Insurance Group: 48
MPG: 33.2
CO2: 223
0-62 Mph: 7.7 secs
BHP: 265 BHP
Range: 584 miles
The long wheelbase option is not for everyone and the price is accordingly high to fit the performance and trim of the estate. The emissions and running costs are also incredibly high.
PROS: A classic luxury cruiser, with all the refinement, smooth driveability and equipment you would expect.
CONS: The long wheelbase is not for every driver and the price and running costs are high even with the efficient diesel engine.
The handling of the luxury cruiser R-Class is smooth and controlled and the ride quality is flawless. The four-wheel-drive means great stability.
The V6 engine is 2987cc and uses diesel fuel with a fuel tank capacity of 80 litres. There is a seven-speed automatic gearbox, which provides smooth acceleration.
The engine is refined to a near silent level and there is hardly any wind or road noise.
The 350 CDI L has a 261bhp engine delivering 457lb-ft of torque at 1600-2400rpm and reaches 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds with a top speed of 146mph.
The interior of the R-Class estate is well-designed and high-quality, living up to the reputation of Mercedes-Benz as a stylish manufacturer.
The seat and steering wheel adjust comfortably and the dash is comprehensive with the Command system proving easy access to the equipment such as satellite navigation and stereo, although it is a bit more distracting than the BMW’s iDrive system. The seats are supportive and comfortable. Rear visibility is a little impaired.
The 350 CDI L comes with man-made leather seats, power steering, cruise control, metallic paint, climate control, stability control, alloy wheels, Bluetooth, rear parking sensors, satellite navigation, MP3 connectivity and stereo as standard.
For fuel economy, the R-Class estate has a start/stop system, which allows for great efficiency and low CO2 emissions.
The R-Class estate comes with all the safety equipment you would expect in a high-quality car including driver, passenger and front side airbags, alarm and immobiliser as standard. It also has the stability control, Attention Assist system, which alerts tired drivers, the Pre-Safe anticipatory crash-protection system and a pop-up bonnet to protect pedestrians in the case of a collision.
Mercedes-Benz has a great record in reliability and came 6th in the 2011 JD Power survey out of 28 other manufacturers.
The boot is a fairly large size offering 414 litres of space with the seats up and 2385 litres with the seats folded down. The R-Class estate has plenty of room in the front for two passengers. The 350 L is a long wheelbase version and so has loads of room in the back as well.
The running costs are high with the R-Class estates despite the efficient engine stop/start system. The 350 CDI L model costs £46,140 and has a combined economy of 33.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 223g/km.
The price is high and the running costs equally so. However, the performance is almost flawless and the R-Class is a perfect luxury cruiser. As a long wheelbase version, the estate is good for a corporate/chauffeur driven vehicle.
The amount of equipment and the cabin trim are suitably luxurious for this type of high-quality car.
The resale value on the R-Class estate is good and Mercedes-Benz promise good service and reliability as well, although servicing is expensive.
The R-Class 350 CDI L is the ultimate luxury estate car and the long wheelbase option is perfect for a corporate/chauffeur driven car. The refinement and the smooth driving experience is all that y...
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