I will simply start by saying I do not like minivans and would never own one.

However, after the Seinfeld post where one member wrote that Porsche enthusiast Jerry Seinfeld supposedly owned a Honda Odyssey to transport his kids, I began wondering why high end manufacturers don't build minivans.

Why doesn't Range Rover, Bentley, Mercedes, Aston Martin, or the like offer a vehicle suited to hauling around youngsters while they watch cartoons on the headrests?

 

I consider my VW Vanagon high end! Even used it to haul a Rover one time! Seriously--that's the role of the Cadillac Escalade.

 

Mercedes makes the R350 crossover. It comes pretty close to mini-van territory.

 

I think because mini vans are kid-haulers and who wants kids in nice upholstery? A well put together one would be pretty luxo though!

 

Seinfeld has the right idea. For hauling families, minivans make sense. They give the most room efficiency and safety for the weight and size. SUVs simply do not measure up in this respect. The problem for high end brands is that minivans are not "cool" enough. By the way the MB R series is simply ugly.

 

Why should any given manufacturer fill every market need? What's the point for MB or BMW to make a minivan? Minvans are practical, low-cost, people movers, not the territory of those brands.

 

Right on. It reminds me of a hearse.

 

Minivans are very functional...and sometimes the performance is pretty surprising...however, they seem to attract the dumbest drivers in the world. I feel like there is some minivan virus that is going around like a pandemic that has caused anyone driving one to lose 50 IQ points, go deaf and become partially blind. I am not kidding, I can almost predict the next stupid move they will make every time I see one...because it will always be the dumbest thing they could do at that moment.

When I drove one for work - it was amazing how much equipment we could cram in one and the V6 had good power...but the friggin' drivers-----argh! I start using the buttons in the car to shoot my james bond missiles at them.

 

Why. Seriously?

 

I don't disagree. Mini-vans may be very practical but I've never seen one I'd buy based on it's looks. In that respect the R class fits right in.

 

The R class can't compare with a minivan because it doesn't have sliding doors. For small kids, its such a great feature to have the power sliding doors, they have a huge opening and the remote open is convenient. If you can get over the stigma, you really can't beat the minivan as a family hauler. The high end Siena and Odyssey are approaching luxury levels in equipment. So take a look at those.

 

I actually like the R-Class:

 

If you have a young family you simply can't beat the practicality and usability of a good minivan. There's no better vehicle for the job.

 

Seinfeld had a minivan because he is a doofass!!!!! If you didn't know who he was, he would look just perfect behind the wheel. Just because he is funny and loves Porsches, doesn't make him cool. High end companies would never want to be associated w/ a minivan.

 

We rent a minivan for our annual golf trip. Room for 4 golf bags, luggage, and 4 seats that recline.
Its an appliance that does serves a purpose.