2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Walla Walla, WA - $6,999

Originally introduced in 2005 as a totally new class and redesigned in 2011, the Mercedes-Benz R-Class is distinctly American -- designed for and made by Americans -- with plenty of room, lots of cupholders and an incredible amount of versatility designed in for good measure. Yet at the same time, the R-Class is everything a person would expect a Mercedes-Benz to be: safe, luxurious and full of performance.

The R-Class combines the defining advantages of several distinct vehicles – the sure¬footedness of a four-wheel-drive sport utility vehicle, the performance and comfort of a sports sedan and the versatility of a luxury crossover. In comparison to other Mercedes-Benz models, the R-Class is about the same length as the flagship S-Class sedan.

For 2012, the R-Class model line added standard LED daytime running lights, enhancements to the interior and helpful directional lines for the standard rearview camera. A COMAND system featuring hard-drive navigation, four gigabytes of music storage, SIRIUS/HD radio, SIRIUS real-time traffic updates, Gracenote Media Database, Zagat® Survey restaurant guide guides and voice control now come as standard on all models.

Also for 2012, the R350 4MATIC received an all-new 3.5L direct-injection V6 engine coupled with a more fuel efficient seven speed automatic transmission. Thanks to this new powertrain the R350 4MATIC now gets significantly better fuel economy while producing more power.

The R-Class rides on a strong unibody platform featuring a four-wheel independent suspension with double control arms in the front and four-link air suspension at the rear. Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering delivers impressive on-road driving performance and comfort, and ample braking is provided by large four-wheel disc brakes, with vented discs and double-piston calipers up front.

With a sharp focus on design, comfort, space and performance, the R-Class is designed as a spacious, roomy vehicle with space for up to eight adults. Its standard sunroof or an optional Panorama sunroof further contributes to its openness.

Inside the passenger cabin, the R-Class allows occupants to create their own sense of space with features such as reading lights, armrests, air vents and cup holders as well as seat adjustments for each seat and two separate-source audio plugs. This individualization is further enhanced with the optional MP3 media interface and dual-screen video entertainment system.

It not only has seating positions for six adult passengers, each position has its own environment -- complete with individual reading lights, armrests, air vents, seat adjustments, cup holders and separate-source audio plugs. There is absolutely nothing second-class about riding in the second and third row seats. There is up to 40 inches between the first and second row seats, and more than 30 inches between the second and third row seats. There is not a bad seating position in the entire vehicle. The second and third row seats can also fold flat to provide up to 85 cubic feet of cargo room -- just in case additional space is needed to transport large items.

The R-Class cockpit features a four-spoke multifunction steering wheel with brushed aluminum accents on the lower spokes. The instrument cluster is designed with large chronometer gauges, and the console houses climate control and the COMAND system featuring a large 7-inch display screen with a standard in-dash, six-disc CD/DVD changer and a Bluetooth interface that allows a phone still in a pocket or purse to be operated through the car's audio system. It can be equipped with an optional iPod/MP3 interface, Sirius satellite radio, HD radio, and an enhanced voice control system.

The COMAND system can play tracks stored on a data CD, DVD or SD memory card. This system can also display maps and directions for the standard hard-drive navigation system, which can be set up with Sirius real-time traffic and Zagat restaurant ratings as well. The R-Class can be equipped with an optional rear-seat entertainment system that includes an integrated DVD player with dual-source capability, two eight-inch screens, wireless headphones, and wireless remote controls.

Just a note on the optional panoramic sunroof, it is worth the experience. Two large glass panels provide an open skylight view for every seat in the vehicle. With a touch of a button, the large front panel works much like a traditional moonroof. It can be raised in a vent position, or slide back over the second panel to provide an open-air feel. Power cloth panels move to cover both panels for privacy.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 126.6; overall length: 203.1; width: 85.4; height: 65.4

All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 3.5L V6 - 302 hp at 6,500 rpm and 273 lbs-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm; Transmission: seven-speed automatic

EPA Fuel Economy: 16 city/21 highway

Cargo capacity: 85.0 cubic feet

Payload capacity: 1,635 lbs.

Towing capacity: 3,500 lbs.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, automatic slip regulation, electronic stability program, battery rundown protection, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, first aid kit, universal garage door opener, front/rear fog lamps, automatic headlamps, daytime running lights, SmartKey system, automatic door locks, tire pressure monitors, navigation system, remote keyless entry, engine immobilizer, hill-start control, rollbar protection, and alarm system.

Optional safety features include: blind spot assist, KEYLESS GO, Bi-Xenon high intensity headlamps, and Parktronic.

Warranty

Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile

Pricing

The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class starts from $52,690. Destination charge adds $875. I should note here that due to slow sales in the United States, that Mercedes-Benz will NOT offer a 2013 R-Class model, so a good deal should be able to be had for those who wish to own one.