DAIMLER used to call the Mercedes-Benz R-class a Grand Sports Tourer. The acronym for that obviously has less than a positive ring in Singapore.

But that isn't why the R-class has not been popular here since its introduction two years ago. Six seats and a relatively big engine (from 3.5-litre) had made it somewhat of an odd proposition.

MERCEDES-BENZ R280

Price: $239,888 with COE Engine: 2,996cc 24-valve V6 Transmission: Seven-speed automatic with quick shift Power: 231bhp at 6,000rpm Torque: 300Nm at 2,500rpm 0-100kmh: 9.7 seconds Top speed: 220kmh Fuel consumption: 14.9 litres/ 100km (city) Agent: Cycle & Carriage

Thus, enter the R280, with seven seats and a more road tax- friendly 3.0-litre power plant. And Daimler now calls it an SUV-Tourer.

Don't be fooled by the fancy name, as the car, despite all-wheel-drive, has as much offroad capability as a Nissan Latio. It is just another dogged attempt by Daimler to avoid the MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) nomenclature - one associated with domesticity and dullness.

But that is exactly what the R-class is: a people mover, albeit a luxurious one.

Does the R280 have enough power for the task? Mind you, the six-seater R350 already weighed 2.2 tonnes - some 280kg heavier than an equivalent S-class limo.

Surprisingly, the new car measures up reasonably well in the area of acceleration. Getting to 100kmh from standstill is accomplished in less than 10 seconds, and overtaking is not nearly as laborious as you'd imagine - thanks to its torquey engine.

There is no real fuel economy penalty, either. On the highway, the R280 gets 100km on 10.5 litres of fuel. In mixed driving, this goes up to 14.9 litres.

It would be more economical if it did not have all-wheel-drive (later batches of the R280 will be rear-wheel-driven).

The car does not seem to turn as tightly as the Merc sedans, but it still makes decent U-turns.

The only real quarrel with the car - whether it is an R280, R350 or R500 - is its poor visibility. Its thick A-pillars and relatively high haunches make turning left at junctions or going up carpark ramps somewhat of a guesswork.

And reversing would be hairy without the audio and optical aids.

With the aircon running, the engine is as loud as a truck's - audible in its otherwise well-insulated cabin.

The seventh seat is in the middle row, and is expectedly not as broad or as cushy as the other six.

But overall, the long wheelbase car is still among the most spacious MPVs in town. Even with seven onboard, stowage capacity is adequate.

It is also undoubtedly the plushest MPV, lined with soft leather upholstery and wood veneer, and separate rear aircon controls. A keyless access and ignition system, along with a motorised tailgate, are other noteworthy amenities.

Best of all, it has air suspension, which makes the third row just as comfy as the other two rows - a rarity for an MPV.

Access to the rear row is very easy too, as the second row seats move forward and upward with a gentle tug.

Finally, it is a big car to behold - one with the prestigious three-pointed star upfront. And with that insignia, you can pretty much name your car any which way you want, really.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Mar 22, 2008.