what is wrong with the R??

[Aterrasse]

Dear All,

As a replacement to my ML 320 CDI, I have been considering the new R.350 CDI LWB. 7 seats (perfect for my large family), not as bulky and cumbersome to drive and to park as the ML and generally very well equiped.

Looking at the "approved used car" MB website, recent R-classes with very low milleage and full equipment are plentiful and at very VERY attractive prices.

I have heard quite a lot of bad things about those cars (poor handling and US quality plastics, high maitenance costs, etc) but is that actually true? Have any of you ever owned one? What is your feeling?

I look forward to hearing from you guys

Cheers

Alex

 

[Mactech]

As you know the R shares its mechanical platform with the ML. The R is ceratinly lower than an ML, but check the length and width...
Depends on how you define bulk
I don't think there is much wrong with the R. It just dosen't suit everyone

 

[GP801]

Not very popular in the uk - hence the great prices on nearly new ones. Dont think MB ever tried very hard to promote them. Much more common on continental roads. Those that have taken the plunge generally like them a lot.

 

[Biglips]

I thInk the main problem is that it is pig ugly

 

[BTB 500]

My in-laws have a petrol R350 (LWB) and have been very pleased with it, but it's an older 6-seater. No real issues with quality or handling. I've been a passenger in it a fair bit and been impressed. Mrs BTB has driven it, and liked it once she'd figured out the 'stalk' gear shift!

It's a long car though - bigger than our Vito.

 

[timwood2000]

Always a delight when someone asks about the 'R' - although quite rare!

The fact is that the R is a great car - but not for everyone. It is huge, longer than a GL, but even so, very easy to drive in town or on the motorway. As MacTech says, this is basically an ML, same dash and shares many interior features.

I have found mine to be excellent, with near S class ride, incredible on motorways and quite intimidating in central London. Not had many problems with mine, and generally really reliable.

As for the 'pig ugly' comment, I would say 'unconventional'! I can tell you that I have had more positive comments about mine than any other car I have owned.

Best advice I would give, is always buy the LWB, always buy the 320CDI and the 6 seat version gives you arm chairs in the middle row rather than a bench - oh and the leg room on the middle is far better than an ML or a GL.

Don't underestimate the R - as I have said before, most people who don't like them have never owned one and rarely even been in one.

Good luck!

 

[Biglips]

Didnt mean to offend r owners with my comments - I think they are very good cars and agree that they are a bargain. I just could not live with those looks myself.

 

[timwood2000]

Didnt mean to offend r owners with my comments - I think they are very good cars and agree that they are a bargain. I just could not live with those looks myself.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

 

[Deleted member 37751]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

It really annoys me that Mercedes didn't quite get the looks right because it should be a big seller by way of the fact that you can't buy a 7 seat ML anymore.
Not sure about the 4matic either, but I honestly think that they are massively underrated, very practical and well thought out interior-wise.

 

[st4]

If I had a family I would love an R class

 

[timwood2000]

To be honest, it is the front/nose that they got wrong. The mis-shaped fog light surround and the odd shaped headlights are really the problem - they could have given it a more S or even ML look to the front and I am sure it would not have attracted the criticism it has.

Even the recent face lift hasn't really addressed the front look, although it is a little better.

The rest of the car's looks are pretty good in my opinion.

 

[Chrishazle]

For me, it was the fact that they are longer and wider than an E, never mind a C - and my wife things the E is too big even though she loves our C. Pity - I think the R has a lot going for it!

 

[Aterrasse]

Interesting comments gents and thanks for your contribution.

Alex

 

[Benzowner]

If I had a family I would love an R class

I havn't got a familly, but I am considering one for my next car, grown ups need space too

 

[Rory]

I've only been in one briefly when a hotel I stayed at in the US had one as their courtesy shuttle. That only had 4 seats (inc the driver) and even then there wasn't a huge amount of luggage space. I gather that's one of the issues - people want them for "touring" with a family, but with all the seats in place there's very little boot space.

 

[BENINLUX]

For me, it was the fact that they are longer and wider than an E, never mind a C - and my wife things the E is too big even though she loves our C. Pity - I think the R has a lot going for it!

My missus is also wary of large cars. Maybe something to do with parking skills?

I've never had a drive in one, but seen some about and in MB showrooms and quite like the look of them, though they're certainly not conventional.

Friend of mine and his wife have 2 SMaxs (his and hers) - I understand thet they're largely the same idea, just the the MB is more expensive.

 

[BTB 500]

Re. looks, the R63 isn't bad! Very rare car, too.

 

[BobbyHowie]

Had ours since new and love it - wouldn't have anything else. You will need reversing camera and parking sensors though! Great to drive long distance.
Go for a test drive and you won't be disappointed.

 

[Smiley]

Sorry but it is a great big fat ugly car that would actually look reasonably tidy and of "medium build" in the US.

 

[timwood2000]

Sorry but it is a great big fat ugly car that would actually look reasonably tidy and of "medium build" in the US.

...and you're called 'SMILEY' because???

- Yes it is big, but doesn't pretend to be anything else - and there is a market for big cars
- No it is not ugly, although it is not pretty, but there are plenty of REALLY ugly cars out there
- it's main issue is one of identity - what is it - a 4x4? Is it an MPV? Is it an estate car? etc etc etc. The answer is all of the above.

In the end it is a big, slightly unusual car, that as a previous poster commented, is loved by those who own them. But not many others.