Yaz AMG

I've lost count on how many I've seen so far, but I'll tell you that the more I see it, the more I like it.

Curb Zone

 

Merc1

Yeah me too. It is a funky design, but kinda handsome, especially in lighter colors. I've seen one in white with the AMG package, very slick looking. Like all of Mercedes' larger vehicles it really hides its size well out on the road. It doesn't look nearly as large as it really is.

M

Osnabrueck

I drove the R500 just now. I came away impressed with the vehicle's driving charicteristics. This thing definitely isn't a minivan or an SUV; it's something entirely different. Just think of it as a very big sedan.

If any of you have driven a Toyota Yaris or Scion xA, that's the closest thing I can think of that approximates the general feel of the car's elevation and how that relates to the driving experience. Of course, the R-Klasse is much bigger and luxurious, and somewhat hard to digest for a few moments - I was nervous driving out of the parking lot just because it seemed like "so much car" to lug around.

I drove the R500 fast on a really horrible road and was impressed with the ride quality. Usually I chip my teeth on the same stretch. The engine gave a nice purr when I gunned it and acceleration made you forget the vehicle's size. Dive was well controlled under hard braking and the turning radius is way better than you'd expect.

Better yet, the back seats are functional. I'm 5'11" and would have no problem being back there for a half hour or so. I'm sure there'd be no complaints from slightly smaller adults. 2nd row legroom is excellent.

I credit MB for making the R completely unique. The vehicle definitely delivers on the promise of being a big un-suv that drives well.

Mr. Mercedes

Nice review Osna. Thanks.

What did you think about the exterior and interior design and build quality?

Osnabrueck

If you've been in the new M-Klasse then you know exactly what the R is like. Most of the gear and materials are virtually identical, which is to say that things look and feel good overall. If you're expecting a cabin on the level with the S-Klasse you'll be dissapointed.

I didn't take much time to study the R's (in this case Black) exterior. In general, I think it looks pretty good.

Osnabrueck

One more thing I might add - it's hard to tell where the front of the R is. The hood slopes at such a steep angle all you really see from behind the wheel is road. I'm sure you adjust to this pretty quick-like, but when you first jump into one it throws you off.

Yaz AMG

Nice personal review Onsa

I seen an R500 the other night parked in front of my building and I peaked inside at the interior, it looks so much better in real life than in the pictures. If you ask me, I think it’s even better than the new M-Class. Lighter interiors on the R are much better than darker ones IMO

PHYBENZ

I agree that the interior of the R is better than the ML. I have sat in both and like both interiors very much, and beleive the ML interior is very well built. I think the ML interior is more of a sporty interior while the R is more luxurious..

Osnabrueck

There's ovbious differences between the R and M interiors. However, when it comes to the overall impression one gets as a sum of the components, fittings and materials, the two are basically on the same level. This is especially true since the instrument binnicle, transmission stalk and center stack are virtually identical on both vehicles.

Curb Zone