For 2007, Mercedes-Benz R-Class expands its model lineup by adding the diesel R320 CDI model and a high-performance petrol R63 AMG model. The R-Class shares the ML-Class platform and incorporates the best attributes of a luxury SUV and sport sedan. The R-Class range offers agile handling and a balanced performance supported by standard all-wheel drive.

Christened as a Sports Tourer, the new R320 CDI features individual seating for six and versatile interiors ideal for recreation, travel, hauling family and cargo, and work. The high performance R63 AMG offers motoring enthusiasts a new spin in the luxury sports-car segment.

Top competitors to the Mercedes Benz R-Class include the Lexus RX 400h, the Infiniti FX, the Lexus RX 350, the Audi Q7, and the Cadillac SRX. The R-Class comes with a warranty of 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Optional packages include a Premium I, II, and III Package, Comfort Package, Trim Package, Lighting Package, Entertainment Package, an AMG Sport Package, Voice Recognition Package, Sunroof Package, and an Air Suspension Package.

The R-Class is available in four models: R320 CDI, R350, R500, and R63 AMG.

The R320 CDI has a 3.0L V-6 diesel engine that generates 215 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. The diesel-powered R320 delivers EPA estimated mileage ratings of 21/28 mpg (city/highway).

The R350 is equipped with a 3.5-liter (L) 268 hp V-6 engine that forks out 258 lb-ft. of torque. It clocks an EPA estimated mileage of 16/21 mpg (city/highway) and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds.

The R500 has a 5.0L 302 hp V-8 engine that gives 339 lb-ft of torque. It renders a fuel economy of 14/19 mpg (city/highway) and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds.

The high-performance R63 AMG is equipped with a 6.3L V-8 engine that produces 503 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. The R63 AMG receives a height-adjustable AIRMATIC air suspension, AMG shocks, and high-performance perforated disc brakes. It has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 12/16 mpg (city/highway) and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

A 7-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission is standard across all models. This transmission comes with a Direct Select shifter, which provides convenient selection during Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Drive modes. A touch shift mechanism allows manual downshifts and upshifts in Drive mode. The AMG model is provided with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT.

The standard 4MATIC permanent full-time 4-wheel-drive (4WD) system performs exceptionally well on wet, snowy, or slippery road conditions. Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) automatically regulates the throttle, brakes, and anti-lock braking system (ABS) to maintain and control speed while descending on hill tracks. A hill-start assist avoids unwanted rollback when starting the vehicle on an incline.

The R-Class has the sleek-long look of a sports sedan in the front, and its round squat shape is reminiscent of the profile of a station wagon in the rear. With its unibody construction, it is about an inch longer than the S-Class, which is a flagship sedan for Mercedes.

A Panoramic Sunroof package offers a large panoramic glass roof that is sheathed across nearly the entire distance between the windshield and the tailgate. It also has power rear pop-out quarter windows, and double sun visors.

The 2007 R320 CDI and R350 have 17-inch 7-spoke alloy wheels with 235/65 R17 all-season tires, while the R500 sports 18-inch 5-twin-spoke alloy wheels with 255/55 R18 all-season tires. The R63 AMG comes on 20-inch AMG 5-spoke alloy wheels with 265/45 R20 high-performance tires.

The R63 AMG wears aggressive front and rear aprons, an AMG front grille, flared fenders, AMG side skirts, tinted taillights, and dual chrome tailpipes.

Standard exterior features include a power liftgate, a compact spare tire, dual power exterior rearview mirrors, a power window lockout, intermittent windshield wiper, a rear privacy glass, front dual illuminated vanity mirrors, a rear window defroster, front dual sunvisors, rain sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers, front and rear color keyed bumpers, a front air dam, and color keyed body side moldings.

The interior is chic and well finished. Its cylindrical gauges are big, well positioned, and easy to read. The R-Class offers comfortable seating for six passengers. The two rear seats are adequate for adults.

The length of the rear doors has been expanded and second-row seats rest on spring-loaded hinges; they make way/snap into position with just a flick of the lever, to allow easy access to the third-row.

All models feature an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support. In addition, the R500 and R63 AMG models feature heated front seats as standard. Moreover, the AMG model comes with an 8-way adjustable passenger front seat. Seating is plush featuring leather front seating inserts with MB-Tex front-seat and rear-seat upholstery for all models except the AMG model, which comes with standard Nappa leather upholstery. The steering wheel is leather-trimmed for all models and AMG comes with a power steering column.

There is polished Burl Walnut wood trim on the console and doors and aluminum trim decorates the console. The AMG model interior is fitted with AMG sport seats, a leather AMG sport steering wheel, a special instrument cluster with AMG graphics, AMG doorsills, and stainless steel pedals with rubber studs.

Standard interior features include a AM/FM radio, air filters, an automatic dual-zone climate control, front carpeted floor mats, a lockable and illuminated glovebox, 10 cup-holders, seatback storage pockets, rear armrest storage, cargo tie-down hooks, roof rails, and door mounted storage.

A well-tuned suspension makes for minimal body-roll. The optional air suspension system provides appropriate damping. All models ride on independent double wishbone front suspension with upper arms and lower arms in addition to an anti-dive geometry and a stabilizer bar. The rear comprises of an independent 4-arm multilink suspension system with upper arms and an anti-squat geometry with alignment control and a stabilizer bar.

Its nimble 7-speed automatic renders seamless shifts. The V-8 generates a powerful and refined performance in comparison to the V-6. Steering and braking are smooth and responsive.

Handling and acceleration of the R-Class is impressive. Headrests obstruct the rearward view, but well appointed mirrors make up for the shortcoming.

The R-Class offers a tire-pressure monitoring system, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution, a stability control system, and a traction control system as standard safety equipment. Front airbags, front-side airbags, rear airbags, and curtain-side airbags that cover all three seating rows are standard.

Other standard safety features are front seatbelt height adjusters, automatic locking retractors, front and rear crumple zones, side guard door beams, a locking fuel filler door, power tailgate locks/unlocks via remote keyless, programmable power door locks, anti-theft alarm, an engine immobilizer, a 3-function Homelink Universal garage door opener, anti-theft keyless entry, and a Smartkey multi-function remote. Rear side airbags are available as an optional feature.