quite easily set the cruise when attempting to make a lane change. Finicky window switches took quite a bit of adjustment on the operator's part just to close them.

The excellent DVD system took three adult men 20 minutes to get an image on the rear monitors, including 10 minutes after cracking open the owner's manual. A lack of intuitiveness pervades the COMMAND system, making Bluetooth linking and navigation more difficult than it needs to be (why can't I use the provided number pad for addresses?).

Lastly, the handling of the vehicle is a bit ponderous when empty but does feel more evenly balanced with a few passengers aboard.

Even though the kids love this car, the R-Class is not your typical minivan substitute. The space aft of the third row is not quite as voluminous as a minivan's cargo hold. Large rear hinged doors are less kid-friendly than you'd think, especially in the parking lot of your local Target. It weighs a bit more than the average minivan, but most of that heft is transferred into sound deadening and luxury touches like thicker, more comfortable seats.

It may not be a minivan, but it is a very nice luxury car. What other vehicle provides luxury accommodations for six adults like the R-Class? Sure, some SUVs have a third row of seats, but they're not as comfortable as those found here. Your S-Class sedan looks great parked in the executive lot, but do you really want three colleagues cheek-to-cheek across the rear?

Sam Fiorani wishes to thank the Mercedes-Benz delivery driver who purchased a snow cone from his kids' charity sale while dropping off this particular test vehicle.

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