Mercedes R350 R-class - A high-end MPV!

Not the most common MPV in town ... not surprising when a 2006 used / recon example fetches over RM$400K!


Mercedes.com.my published more details and local prices for Peninsular Malaysia ...
In the interior the driver and front passenger will find luxurious "executive chairs" awaiting them. Behind them is where all the versatility starts. The R-Class comes in a 5-seater variant as standard, with a large flap and an additional stowage compartment in the boot floor. The R-Class is also optionally available in 6-seater and 7-seater models. In the 4+2-seater and the 5+2-seater versions, an extra row of seats replaces the luggage compartment underneath the load area.The R-Class is also available in a long-wheelbase version, which offers even more room for passengers and luggage. Wherever your travels may take you, the R-Class is the perfect companion.
R350L (3,498 cc @ 272hp) = RM$502,888 (Without insurance)
R280L (2,996 cc @ 231hp) = RM$458,888 (Without insurance)

Wikipedia
The R-Class is a crossover offered by Daimler AG in 2006 model year under the Mercedes-Benz brand. It is the first minivan ever produced by Mercedes-Benz, although it does not have sliding doors, which many consumers, particularly Americans, associate with minivans.
It was first seen at the 2001 Detroit Auto Show as the Vision GST (Grand Sports Tourer) concept, and the final production vehicle was shown at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. The R-Class is built on the V251 chassis, and is assembled in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It is priced between the M-Class and the GL-Class. It is marketed by Mercedes-Benz as a "Sports Cruiser."
The R-Class is offered in two wheelbases, 2980 mm (117.3 in) and 3215 mm (126.6 in).
Sales have not met with manufacturer's expectations, having fallen well short of a planned 50,000 a year. In 2007 only 13,031 vehicles were sold worldwide, and Mercedes is currently working on a replacement for the R-Class. The R-Class will get a minor face-lift for 2010.

Juliansi.blogspot.com thinks ... for the well-heeled, this may not be such a bad choice of a people carrier, large, seats seven, has plenty of style and image, and is very uncommon!