2012 Mercedes-Benz R Class vs. Its Competition

2012 Mercedes-Benz R Class 4MATIC 4-door 3.5L Angular Front Exterior View
Bengt Halvorson Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

The Mercedes-Benz R-Class isn't an easy vehicle to compare, since it's essentially marketed as a luxury limousine.

In that niche, you might also look at the Lincoln MKT, the brashly styled cousin of the also brash Ford Flex.

Its seven-passenger interior is handsome and commodious, and its seats are easy to fold and configure for people and cargo--plus there's a turbo version available.

The Buick Enclave is another seven-seat alternative, but its engine feels a little short of breath compared to its rivals, and its third-row seat is a little more difficult for adults to clamber into.

A German alternative is the Audi Q7; it's styled sleekly, and offers a diesel version, but its third-row seat is less spacious than the R-Class or the Lincoln.

2012 Mercedes-Benz R Class 4MATIC 4-door 3.5L Angular Front Exterior View2012 Mercedes-Benz R Class
Browse Used Listings		2012 Audi Q7 quattro 4-door 3.0L TDI Premium Angular Front Exterior View2012 Audi Q7
Browse Used Listings		2012 Buick Enclave2012 Buick Enclave
Browse Used Listings		2012 Lincoln MKT2012 Lincoln MKT
Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
8.2
The ambiguously shaped Mercedes R-Class isn't as easy a choice as the big GL-Class SUV, but especially in diesel trim, it's a capable long-distance touring machine.
8.6
The 2012 Audi Q7 has what upscale suburban families want: a lavish interior, a cabin full of premium features, and performance and ride that are very carlike--plus serious towing ability if and when you need it.
8.2
One of the most user-friendly, luxurious, and distinctive crossovers available, the 2012 Buick Enclave is some of GM's best styling work.
9.0
EcoBoost thrust and limo-like space may attract you more to the 2012 Lincoln MKT than its polarizing shape, but we're among its fans.
MSRP From   
$52,690$46,250$36,500$44,300
Gas Mileage   
16 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy16 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy
Engine   
Gas V6Supercharged Gas V6Gas V6Gas V6
EPA Class   
4WD Sport Utility Vehicle4WD Sport Utility Vehicle2WD Sport Utility VehicleSport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Style Name   
4MATIC 4-Door R 350quattro 4-Door 3.0T PremiumFWD 4-Door Base4-Door Wagon 3.7L FWD
Drivetrain   
All-Wheel DriveAll Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity   
6777
Passenger Doors   
N/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style   
WagonSport Utility VehicleSport Utility VehicleSport Utility Vehicle
Transmission   
AutomaticAutomatic w/Manual ShiftAutomaticAutomatic w/manual shift
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2012 Mercedes-Benz R Class vs. 2012 Audi Q72012 Mercedes-Benz R Class vs. 2012 Buick Enclave2012 Mercedes-Benz R Class vs. 2012 Lincoln MKT