2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Review
2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Good performance, ritzy interior, supreme comfort and versatility.
Cons
- Long rear doors a problem in tight parking spaces.
What’s new
The all-new R-Class -- a premium wagon with more than a trace of minivan and SUV in its DNA -- joins the Mercedes-Benz lineup for 2006.
Edmunds says
The 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class combines the best features of a car, a minivan and a sport-utility vehicle. And while the Pacifica may have done that first, the R-Class sports tourer does it better.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 4dr Wagon AWD (3.5L 6cyl 7A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$322/mo for R-Class R350
R-Class R350
vs
$219/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
Mercedes-Benz labels its new R-Class a premium sports tourer. Though it bears elements of a car, minivan and SUV, the R has the kind of layout and looks -- three rows of two seats, an elongated profile -- that'll likely have you labeling it a very upscale, rather attractive wagon. The R-Class is based on the concept Vision GST, or "Grand Sports Tourer," that debuted at the North American International Auto Show in 2002, and the production vehicle has remained mostly true to the concept.
The Mercedes-Benz R-Class' styling -- accentuated by a thick horizontal crease that angles forward and down from the top of the taillight -- does little to make the very long vehicle seem, well, less long. Rear doors are enormous. Somehow it all kind of works, especially in lighter colors. The R's two trims share their powertrains with the M-Class; Mercedes' newish 3.5-liter, 263-horsepower V6 motivates the R350, while the R500 is powered by the manufacturer's veteran 5.0-liter, 302-horse V8. An AMG-tuned model is set to join the lineup in 2007. Both engines get the superb seven-speed automatic that is working its way across the Mercedes lineup. All-wheel drive is standard on both trims, but it's clearly intended to help on-road -- no R-Class will be spotted at the end of the Rubicon Trail. Coupled with electronic traction control, stability control, BrakeAssist and four-wheel discs with antilock, safety features are nicely integrated.
For a short while, the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class will have the "premium sports tourer" category all to itself. On some level, the V6-powered R350 might compete with the still cheaper Pacifica, but the R500, which has a base price of over $56,000, is in a class by itself. That is until the Audi Q7 and other competitors from BMW, Lexus and Lincoln come to market over the next two years. Until then, the only premium sports tourer choice is an excellent one.
Performance & mpg
The R350 gets its juice from a 3.5-liter V6 that boasts 263 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. Powering the R500 is a 5.0-liter V6 that commands 302 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to Mercedes' outstanding seven-speed automatic transmission. All Mercedes-Benz R-Class models are equipped with an all-wheel-drive system that in normal driving situations applies power in a 50-percent front/50-percent rear distribution.
Safety
Standard safety features include ABS, a tire-pressure monitoring system, stability and traction control, three-row side curtain airbags, front-passenger detection for airbag deployment and a rollover sensor that can activate the seatbelt tensioners and side curtain airbags. Rear side airbags are available as an option.
Driving
With the standard suspension, body motion is well controlled. Optional on both R-Class models, Mercedes' Airmatic air suspension system ensures just the right damping for all situations. This is no sports car, but for what it is, Mercedes engineers did themselves proud. The seven-speed transmission has a lot to do with the vehicle's impressive performance; although we think it could downshift a little quicker, it's geared perfectly and clicks off swift upshifts when the driver has his foot down. Though the 3.5-liter V6 lacks a bit of the punch of the venerable V8, both engines offer pleasing amounts of power and torque. Steering is a little slow, but braking is pleasantly uneventful.
Interior
The Mercedes-Benz R-Class offers an interior that's plush and nicely executed. Gauges are well placed and controls are mostly intuitive. The vehicle comfortably seats six; even the two rearmost seats are pretty comfortable for adults. Mercedes has made third-row access easy by expanding the length of the rear doors and putting both second-row seats on spring-loaded hinges. They jump out of the way with the flick of a lever, and snap back into place just as easily. With the second- and third-row seats lowered, the R-Class can hold 85 cubic feet of cargo.
