport print edition]

Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • Loverofcars1969 Loverofcars1969 on Jan 25, 2010

    I have an 2007 with 65K on the clock and it rocks. Recently got over 29MPG with average speed of 79. Solid as a rock.

  • 320 CDI 320 CDI on Jul 27, 2010

    usafrhino captured it very well. Late reply just in case someone is googling this car with the mind of buying one, hear is another positive opinion from someone who actually owns one. I have a 2007 R320 Diesel with 61000 trouble free miles. Everyone in my family is tall, every seat in this car a 6' plus guy will be very comfortable. Our Tahoe is gone....this is the replacement and a vast improvement! I don't need to tow anything over 2K anymore and this does a fine job of it. With all the seats full and completely loaded down and towing the trailer I just drove from Southern California to Michigan and back, averaged 78 miles an hour for the trip getting 27 MPG. I was not sore, tired or cramped. I could talk to everyone in the car to include the 3rd row at the same level of voice as being in the house. 4 of our friends who went with me are going out to buy this car, one picks theirs up at the end of the week. There is no better road tripper then this ride! This is my daily driver into San Diego, I get 30 MPG too and from work. I have no issue getting it around town, handles great and I have had no problem with the extra large back doors except in very tiny spaces. The doors have two open positions, all the way out at almost a 90 degree and at 45 degree. Both allow for easy entry/loading. I have found most time, not always, I prefer the doors to sliders, not sure why but I do. They seem more safe, secure, substantial and easier to me. I am sure they reduce the noise as my wife's Sienna was much louder when sitting by the slider. I like the fit and finish, no issues with it and I am not sure why all the comments on it. I have been in nicer rides and I have been in many more that were much worse, all for near the same amount. This Wagon/Minivan/Private Jet handles the elements very well and I have had mine off road with no issues but wouldn't recommend it as it is a lot of car to clean. The 4Matic is great. I would only get it with the Diesel or V8 as the gas V6 has a hard time with this big of a car. If you have the need for a large vehicle and not a truck or SUV on a truck frame in my mind this is a great choice. Save your money and get a used one!

  • R350 R350 on Sep 05, 2010

    Yea, what a great car. Had electrical problems since the beginning of purchasing my 06 certified pre-owned. The car finally bursted into flames at the back computer, in my driveway last night, with the CAR OFF. Thank god the sound of the fire breaking the windows woke up my child. I think I would have lost my house if we didn't act fast. I wonder of the dealership believes me now that the car had problems...

    • 320 CDI 320 CDI on Sep 08, 2010

      Damn sorry about your luck. Thankfully your family is safe. Who figured out it was the computer? Or was that where the problem was from the get go? What kind of problems where you having? Got any pictures?

  • Totonno Totonno on Apr 10, 2012

    Most of the above comments from people who dislike the R Class vehicle are from 2010 and they were convinced that MB would discontinue the vehicle because of poor sales. Today is April 10, 2012 and I see that you can still buy one from Mercedes. I bought one of these, a used 2008 (CDI) several months ago and am liking it more and more as I drive it. I always ask other owners of the same car how they like it, and most of the time they are as enthusiastic owners. It took me a while to get used to it. It's my first Mercedes, but I'm slowly coming around. The diesel is awesome. I was worried at first that it wouldn't measure up to my previous Town and Country 3.8 V6. That is a very strong engine. The diesel is more than a match. Better gas mileage to boot. It just feels so damned strong. It just pulls and pulls and pulls. I know that the styling is not for everyone, but you either like it or hate it. There seems to be no in between. My wife and sister love it. Some of my customers said it is the ugliest car on the road. Another customer who also owns a Ford dealership said "Oh yeah! thats the one that looks like a hearse". My employees say they like it. Maybe they are only saying that to keep me buttered up. The important thing is that so far, I'm liking it.

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