2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class: What’s New
Half as many return for 2008

by Marty Padgett | Link to Original Article @ TCC | (2007-07-24)

The R-Class "sports tourer" was introduced in 2006 as an all-new model. It resembles a slightly sportier and more aerodynamic wagon with conventional passenger-car doors - not unlike the Chrysler Pacifica. For 2007, Mercedes added a high-performance R63 AMG with 507 horsepower and a diesel-powered R320 CDI to the lineup.

For 2008, the R63 AMG and R500 versions have been dropped, leaving a V-6 diesel or gas version from which to choose.

The R350 model is now offered in rear- or four-wheel drive. Both versions are fitted to a new seven-speed automatic transmission with TouchShift capability. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes are included, as is stability control.

Both the diesel and gas engine R-Class vehicles come with the AMG body kit and 18-inch wheels.

The R-Class offers a roomy passenger cabin that seats six or seven adults in three rows of seats; the two rear sets of seats can fold flat to accommodate various cargo configurations.

Side-curtain airbags are included and span all three seating rows - and a rollover sensor can deploy the seatbelt tensioners and the curtain airbags if the vehicle senses that a rollover is about to occur.

By far the ugliest Mercedes, IMO.

For 2008 it now can seat 7, too.