The Basics
The Mercedes-Benz R-Class is one of the best luxury people-movers on the market, yet its chameleon-like qualities and not-quite-minivan, not-quite-SUV styling haven’t made a lot of friends. Despite the road-trip kudos, the R-Class’s ambiguity has gotten in the way of success. With a silhouette that lands somewhere between a tall wagon, an SUV, and yes, a minivan, plus a very people-oriented interior with space to sprawl, the R-Class should be a sales success, especially in the suburbs—it isn’t.
That’s all due to change this year, when the R-Class gets a modest refresh that sharpens up the appearance and takes it slightly more in the direction of a utility vehicle. With interior upgrades and new color combinations, it feels more luxurious yet remains as spacious and versatile.
The R-Class’s top rivals are likely the Lincoln MKT and Buick Enclave—vehicles that offer three rows of seating with a good dose of comfort. However, the 2011 R-Class provides something those vehicles don’t: In addition to the base 3.5-liter V-6, a 210-hp, 3.2-liter turbo-diesel V-6 is available in the R350 BlueTEC, enabling mid-20s fuel-economy figures on the highway.
Though primarily a wagon in purpose, the R-Class offers a 4Matic all-wheel-drive system for all-weather performance, along with a smooth ride, a hefty, solid driving feel, and a lavish interior with some of the latest infotainment systems. Families looking for a long-distance luxury hauler that eats up the highway miles won’t be disappointed.
Styling 7 |
Refreshed styling, especially in front and in back, plus richer detailing, make the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class appear slightly more robust than before, but it still might solicit soccer moms a little too obviously. See details and best of the Web |
Performance 7 |
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class has safe and secure handling, and either powertrain gives it enough performance, but it’s far from nimble. Diesel fans rejoice, as the BlueTEC model feels stronger in everyday driving, as well as more fuel-efficient. See details and best of the Web |
Quality 9 |
We’re not surprised that a number of livery companies have ordered R-Class models. The 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class has seating that adults are bound to find comfortable, no matter which row they’re in, though cargo versatility suffers slightly for it. See details and best of the Web |
Safety 9 |
We’d venture to say that the solid-feeling 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is one of the safest vehicles in which to carry your family and friends. See details and best of the Web |
Features 8 |
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class breaks no new ground for a luxury vehicle, and the COMAND interface is a little kludgy, but everything you’d expect is there. See details and best of the Web |
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Key Takeaway
If you can look beyond the ambiguous shape of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class, you’ll find it a near-perfect vehicle for the family road trip—especially with the strong, economical BlueTEC diesel engine.
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