2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Review (continued)
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Summary

Mercedes calls its R-Class a grand sport tourer. We'd call it a minivan, without a hint of disparagement. The R-Class is stylish and luxurious, with plenty of function. In seats six adults more comfortably than almost any vehicle on the market, with plenty of entertainment options for those inside, and it easily converts to carry a lot of stuff rather than people. It's more satisfying to drive than most other minivans, and it can accelerate faster than some luxury sedans. All-wheel drive makes it great for the wintry conditions, and it will easily fit in most garages.

NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Jim McCraw filed this report from California; with Jeff Vettraino reporting from Detroit.

(Source: New Cars Test Drive)

Model Line Overview

Model Lineup:	Mercedes-Benz R350 ($43,000); R320 diesel ($44,000); R500 ($50,500); R63 AMG ($87,400)
Engines:	5.0-liter overhead cam 24-valve V8
Transmissions:	7-speed automatic
Saftey Equipment (standard):	dual-stage front airbags, front, middle and rear side-impact airbags, full-cabin curtain-style head protection airbags; electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes with EBD, tire pressure monitor
Saftey Equipment (optional):	Parktronic parking aid
Basic Warranty:	4 years/50,000 miles
Assembled In:	Vance, Alabama

Specifications As Tested

Model Tested (MSRP):	Mercedes-Benz R500 ($50,500)
Standard Equipment:	dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, burl-walnut trim, power windows, remote keyless entry, cruise control, eight-speaker stereo with AM/FM/WB/CD, COMAND LCD information display and control system, rain-sensing wipers, multi-function steering wheel controls, eight-way power seats, folding second- and third-row bucket seats, integrated garage door opener; load-leveling rear suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels and tires
Options As Tested (MSRP):	DVD-based navigation system ($1,650); Keyless Go starting ($1,100)
Destination Charge:	775
Gas Guzzler Tax:
Price As Tested (MSRP):	54020
Layout:	all-wheel drive
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):	302 @ 5600
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):	339 @ 2700
Transmission:	7-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:	14/19
Wheelbase:	126.6
Length/width/height:	203.0/77.5/65.2
Track, f/r:	65.5/65.3
Turning circle:	40.7
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 wishbone, coil springs
Suspension, r:	independent, four-link, coil springs
Ground clearance:	5.8
Curb weight:	4917
Tires:	P255/55R18
Brakes, f/r:	vented disc/vented disc with ABS, EBD
Fuel capacity:	21.1