2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class models
The Mercedes-Benz R-Class six-passenger wagon comes in two trims: base R350 and high-end R500. Standard equipment on the R350 includes 17-inch alloy wheels, leather seating, power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control full power accessories, bird's eye maple wood trim and CD player with an auxiliary MP3 jack. The R500 offers all this plus 18-inch wheels, driver seat memory, heated front seats, burl walnut wood trim, TeleAid and a glovebox-mounted six-CD changer. Options include HID headlights with corner-adaptive lighting, two different sunroof designs, heated rear seats, satellite radio, a rear-seat entertainment system, a power liftgate, a navigation system, Keyless Go and Airmatic air suspension.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class.
5 star(63%)
4 star(21%)
3 star(9%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(4%)
118 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.88 out of 5 stars
Multiple, Major Problems
ewagg1111, 05/07/2012
2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 4dr Wagon AWD (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
I bought my 2006 R Class brand new in January of 2006. I have enjoyed driving the car and agree it has been the best car that fits my lifestyle, children, and hauling. However, this car has been very expensive to maintain. I have invested nearly $15K in repairs for things that were not covered under warranty. I have had to replace both the front right and left struts for $4K. The SOS … system which I never used for $1,700. The seals on the transfer case for $1,100. The Cam Shaft for $5K. The airshock suspension systems for $2,100. The list goes on and on. MB USA has never stepped up to assist in any of these repairs. I doubt that I will ever buy another MB again. Don't love the car that much.
5 out of 5 stars
R Class V8
Stuart SM, 04/20/2017
2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R500 4dr Wagon AWD (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
It's been a great car. The noncommittal minivan in crossover form! Fair warning, the rear doors are quite large and require ample space to open all the way. This has been the best car I've ever driven in the snow and on ice. V8 power, get what you pay for in fuel economy. The interior is Mercedes soft and quiet, no complaints save for some flecking of the silver trim on the steering … wheel. Room for days, 6 adults fit comfortably with leg room to spare, surprising I know.
Update. Maintenance is funny and more expensive than even expected from a Mercedes. Many Mercedes only parts. A window switch was twice quoted at over 2k parts and labor. Also, the engine on this vintage required 2 spark plugs per cylinder- the mechanic assured me this was a very short run of that design. For the size and comfort and power we enjoyed- we would not buy again.
2.75 out of 5 stars
Big Mistake! Least Reliable Car I've ever owned!
nolemonsplease, 08/23/2013
2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 4dr Wagon AWD (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
Just bought this car in March '13. The car is a 2006 with 68K miles.
During the test drive everything was running smooth and we fell in love with the car, (more the interior than the exterior) The car almost looks like a Minivan but it grows on you.
After 3 months of driving this used car the Transmission pooped out on us.
It cost $1,500 to fix and we did not take it to the dealer (this … was the cheaper mechanic option) Now the car randomly drops the left side suspension.
Apparently the air shocks deflate overnight or while parked for a long time and it tilts to one side.
Can't wait to find out how much new air shocks will cost but I'm assuming it will not be cheap. Gas guzzler too!
2.13 out of 5 stars
Mercedes does not stand behind product
tmerc, 02/08/2013
2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 4dr Wagon AWD (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
2006 Mercedes with 63,711 miles and has had all recommended service performed at the suggested mileage, including regular oil changes every 4,000 miles (synthetic oil).
Car stalled without warning.
Towed to Park Place Mercedes where it was diagnosed that pistons in cylinders 1 and 4 had come apart, requiring a complete engine block replacement.
The cost of repair was quoted at … $15,000.00. The value of the car, prior to the catastrophic event, as listed on Kelley Blue Book is $17,000.00 private sale.
My expectation is that an engine on a well-maintained, vehicle should last beyond 63,711 miles, unless there are issues with quality of parts used, or the quality of the engine construction.
2006 R-Class Highlights
R350
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $48,000 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $322/month |
Seating | 6 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the R-Class include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
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