Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes R-Class

Mercedes latest R-Class goes on sale in the UK next month and aims to prove that you can buy class after all

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Mercedes R-Class
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

No other manufacturer has more niche models than Mercedes. Time will tell if there really is a gap in the UK market for a grand tourer such as the R-Class, but it should attract customers looking for a big cabin and a premium badge who don't want a large off-roader.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Whether it's by train or plane, there's nothing like travelling first class. With enormous seats and uncompromised luxury, Mercedes wants its new R-Class to be the automotive equivalent. But will buyers be prepared to pay for an upgrade?

On sale in the UK next month, the premium estate will be available in standard and long-wheelbase forms. Both offer three rows of two seats, along with a choice of two petrol engines or a diesel unit. Surprisingly, 70 per cent of sales in Britain are expected to go tothe long-wheelbase version, so we drove the R320L CDI.

Sharing its underpinnings with the M-Class, the biggest all-wheel-drive R-Class is huge - 369mm longer than its off-road sibling, with a 3,215mm wheelbase. Both rows of passenger seats provide plenty of leg and shoulder room, while even the rearmost pair offer acceptable headroom. Easy access to the back is made possible by middle chairs that slide forward, and large rear doors - although the size of the latter means there's not room to open them fully in car parks.

With a raised driving position and huge dimensions, the R-Class handles like an SUV, but a lower centre of gravity means it doesn't suffer the ponderous changes of direction that afflict many off-roaders. There's little steering feel, but despite its size the R320 is stable when cornering. The diesel powerplant, proven in other models, is strong and refined.

Air-suspension is an option, but our test model sat on conventional springs and offered decent comfort. If you've got a long journey to make, the R-Class is about as relaxing as any car can be.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,426 off RRP*Used from £11,800
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £40,990
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,219 off RRP*Used from £12,317
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £8,495
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Forget Netflix, Volkswagen locks horsepower behind paid subscription
Volkswagen ID.3 - front cornering

Forget Netflix, Volkswagen locks horsepower behind paid subscription

Owners can now subscribe to boost the power of their car… for a fee
News
14 Aug 2025
Shock new mid-size Range Rover to get EV power and stunning design
Range Rover Velar EV - front (watermarked)

Shock new mid-size Range Rover to get EV power and stunning design

Mid-size SUV will end the four-year wait for a new JLR model and our exclusive images preview how it could look
News
14 Aug 2025
New Jaecoo E5 is a Range Rover lookalike with a very attractive price
New Jaecoo E5 - front static

New Jaecoo E5 is a Range Rover lookalike with a very attractive price

Chinese newcomer’s first electric SUV is also a rival to the award-winning Kia EV3 and Hyundai Kona Electric
News
13 Aug 2025