2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

MSRP: $50,240 - $51,740

Invoice: $46,537 - $48,118

MPG: 15 City / 19 Hwy

 

Introduction

The refurbished and sportier has been treated to a completely new look, with a new grille, hood, front fenders, bumpers, air inlets, and all front lamp units, using the Mercedes-Benz three-bar-and-star sports car grille in lieu of the former and smaller two-star-and-bar grille.The hood is more steeply raked than the hood on the original. The bodysides have not had to be completely recontoured to fit with the new nose, so that it looks about the same from the sides, but the rear end also has been redone more crisply, with a new diffuser, new bumpers, exhaust tips, and LED fiber-optic taillamps.
The R-Class has had some difficulty finding buyers in the past because there is nothing else quite like it on the road (since the  was cancelled). The R-Class has four hinged side doors, not sliding doors, and a hatch in back, so it's not a proper minivan. It has all wheel-drive, but it's not tall enough to be a called a real SUV, even though its off-road prowess is far better than most. And it's not shaped or sized like a Mercedes-Benz station wagon, either.

Other Luxury SUVs to Consider

If you can live without the prestige and refinement of a Mercedes, there are plenty of less expensive family SUVs. However, none of them can match the R-Class’ extremely spacious cargo area and roomy third-row seats.

The provides seating for seven (that’s one more than the standard R-Class). Better yet, it starts at about $6,000 less than the R-Class and has a much higher 17/23 mpg base fuel economy rating. The MKT also has a luxurious interior complete with high-tech options like a self-parking system, refrigerator in the second row, and a power-folding third row. Just remember that it doesn’t come standard with all-wheel drive, and many reviewers don’t like the MKT’s oddly proportioned styling.

The  on the other hand, comes standard with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system and seating for seven. It starts at about $2,000 less than the R-Class, but it doesn’t improve upon its poor base fuel economy rating. However, Audi offers a TDI diesel model that nets 17/25 mpg city/highway, which is much more than the base R-Class (though still not as high as the diesel R-Class’ rating).

Details: Mercedes-Benz R-Class

The R-Class continues to come in two trims: the base R350 and diesel-powered R350 BlueTEC. Both come with Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

• "For those Mercedes buyers who do shop the R-class-perhaps because they're looking for maximum seating capacity while avoiding a high-riding SUV-we'd heartily recommend the R350 BlueTEC over its gasoline counterpart.
• "Do I want it? If you put high value in the functionality of your vehicle, carry six or seven passengers often and don't mind driving around a vehicle that closely resembles a (gasp!) minivan, then yes." -- 
• "R-Class combines Mercedes-Benz luxury and driving dynamics with minivan-like utility. This SUV's ability to transport 6 or 7 adults in executive-jet comfort is unparalleled in this class. It's not cheap, but slow sales should mean big discounts.
• "If you were put off by the previous looks of the R-Class but still like the idea of a luxury hauler, the 2011 model could be one to finally check out.
• -"While the new corporate uniform will likely win over a handful of customers, chances are Silver Arrow buyers will just as soon buy the big-boy GL-Class SUV over its crossover sister - and at $49,300 for the gasoline R Class, we can't really blame them.

8.0 (Very Good)

Reviewers like the 2011 Mercedes R-Class’ car-like performance. Just remember that it's engineered for comfort rather than excitement. The only sticking point is its base fuel economy rating, which is one of the worst in its class. Fortunately, the R350 BlueTEC diesel model provides increased fuel economy with only a minimal price increase.  

7.0 (Good)

For 2011, Mercedes has substantially updated the R-Class’ styling. Reviewers like the new front end, but they still find the rear end (which is largely unchanged) oddly disproportionate. And they say the R-Class still looks like what it’s trying so hard not to be: a minivan. 

8.5 (Very Good)

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class continues to boast a spacious and luxurious cabin, which is expected considering its high price tag. It provides standard seating for six and optional seating for seven. However, not all reviewers like its complicated COMAND controls system. 

NA

Although the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class has not yet been tested the similar 2010 model receives good scores in crash tests. The R-Class is filled with state-of-the-art safety technology, including Mercedes-Benz's PRE-SAFE system.