The Mercedes-Benz R-Class has always been a bit of an enigma in the automotive world. Trying to categorize it is a challenge – is it a minivan? Is it a wagon? Mercedes-Benz themselves dubbed it a “Sports Tourer,” a moniker that perhaps overpromised on the “sports” and left many scratching their heads about the “tourer” aspect as well. Entering its third year, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class, particularly the 2008 Mercedes R350, faced another challenge: slow sales. This market reality meant that a 2008 Mercedes R350 could be found for around $42,000, a significant drop from its initial price tag of approximately $48,000 just two years prior.
One direct consequence of this tepid market reception was a streamlining of the R-Class lineup. The powerful R500 with its V8 engine was discontinued, much to the dismay of those who appreciated the extra horsepower. Even more dramatically, the short-lived and exhilarating R63 AMG, a true performance beast boasting 503 horsepower, vanished after its single year of production in 2007. For the 2008 Mercedes R350, this meant the focus shifted squarely to the V6 engine, available in either two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations. Alongside it in the 2008 lineup was the all-wheel-drive R320 CDI turbodiesel, further emphasizing efficiency over outright speed.
Despite sharing around 35 percent of its components with the Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUV, which was also produced in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the 2008 Mercedes R350 maintains a distinct identity. Its sheer size is a defining characteristic. Measuring an impressive 203 inches in length, the 2008 Mercedes R350 dwarfs competitors. It’s notably longer than the Audi Q7 by 3 inches, the Cadillac SRX by 8 inches, and even Mercedes-Benz’s own E-Class station wagon by a full foot.
This substantial length directly translates into exceptional interior space. The 2008 Mercedes R350 truly shines when it comes to passenger comfort, especially in the third row. Passengers relegated to the rearmost seats are treated to a level of spaciousness rarely found, making even long journeys agreeable. The adjustable second-row seats are even more generous, offering limousine-like legroom. While a newly optional seventh seat was available for the 2008 Mercedes R350, positioned between the second-row captain’s chairs, it’s best reserved for short trips or occasional use. The interior materials throughout the 2008 Mercedes R350 reinforce its premium positioning, clearly distinguishing it from more mundane minivan alternatives.
However, the 2008 Mercedes R350 isn’t without its drawbacks. The oversized, conventional rear doors, while intended to ease access to the third row, can be cumbersome in tight parking spaces. Their weight also presents a challenge for younger children attempting to close them. This contrasts sharply with minivans, which typically offer power-operated sliding doors – a feature set often available at a lower price point.
Ultimately, the 2008 Mercedes R350 wasn’t designed to compete directly with minivans. Its aim was to deliver a more refined driving experience, blending car-like handling with SUV-like versatility, all wrapped in a premium package capable of comfortably accommodating six adults. In this specific niche, the R-Class largely succeeds. It occupies a unique space in the market, offering a combination of attributes not easily found elsewhere. However, without the V8 engine options, the 2008 Mercedes R350 arguably struggles to fully embody the “Sport” aspect of its “Sports Tourer” designation. For buyers prioritizing sportier performance and willing to compromise slightly on third-row space, alternatives like the Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX V8, or even the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class itself might prove to be more compelling choices.
