R-Class

Breadcrumbs

The R isn't bad for a people mover, but it needs to be way more comfortable. Besides, stuff like the GL can seat seven anyway.

Comfort

The most luxurious people mover ever must be setting some new benchmarks for comfort. It doesn't. Ride is a bit choppy. Spacious seating on all three rows, though.
Performance

Has the same 3.5-litre V6 petrol that powers everything from Merc's office coffee machine to even the SL. It won't have you palpitating in excitement, nor is it that economical.
Cool

It says, "I am rich. I have a large family. But I can afford only one car." And that one car isn't terribly good, either. That last bit is our addition.
Quality

Typically Merc. One thing in this car, we won't complain about.
Handling

Too much body roll, squealing tyres and an over-sized steering wheel. All of this translates to 'stick to straight roads'.
Practicality

With all that space, the R class is something you can live in. What? No. A chemical toilet isn't on the options list. We checked.
Running costs

Being an import, it's expensive to buy and being a V6 petrol, it's expensive to run as well. And for all that expense, that engine won't really scorch the tarmac.