These days when you have a huge family you call for a larger vehicle in order to carry them all. While numerous of us mums require to be recognized as the greatest soccer mum we also desire to be known as the trendiest - which is why so many of us are shying away from the minivan.

Now a days some of us don’t like the feel of a minivan and some of us don’t demand that much room. But we don’t want to use a small car either. Mercedes has come up with the best result to this - the Mercedes R-Class Sports Tourer. This in reality looks like a cross of a minivan and an SUV. Making it just the good size for numerous families.

Mercedes has applied close to 35% of the mechanics from the M-Class SUV and settled them inside of the 2008 R-Class. It is 203 inches long - which is a little bit longer than its competition the Audi Q7. The auto manufacturer has done a good job of making a more refined and fascinating feel with the handling and power of an SUV. It is able to seat 7 people.

There are three trims available for this model that include; the two wheel drive R350, all wheel drive R320 CDI, and the all wheel drive R350 4Matic. Those who live in California will not be able to buy the R320 CDI due to the recent emission regulations.

Normally we are thrilled to experience what Mercedes has in store for us when it comes to the engine - but we were disappointed this time around. Mercedes has withdrew the 5.0 liter V8 engine and the 6.2 liter V8 engine and exchanged it with the much less powerful engines for every last trim level. The R350 has been fitted out with a 3.5 liter V6 that forces out 268 horsepower. The R320 CDI has been equipped with a 3.0 liter turbo diesel V6 engine that forces out 215 horsepower.

But despite these plain negative changes the 2008 R-Class Sports Tourer still comes through when it comes to operation and hang line. Numbers provided by Mercedes shows us that the R350 4Matic can rev from 0 to 60 mph in 8 seconds and the CDI in 8.6 seconds. Every trim is made with a seven speed automatic transmission with a manual shift control.

But if you plan on using this as a family vehicle than power is not the most essential thing. How comfortable it is and how much room it provides are the strongest things on your mind. The inside of the Tourer is polished and highly comfortable. The gauges constructed into it are very simple to visualize and some of the controls are in the right area without getting in the way of the driver. It can carry up to 7 people and when you fold the third and second rows of seats you have plenty of elbow room to haul things around.