I just spent a week behind the wheel of the R350. It wasn't as much as I thought it would be...it cost more than I thought it would...it drank gas a bit more than I expected...and I still kinda liked it.

Check out my review and let me know what you think...

http://automotivetraveler.com/jump/2781

I enjoyed the article, especially with regards to its positioning in the MB lineup and how it is not just a minivan with rear hinged side doors. I suspect it would have been more successful in the marketplace had it been designed and marketed as a proper minivan because it certainly looks like one without having the full functionality of one. COMMAND should be COMAND. I've never had issues with the MB cruise control stalk and accidentally triggering it when using the turn signal. It's easier to engage and disengage cruise on a Benz than other vehicles because you can keep your hands on the wheel for all functions.

I enjoyed the article...

Thanks. I agree with your assessment that it probably would have worked better if it were an actual minivan. Those big doors in the back are dangerous in a parking lot, especially if kids are opening them.

I've never had issues with the MB cruise control stalk and accidentally triggering it when using the turn signal. It's easier to engage and disengage cruise on a Benz than other vehicles because you can keep your hands on the wheel for all functions.

I didn't have any problem using the cruise control, but it took a while to get used to where the turn signal was located, which is slightly lower than almost every other vehicle on the market. I wasn't the only person to have a problem with these stalk and I have spoken to Mercedes-Benz owners who made the same complaint as I did. It just takes some getting used to.

Review comes off as well balanced.

I supposed mercedes wants consumers to think of this as a tall station wagon/CUV, ALA the Flex perhaps, but I cannot get away from the obvious minivan proportions here, and the folding flat seats (while no doubt useful) only reinforces that. The low sales (they're not that bad at 18K) seem to bear out my theory that most consumer look at this as a minivan that lacks sliding doors. Really- they'd fit the vehicle and be more functional... but I assume mercedes wanted to avoid the accompanying stigma- therefore, it's compromised, IMO. That, and the mileage is pretty low.

It was originally marketed as a "Grand Sports Tourer" (GST), in the same vein as GT cars designed for high-performance, long-distance driving that emphasize comfort and space, except it's a 2+2+2.

back in 08 when i bought my used taurus X, a broker here had a few used RClass for sale and I came darn close to spending the extra bit to get one. Mercedes used to aggressively lease these and they always had returns with low miles on them.

Even my dad said it would have been worth the upgrade. Even at their list price new its a good and competitive ride.

The slight minivan aura to it did turn me off, at the time.

back in 08 when i bought my used taurus X, a broker here had a few used RClass for sale and I came darn close to spending the extra bit to get one. Mercedes used to aggressively lease these and they always had returns with low miles on them.

Even my dad said it would have been worth the upgrade. Even at their list price new its a good and competitive ride.

The slight minivan aura to it did turn me off, at the time.

With the exception being, after those lease term miles, how would the repair list start to look, vs. a Ford, that is.

These are interesting. Really so as a Bluetec diesel or the ultra "whoa" R63 AMG version.

Well, exactly. I did not want to be caught with it down the road having to fix something which was the main reason I decided not to go that path.

I've never had issues with the MB cruise control stalk and accidentally triggering it when using the turn signal. It's easier to engage and disengage cruise on a Benz than other vehicles because you can keep your hands on the wheel for all functions.

I didn't have any problem using the cruise control, but it took a while to get used to where the turn signal was located, which is slightly lower than almost every other vehicle on the market. I wasn't the only person to have a problem with these stalk and I have spoken to Mercedes-Benz owners who made the same complaint as I did. It just takes some getting used to.

I take back my comments on the MB cruise control and turn signal stalks. The current MB setup is poorly executed. I drove a GLK, and I'm assuming the R-Class has a similar layout, and the turn signal stalk is too low, and the cruise control stalk is too close to the wheel. I inadvertently used the cruise stalk a couple of times.