Mercedes-Benz R 2005–2007 car dimensions: 5157 mm long, 1922 mm wide and 1661 mm high. Unladen weight is 2,130 kg. Braked towing is 2,100 kg.
The cabin seats six as standard in individual chairs across three rows, with an optional seventh seat. Dual-zone THERMATIC automatic climate control is standard, with multi-zone THERMOTRONIC available as an option for rear passengers. Cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC limiter comes standard. PARKTRONIC sensors and a reversing camera are optional extras or package items. COMAND APS provides an optional colour display screen for audio and navigation. No blind-spot warning, lane keep assist or automatic emergency braking appears in the equipment lists for this generation.
The long-wheelbase version offers 414 litres of load space behind the third-row seats. Folding the third row raises capacity to 1067 litres up to the second-row backs. With all rear seats folded flat the maximum reaches 2385 litres and a loading length of over two metres.
Braked towing capacity is 2100 kg across the range, with 750 kg unbraked. Payload sits at approximately 655 kg depending on engine and options. Rear air suspension is standard and helps maintain level ride when loaded. full AIRMATIC is optional. The flat-folding individual seats and long load floor suit family trips or light hauling without specialised work packages.
The cabin feels spacious and first-class with executive-style single seats in the first and second rows offering generous leg and headroom plus armrests as standard. Eight-way power front seats with lumbar support come standard while multicontour versions with air chambers for support are optional. Dual-zone climate control is standard with multi-zone optional for rear passengers. An optional panoramic glass roof spanning most of the roof makes the interior brighter and airier. Thick windows and multi-sealed doors cut cabin noise.
Combined fuel use for R 320 CDI LWB around 9.3-9.5 l/100 km
Service intervals start at 13,000 miles or 1 year then every 26,000 miles or 2 years
IIHS Good in front crash test Acceptable in side
Standard ABS ASR ESP 4ETS adaptive front airbags sidebags windowbags all rows belt tensioners force limiters
PRE-SAFE optional with NECK-PRO head restraints
Permanent all-wheel drive standard with rear air suspension
Fuel use varies by engine. The R 320 CDI long-wheelbase returns combined figures of 9.3-9.5 l/100 km with the diesel particulate filter standard. Petrol R 350 LWB sits at 11.5-11.7 l/100 km combined while the R 500 is higher at 13.3-13.9. Tank holds 80 litres including 13 reserve. Premium fuel for petrol models diesel for CDI.
Servicing follows the ASSYST system with first visit at 1,000-3,000 miles then Service A or B type intervals of 13,000 miles or one year followed by every 26,000 miles or two years. Oil filter air filter spark plugs and other items are scheduled at set mileages such as air cleaner at 39,000 or 52,000 miles depending on engine. Brake fluid change every two years is recommended.
Safety kit includes permanent 4MATIC all-wheel drive 4ETS traction ESP ABS BAS adaptive dual-stage front airbags front side airbags full-length window curtain airbags covering all three rows belt tensioners and force limiters for all seats plus a rollover sensor. PRE-SAFE anticipatory system is optional tightening belts adjusting seats and closing windows or roof before a crash. Crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints are also optional. IIHS rates the front moderate overlap Good and side Acceptable for early models.
Keeping the car means watching the flexible service indicator and using authorised centres for genuine parts. Rear air suspension is standard helping ride and load levelling with full AIRMATIC package optional for front too and automatic lowering at speed. Tyre pressure monitoring is standard. Regular checks on fluid levels wipers and headlamps keep it reliable.
Length 5157 mm, Width 1922 mm, Height 1661 mm, Wheelbase 3215 mm (R 2005–2007)
Sources: manufacturer data, Mercedes-Benz international R-Class brochure 2006.