Auto Guide
2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
Used

Review and specifications

2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Feeling like a luxury minivan, the three-row R-Class has room for six or seven in its flexible interior. The ride is comfortable and quiet. Handling is responsive and secure, but the steering is too light. The 5.0-liter V8 returned 15 mpg overall in our tests. A 3.5-liter V6 is optional. The seven-speed automatic sometimes hesitated to downshift. Access is very easy, but the long rear doors can strike adjacent cars when swung open. The second-row seats are very roomy and comfortable, but the third-row seats are tight. When they are folded, early R-Class models could only carry four passengers; in 2008 a second-row bench seat was offered, increasing seating capacity. Fit and finish are excellent, but some controls are awkward. In 2008, the V8 was dropped and a 3.2-liter V6 diesel was added. The 2012 models marked the last year for the slow-selling R-Class.

Market value
$4,775
Fuel
Conventional
Transmission
Automatic
Seats
6
View listings Find dealers
Model year 2009
Owner rating Not rated
Reliability Not rated
Data updated December 4, 2025

At a glance

Model data

Overview

Powertrain
Conventional
Body style
4-door SUV
Drive type
AWD
Transmission
Automatic, 7-speed
Category
Midsized SUVs
Generation began
2006

Pricing

Current retail median
$4,775
Retail value range
$4,550 - $5,000
Original MSRP range
$47,650 - $49,150
Trade-in range
$1,665 - $2,040

Ratings

Road test score
76/100

Fuel economy

Tested city
10 MPG
Tested highway
22 MPG
Tested overall
15 MPG
Annual fuel cost
$3,245
Cruising range
315 miles

Road tests

0-30 mph
2.6 sec
0-60 mph
7.1 sec
60-0 mph braking
137 ft
Avoidance speed
47 mph
Test status
Test Completed

Dimensions

Length
203 in
Width
76 in
Height
65 in
Wheelbase
127 in
Weight
5,120 lb
Maximum load
1,060 lb
Towing capacity
0 lb

Interior

Seating
6 people
Front head room
3.5 in
Front leg room
41.5 in
Rear head room
2.5 in
Rear leg room
30.5 in
Cargo volume
40.5 cu ft
Luggage
1+1+0

Brand context

About Mercedes-Benz

Most Mercedes-Benzes give their owners industry-leading comfort and technology. The cost of that experience is an expensive base price with expensive options and below-average reliability. The brand produces a wide variety of vehicles for the U.S., including coupes, station wagons, sedans, convertibles, and even two-seat sports cars. Its two- and three-row SUVs that we’ve tested have powerful engines and interiors that are roomy and quiet. Generally, Mercedes-Benz fit and finish, inside and out, is exceptional and helps justify prices. Mercedes-Benz’s EVs range from compact to large three-row SUVs. Across the lineup, controls for the complex climate and infotainment systems aren’t as intuitive as we find in other luxury vehicles. Like most European luxury brands, used Mercedes-Benzes can have expensive out-of-warranty repairs, although Consumer Reports has found used models with above-average reliability.

Vehicle ID: 7364 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: December 4, 2025

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

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