The R-Class is already a superb all-rounder in standard 4.938-metre guise. But if you want more, opt for the 5.173-metre long-wheelbase version. It has many advantages: with six or seven people on board, for example, third-row passengers can enjoy even more comfortable accommodation, while the luggage compartment offers even more room for your belongings – 414 litres of load volume up to the roof, to be precise.

When only the first and second seat rows are being used, the load capacity is 1118 litres for the 5-seater ( and 1067 litres in the 4+2-seater – that's 179 litres more than in the standard version. You also benefit from a load compartment that is 1.075 metres long. The seats in the second row can be moved fore or aft to create a distance of up to 990 mm to the front row of seats – a degree of spaciousness and comfort comparable to that found in luxury saloons. The telling difference in the R-Class: in two-seater configuration, the long-wheelbase version can, if required, offer a maximum load capacity of up to 2436 litres in the 5-seater version and 2385 litres in the 4+2 and 5+2-seaters (435 litres more than the standard version) while the maximum loading length grows to 2.217 metres. That means plenty of space for a surfboard, mountain bike or any number of holiday souvenirs.


(The R 280 CDI 4MATIC is not available as a long-wheelbase version.)