In function and versatility, the R-Class interior is very much like that in a good minivan (whether Mercedes appreciates that label or not). In design and finish, it's very much a Mercedes-Benz.
The R seats six in three rows of two, as opposed to seven in many minivans. Each seat is individually adjustable, and all will accommodate a fairly tall adult in comfort. Materials used throughout are generally luxury grade, and all R-Class models come with wood trim.
The driver's seating position replicates that in a minivan's: high enough that a big SUV won't completely obscure forward sight lines, but not off-road high. The six-cylinder models have a manually adjusted steering column, while the wheel in V8s tilts and telescopes with power assist. Glass in the R-Class is expansive, allowing excellent visibility in all directions. It also makes for a bright, airy ambience, whether the interior is trimmed in light or dark colors.
The R-Class instrument panel is as luxurious in style, execution and materials as that in Mercedes' mid-size E-Class sedan. There's more chrome decoration than you'll find in most other Mercedes. The dash design is different than that in the M-Class SUV (the R's sister model), with an extra step along its length, but the gauge cluster, center-stack display and switch clusters are identical.
The second pair of seats slides fore or aft six inches, increasing legroom for passengers in the second or third row as needed. Mercedes says there can be as much as 40 inches of space between the first two rows, and 30 inches between the second and third. All the rear seat backs recline, just like those in front. The second row has three sets of air vents, one in the rear console, the floor and the side pillars, and its own fan. Optional three-zone climate control allows separate temperature adjustment in back.
The R-Class is loaded with conveniences you wouldn't find in Mercedes' big S-Class sedan 10 years ago. Every seat has a cup holder, an armrest, air vent and its own light. There are actually more cupholders than seats, and a built-in bottle opener. Entertainment choices abound. The optional dual-screen DVD system mounts LED screens behind the front headrests, and each will display a different input (a movie and video game, for example). The standard stereo has an MP3 jack and plays tracks from an MP3 player using the player's controls. The optional iPod connector will let you put your Apple iPod in the glovebox and play it through the stereo, using steering wheel controls to select tracks from the iPod menu, which is displayed on the dash.
The rear seats fold, individually and in fairly simple fashion, to create a flat load floor. Cargo capacity ranges from 15.2 cubic feet behind the third row to an impressive 85 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The maximum is less than a long wheelbase Chrysler Town & Country, with its slick stow-in-floor seats, but more than some full-size SUVs. Mercedes says cargo lengths approaching nine feet can be accommodated inside.
