2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Review (continued)
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Summary

The all-new 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class models are indeed grand sport tourers. All six seats are window seats. No center seating here. They feature lots of interior layout flexibility for people and cargo, and plenty of torque for hauling. They're big but garageable. The R500 is not a fuel economy champion at a projected 21 mpg on the highway, it seems to have more overall utility than one of the giant SUVs, and gets better mileage than most of them. It's very cool to look at, and even more fun to drive whenever and wherever there's lots to see and enjoy.

New Car Test Drive correspondent Jim McCraw filed this report from California.

(Source: New Cars Test Drive)

Model Line Overview

Model Lineup:	Mercedes-Benz R350 ($48,000); R500 ($55,500)
Engines:	5.0-liter sohc 24-valve V8
Transmissions:	7-speed automatic
Saftey Equipment (standard):	frontal airbags, side-impact airbags, curtain airbags; electronic stability control, ABS, EBD, all-wheel drive, electronic traction control
Saftey Equipment (optional):	Parktronic
Basic Warranty:	3 years/50,000 miles
Assembled In:	Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Specifications As Tested

Model Tested (MSRP):	Mercedes-Benz R500 ($55,500)
Standard Equipment:	dual-zone air conditioning, leather upholstery, power steering, power disc brakes, suspension, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, console, cruise control, message center, trip computer, eight-speaker AM/FM/WB/CD system, COMAND information display and control system, birdseye maple wood trim, eight-way power seats, folding second- and third-row bucket seats, rain-sensing wipers, multi-function steering wheel, integrated garage door opener; load-leveling rear suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels and tires
Options As Tested (MSRP):	Premium package
Destination Charge:	775
Gas Guzzler Tax:
Price As Tested (MSRP):	61275
Layout:	all-wheel drive
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):	302 @ 5600
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):	339 @ 2700-4750
Transmission:	7-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
Wheelbase:	126.6
Length/width/height:	203.0/77.5/65.2
Track, f/r:	65.5/65.3
Turning circle:
Seating capacity:	6
Head/hip/leg room, f:	39.8/60.3/39.8
Head/hip/leg room, m:	40.4/59.6/36.2
Head/hip/leg room, r:	37.2/52.8/32.4
Cargo volume:	85
Payload:
Towing capacity:
Suspension, f:	independent, double A-arms, coil springs
Suspension, r:	independent, 4-link, coil springs
Ground clearance:	5.8
Curb weight:	4845
Tires:	P255/55R18
Brakes, f/r:	13.8/13.0 disc/disc with ABS, EBD
Fuel capacity:	25.1