2009 Mercedes-Benz R Class - Quality Review

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Shopping for a new Mercedes-Benz R Class?

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The 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is a good choice for luxurious mass transportation.

ConsumerGuide assures potential buyers that "six-footers have abundant 2nd-row headroom and knee space, plus adequate under seat foot space...seats blend fine support with soft padding." Cars.com reports that the Mercedes-Benz R-Class seats up to seven "courtesy of three pairs of seats [that] offer magisterial comfort and support, are wholly adjustable to suit one's physique, and remain appealing even after hours of driving." Edmunds warns that the Mercedes-Benz 2009 "new seventh-seat option, however, is a mixed bag...the extra seat does add to the R-Class' versatility, [but] encroaches on third-row knee room when in use and a too-narrow width for adult frames...it makes for a questionable addition."

ConsumerGuide says the "cabin design is the expected blend of rich, textured plastics, soft-touch surfaces, and high-quality materials." Kelley Blue Book reports "the interior of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class feels more like a family room than a car," due to "the panoramic sunroof that spans nearly the entire length of the vehicle."

In regard to interior storage space, ConsumerGuide reports that "second- and 3rd-row seats fold easily to lay flush with the floor, providing a cargo hold that's nearly 8 feet long," while "liftover is low for easy loading." Cars.com states "optional second-row console contains additional cupholders, and bottle holders are located in each door pocket."

ConsumerGuide notes that "the R320 diesel engine sounds louder here than in the E-Class sedan or M-Class SUV, with clatter that's intrusive during acceleration and noticeable at idle and in cruising." But having a quiet conversation while on the road in the Mercedes-Benz R-Class is highly doable: "just a touch of driveline and road sound is evident, but the engine is nearly silent unless pushed hard," according to Cars.com.