Presenting a nice combination of performance, luxury, space and utility, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is a distinctively designed group of luxurious crossover vehicles. The R500 and R63 have been discontinued for the 2008 model year, leaving the remaining R-Class lineup to consist of the rear-wheel drive R350, the all-wheel drive R350 4Matic and the all-wheel drive R320-which is not available in states that have adopted California's strict emission standards. This very competent and versatile vehicle offers comfortable 7 passenger seating and out handles traditional large SUV's. The luxurious ambiance of the R-Class, with its sumptuous appointments and the elite reputation that is tied to the Mercedes-Benz name, is unmatched by any minivan on the market-as well as most luxury SUV's and cross over vehicles.

The Mercedes-Benz R-Class looks more like a luxury wagon than an SUV. The rear wheel drive R350 and the all wheel drive R350 4Matic come standard with 18 inch wheels, leatherette premium vinyl upholstery, Mercedes' COMAND driver interface, maple accented interior trim, a power driver seat, dual-zone automatic climate control and a single-CD stereo with eight speakers and an auxiliary audio jack. The R320 CDI is similarly equipped, yet only available in states that have not adopted California's emissions standards. The most desirable and popular options are rolled into rather costly options packages, although a few can be selected a la carte. Among the more popular options are leather upholstery, an excellent 12-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system, satellite radio, park-assist sensors and a navigation system with a rearview camera. Additional options include a panoramic glass sunroof, 19 or 20 inch wheels, Bluetooth, keyless ignition, heated seats and steering wheel, a power rear lift gate, three-zone climate control, a rear-seat entertainment system, adaptive cruise control, and glove compartment mounted six-CD changer with a dedicated iPod interface.

A pair of extremely capable, but somewhat lackluster, set of engines propel the Mercedes-Benz R-Class. The R350's 3.5 liter V6 pumps out 268 horsepower, while the R320 CDI is powered by a 215 horsepower, 3.0 liter turbo diesel V6 engine. With 0-60-mph sprints of 8.0 seconds for the R350 4Matic and 8.6 seconds for the CDI, the R-Class is quick, but fuel economy is below average, with EPA estimated fuel consumption at 15 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway for the 2008 R350 4Matic and 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway for the R320 CDI. All R-Class models come with a 7 speed automatic transmission with manual shift control.

Those who have a need for the cargo space and the ability to transport up to 7 people on a regular basis that is matched by one's desire for to be surrounded by extravagance should seriously consider the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class. However, those who have no need for its size should consider smaller, more fuel efficient luxury oriented vehicles that will cost far less initially and provide additional savings on fuel in the long run.