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2006 Mercedes R-Class First Drive
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Specifications |
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TO THE POINT
What’s New? By blending a sport-utility with a station wagon and a minivan, Mercedes-Benz is among the first to sell what it calls a ‘sport-tourer’ in the 2006 R-Class. Based on the M-Class platform and powered by the same V6 and V8 engines, the R-Class offers familiar Mercedes design, technology, and driving character is a fresh new package.
Selling Points: Lots of luxury, slick safety technology, first-class accommodations for six, excellent drivetrains
Deal Breakers: Price tag, funky design, some chintzy bits in the cabins
Our Advice: Hankering for a do-it-all Benz but don’t want the off-roading capability of the M-Class SUV and the E-Class wagon reminds you too much of the car your parents drove? Check out the new R-Class sport-tourer, crossover, minivan-SUV-wagon.
MEET THE COMPETITION
Cadillac SRX
Chrysler Pacifica
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Specifications
The 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class has few direct competitors. The most natural in terms of price-point are the Cadillac SRX and Volvo XC90. Conceptually, the Chrysler Pacifica is identical in terms of design philosophy and mission.
Test Vehicle: 2006 Mercedes R-Class
Price Range: $48,000 (R350); $55,500 (R500) (plus $775 destination charge for both models)
Engine Size and Type: 3.5-liter V6 (R350); 5.0-liter V8 (R500)
Engine Horsepower: 268 at 6,000 rpm (R350); 302 at 5,600 rpm (R500)
Engine Torque: 258 lb.-ft. between 2,400-5,000 rpm (R350); 339 lb.-ft. between 2,700-4,750 rpm (R500)
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Curb weight, lbs.: 4,861 (R350); 4,938 (R500)
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): Not yet rated
Wheelbase: 126.6 inches
Length: 203 inches
Width: 75.7 inches
Height: 65.2 inches
Head room: 39.8 inches (front w/ sunroof); 40.4 inches (2nd row); 37.2 inches (3rd row)
Leg room: 39.8 inches (front); 36.2 inches (2nd row); 32.4 inches (3rd row)
Max. Seating Capacity: Six
Max. Cargo Volume: 85 cubic feet
Max. Ground Clearance:
Competitors: Cadillac SRX, Chrysler Pacifica, Volvo XC90
Photos courtesy of Mercedes-Benz USA
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About Sue Mead
Sue Mead works as a photojournalist and features writer for more than two dozen publications. She has written for Parade, Popular Science, Open Road, the Road & Track Buyers Guide, Men's Journal, Popular Mechanics and Diversion and she has worked as an auto editor for CNN/fn. Sue has co-driven in two of the world's toughest off-road races, the Baja 1000 and the Paris-Dakar Raid. She attended four Camel Trophy adventures for Land Rover North America and has participated in several long-distance adventure drives. She recently completed her first book, "Monster Trucks and Tractors" published by Chelsea House. Sue lives in New England.
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T
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