Mercedes R-Class

R-Class spruced up

The interior designers have been busy at Mercedes... producing a more versatile cabin for the revised R-Class luxury people carrier

Auto Express Car Reviews

Merc hits the UK in September

17th May 2007

Previously, the car has only been sold with up to six individual seats, but it will now be available with a bench accommodating three in the second row. This will leave masses of boot space; 939 litres in the standard wheelbase model and 1,118 in the longer version. Or two more chairs can be fitted, turning the R-Class into a seven-seater for the first time.

There's also revised styling at the front and back for a more modern look, and three fresh colours to choose from - white, beige and green.

The base R350 petrol has been ditched from UK showrooms, and while an R280 is available in Europe, it won't be offered. It means the UK range will be simplified, with the R280 CDI only in standard wheelbase, the R320 CDI in standard or long, and the sole petrol variant, the R500, as a LWB-only model. Its engine has also been replaced, and it now gets the 5.5-litre unit from the GL-Class.

All models come with the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, while air-suspension is an option. There are two trim levels, SE and Sport, and the first cars arrive in September. The range starts from just over £35,000, down from £39,000.