The Mercedes-Benz R 500 was a variant of the Mercedes-Benz R-Class that was introduced for the 2006 model year. The R500 was built in two brief periods: 2007-2008, and 2010-2013. Initially, the R500 was powered by a 302hp 5.0L V8 engine, but from 2010 onwards, a 382hp 5.5L V8 was used. Regardless of the engine, the R500 was only available with a 7 speed automatic transmission sending drive to all four wheels via Mercedes' 4MATIC all wheel drive system. Production of the Mercedes-Benz R500 ended in 2013 when the model was discontinued.