DecodedCars2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Body styles
- R320 Cdi 4dr Wagon AWD, R350 4dr Wagon AWD, R550 4dr Wagon AWD, R63 Amg 4dr Wagon AWD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 203.1–203.5 in
- Curb weight
- 5,038–5,280 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 21 MPG combined — 21% better than the average 2008 SUV - (17.4 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 21 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 9 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 3.5L 6-cyl) and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 203 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 127-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,192 lb (R320 Cdi 4dr Wagon AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 24 highway), 21% better than the 2008 SUV - average of 17.4 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2008
- Engines dropped: 5.0L 8-cyl and 6.2L 8-cyl
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 R-Class →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R320 Cdi 4dr Wagon AWD | 203.1 in | 75.6 in | 65.4 in | 126.8 in | 64.6 / 63.8 in | 5,192 lb | 52/48 |
| R350 4dr Wagon AWD | 203.5 in | 75.6 in | 65.4 in | 126.8 in | 64.6 / 63.8 in | 5,038 lb | 52/48 |
| R550 4dr Wagon AWD | 203.5 in | 75.6 in | 65.4 in | 126.8 in | 64.6 / 63.8 in | 5,148 lb | 52/48 |
| R63 Amg 4dr Wagon AWD | 203.1 in | 75.6 in | 65.4 in | 126.8 in | 64.6 / 63.8 in | 5,280 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R320 CDI 4matic Diesel | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 21 | +21% | $4,550 | 485 |
| R350 | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | -10% | $4,850 | 523 |
| R350 4matic | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 19 / 16 | -8% | $5,150 | 555 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Land Rover Range Rover | 15 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Cadillac Escalade | 14 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Audi Q7 | 16 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Lexus LX | 14 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Lincoln Navigator | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other R-Class years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 R-Class | 18 | 203.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 R-Class | 18 | 203.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 R-Class | 16 | 203.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 R-Class | 16 | 203.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 R-Class | 16 | 203.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2007 R-Class | 21 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2006 R-Class | 16 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →