Mercedes-Benz R-Class Road Test

Mercedes-Benz R320

Where 4WD is concerned, there is always a compromise between on-road comfort and off-road capability. The R-Class has anti-squat and anti-lift air suspension at the rear axle, while AIRMATIC with Adaptive Damping System (ADS) is standard on the R500 and an £880 option on the other two. However, on the road, the car feels a bit on the wallowy side and has a tendency to oversteer slightly on bends.

As well as the 4MATIC drive system that splits the torque, 50:50 to the front and back axles, the R-Class features 4ETS. This is an Electronic Traction Control System that makes sure that if one wheel loses traction the torque is fed to the remaining wheels and ‘pulsed’ to the slipping wheel.

ABS, ASR (acceleration skid control), ESP and Brake Assist are standard throughout the range, as is the PRE-SAFE System with the NECK-PRO, whiplash reduction system. There is also a tyre pressure warning system and Parktronic parking sensors.

The test car, minus the extras bears a price tag of £42,970 but it is easy to get carried away with the options lists. Some of the items, such as the third row side airbags are a sensible choice; however, the luxury climate control units, heated front seats, and heated windscreen washer system plus the various other bits and bobs are not so important and brought the total for the R320 to £49,020.

Is it worth it? Taking into account the comprehensive safety systems and features, the build quality that goes with the badge and the package as a whole, I think it is. Having said that, I would like to see a third seat in the second row as an option - or would that spoil it?

Mercedes Benz R-Class