MERCEDES BENZ R-Klasse Lang (W251) 2005-2010 Photos, engines & full specs

Built on the same platform as the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, the R-Class long was designed for those who needed a comfortable, long-distance vehicle.

While in Europe, the Renault Espace was the MPV to beat, in the U.S., Mercedes-Benz faced tough competition against the locals. But, thanks to its badge on the hood and the amenities inside, it was worth it. Then, when it was criticized for not having three rows of seats, the German carmaker introduced the R-Class Lang (long, in German).

With a shape that resembled a station wagon, just bigger, the R-Class L featured a similar front fascia as its sibling. From its profile, the extended wheelbase led to longer rear doors. Yet, the rear quarter panels and the third side windows were the same as on its regular-sized sibling.

Inside, the most significant difference was in the back seats. Unlike the R-Class, the Lang version featured three rows of seats with enough room for up to seven seats. The 2-3-2 configuration maybe was not be that usual for the U.S. market, but it was the best that Mercedes-Benz could do given the fact that it was based on the ML-Class chassis.

Under the hood, Mercedes-Benz installed a choice of gasoline and turbo-diesel engines paired with a standard seven-speed automatic transmission. Power went into all corners, and thanks to the pneumatic suspension, it could even tackle some unpaved roads.