Mercedes-Benz R-Class reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Mercedes-Benz R-Class is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 134 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 100 of 442, and 31.9% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is joints (4.4% of tests).
Ranked 100 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 2,079 Mercedes-Benz R-Classes aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 31.9% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Mercedes-Benz R-Class is 25% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
31.9%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
8,600
Typical age at test: 14 years
Mercedes-Benz R-Class MOT failure rate by age
Most common Mercedes-Benz R-Class MOT faults
- Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.4% of tests
- Position lamp: not working4.0% of tests
- Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.1% of tests
- Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.6% of tests
- Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.3% of tests
- Stop lamp: not working2.1% of tests
What the Mercedes-Benz R-Class fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 12.7% | ▼ 37% less often |
| Brakes | 12.0% | About average |
| Exhaust and emissions | 6.1% | About average |
| Body and structure | 5.5% | ▼ 24% less often |
| Tyres | 5.1% | ▼ 36% less often |
| Suspension | 4.7% | ▼ 73% less often |
| Visibility | 3.1% | ▼ 52% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 2.0% | About average |
| Steering | 1.3% | ▼ 66% less often |
| Wheels | 0.7% | About average |
What MPG does the Mercedes-Benz R-Class do?
Official economy for the Mercedes-Benz R-Class ranges from 17.3 to 36.7mpg across the 57 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2007–2013). A typical petrol version manages 24.6mpg and a typical diesel 31mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Mercedes-Benz R-Class?
Any Mercedes-Benz R-Class first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Mercedes-Benz R-Class registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £445 to £790 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carMercedes-Benz R-Class specs and running costs
Official figures for 57 versions sold in the UK between 2007 and 2013.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol
Official economy
17.3–36.7 mpg
CO2
201–387 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-Class R 300 CDI with 17" rear wheelsAutomatic · listed 2013 | Diesel | 36.7 mpg | 201g | £445 |
| R-Class R 350 CDI with 18", 19", 20" & 21" rear wheelsAutomatic · listed 2013 | Diesel | 33.2 mpg | 223g | £445 |
| R-Class R 300 CDI with 17 inch 18 inch & 19 inch rear wheelsA7 · listed 2012 | Diesel | 35.8 mpg | 208g | £445 |
| R-Class R 350 CDI 4MATIC with 17 inch 18 inch & 19 inch rear wheelsA7 · listed 2012 | Diesel | 33.2 mpg | 223g | £445 |
| R-Class (251) R280 CDI SWB no DPF 255 Tyres on 18" Wheels at rearA7 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 31.7 mpg | 235g | £760 |
| R-Class (251) R280 CDI SWB with DPF 255 Tyres on 18" Wheels at rearA7 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 33.2 mpg | 224g | £445 |
| R-Class (251) R280 CDI no DPF 255/265/285 Tyres on 19''/21'' wheels at rearA7 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 31 mpg | 240g | £760 |
| R-Class (251) R320 CDI SWB no DPF 255 Tyres on 18'' Wheels at rearA7 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 30.4 mpg | 246g | £760 |
| R-Class (251) R320 CDI SWB no DPF 255/265/285 Tyres on 19" Wheels at rearA7 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 29.7 mpg | 253g | £760 |
| R-Class (251) R320 CDI LWB no DPF 255 Tyres on 18" Wheels at rearA7 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 30.4 mpg | 246g | £760 |
| R-Class (251) R320 CDI LWB no DPF 255/265/285 Tyres on 19" Wheels at rearA7 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 29.7 mpg | 253g | £760 |
| R-Class R 300 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with 235/65 17" rear wheelsA7 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 34.4 mpg | 217g | £445 |
| R-Class R 300 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with 235/65 17" rear wheels No DPFA7 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 34.4 mpg | 217g | £445 |
| R-Class R 300 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with 255/55 18" or 255/50 19" or 265/45 20" rear wheelsA7 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 33.2 mpg | 224g | £445 |
| R-Class R 300 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with 255/55 18" or 255/50 19" or 265/45 20" rear wheels No DPFA7 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 33.2 mpg | 224g | £445 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Showing the 15 most recent of 57 versions.
What a Mercedes-Benz R-Class costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 24.6mpg…
- diesel, typical official 31mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Mercedes-Benz R-ClassBuying a used Mercedes-Benz R-Class?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Other Mercedes-Benz models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Mercedes-Benz R-Class reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Mercedes-Benz R-Class is 25% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 134 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Mercedes-Benz R-Class?
The most common MOT fault is “Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt”, found in 4.4% of tests.
›What MPG does the Mercedes-Benz R-Class do?
Official economy for the Mercedes-Benz R-Class ranges from 17.3 to 36.7mpg across the 57 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2007–2013). A typical petrol version manages 24.6mpg and a typical diesel 31mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Mercedes-Benz R-Class?
Any Mercedes-Benz R-Class first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Mercedes-Benz R-Class registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £445 to £790 a year.
›How many Mercedes-Benz R-Classes fail their MOT?
31.9% of Mercedes-Benz R-Classes aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Mercedes-Benz R-Class combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.