The R-Class sits somewhere between a traditional station wagon and a traditional mini-van on the automotive spectrum. It's basically the same size as a minivan only giving up a couple inches of overall height in comparison. Three rows of seating on the inside provide comfortable seating for adults in the first two rows, while still leaving room for a decent 3rd row seat and some cargo storage in back. The R350 and R500 models are powered by a 3.5L V6 and 5.0L V8 respectively. A 7-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive are standard on all models. An AMG-tuned performance model will join the lineup in 2007 boasting > 500 hp.

A 507 hp R63 AMG model will join the lineup. A R320 diesel model will appear later in the model year.