Wagon Revival

Innovation is something every auto maker tries to offer in a new vehicle. Recently, car companies have carved up the station wagon and cross/utility niches, claiming new models to be “groundbreaking.”

When the Chrysler Pacifica arrived in 2000, Chrysler called it a “segment-buster” — more car-like than an SUV and more stylish than a minivan. In reality, it was little more than a station wagon.

Now, Chrysler's German sibling, Mercedes-Benz, takes Pacifica's game to the next level with the '06 R-Class, a vehicle the luxury brand calls the “Grand Sports Tourer.” Beneath the marketing mumbo-jumbo is a vehicle that will surprise and delight many, while prompting the competition to wonder why it has taken Mercedes so long to get on board the station wagon-revival train.

Mercedes' engineers have designed a vehicle that is roomy, functional and fun-to-drive. It has more substance and is light years ahead of the auto maker's tired E-Class wagon. Designers have sculpted a vehicle that advances a familiar layout, while tastefully maintaining Mercedes' signature styling cues, including the horizontal grille and E-Class-like headlamps.

But that is where similarities with a traditional people mover end. The sheet metal takes on a more aggressive look, with a power dome hood, a dramatically sloping roof line and pronounced fender flares. The overall wedge shape provides a look of athleticism.

Inside, the R-Class surpasses expectations. First, the third-row seat actually is comfortable. Perhaps not spacious enough for a drive from Los Angeles to New York, but there is ample room for the average adult.

The cockpit is similar to the '06 M-Class cross/utility vehicle, with a center console that flows neatly from the instrument panel, color Command system screen and dual climate controls. Second-row seats provide first-class accommodations, with separate climate controls and an optional moveable center console.

Along the Pacific Coast highway, the R-Class handles twists and turns with aplomb, especially considering the vehicle's 203-in. (516 cm) length and 4,766-lb. (2,163-kg) curb weight. Credit Mercedes' decision to use a version of the M-Class unibody platform, which performs best in on-road situations, while adding the confidence of full-time all-wheel drive.

The R-Class comes in two varieties. The R350 sports Mercedes' respected 3.5L V-6, which bowed in the '05 SLK and produces 268 hp and 258 lb.-ft. (350 Nm) of torque. It also features a magnesium intake manifold that creates additional turbulence around the intake valve and in the combustion chamber, boosting fuel economy.

Additional power is available in the R500, which features a 5L V-8, producing 302 hp and 339 lb.-ft. (460 Nm) of torque between 2,750-4,750 rpm.

Surprisingly, the R350 is the best-balanced package of the two. The standard 7-speed automatic transmission manages the V-6's output perfectly for such a large vehicle. Little wonder Mercedes executives expect the V-6 to account for nearly 75% of total R-Class sales.

The R350, with a starting price of $48,000, is just pricey enough to offer a smidge of exclusivity, while churning out more than enough power.

The $55,500 base price for the R500 seems a bit steep, especially because Mercedes' new 5.0L V-8 — which debuts in the '07 S-Class next year — eventually will migrate down to the R-Class.

'06 Mercedes-Benz R350

Vehicle type: Front-engine, all-wheel drive, 6-passenger 5-door sedan

Engine: 3.5L (3,498 cc) DOHC V-6, aluminum block/aluminum heads

Power (SAE net): 268 hp @ 6,000 rpm

Torque: 258 lb.-ft. (350 Nm) @ 2,400-5,000 rpm

Compression ratio: 10.7:1

Bore × stroke (mm): 92.9 × 86

Transmission: 7-speed automatic

Wheelbase: 126.6 ins. (322 cm)

Overall length: 203 ins. (516 cm)

Overall width: 77.5 ins. (197 cm)

Overall height: 65.2 ins. (166 cm)

Curb weight: 4,766 lbs. (2,163 kg)

EPA fuel economy, city/highway (mpg): TBD

Market competition: Audi A6 Avant; BMW 5-Series Touring; Cadillac SRX; Lexus RX 330