One day, all MPVs will be like this, but in the meantime the Mercedes-Benz R-Class creates a genre all of its own.
I would have been no good in the resistance, especially if I'd been asked to go into hiding. I don't seem to have the knack. I am writing this from a place of concealment but all the driver needs to do is open the shed door, and 'Allo, 'Allo, I'm bubbled.
Driver? Yes: any moment now I am expecting someone to call and collect the Mercedes-Benz R Class, but I am hoping to elude him so that he will have to call another day. "He has eluded me, guvnor", he will have to tell his boss. "I aint' so sure but as 'ow I shall 'ave to call annuver day," he will add, sounding like an extra from Pygmalion.
Meanwhile, all I want is a room somewhere, far away from the cold light of day in which press cars are required to be returned and I must surrender the keys without a struggle. And it will be a struggle: for the first time this century I have encountered a wholly new car that I want to keep.
AUTO SPIES PERSPECTIVE: I personally drive the new R350 AMG sport (my daily driver) and it is the best, most underrated Mercedes I've ever driven. Plus, the deals on them are amazing. You can lease one for less than a BMW X3.
Full review here