2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Review
As family-haulers go, the Mercedes-Benz R350 Bluetec is a nice rig — perhaps too nice for the sippy-cup-and-Cheerios gang. Even though the R350 doesn't fit nicely into a defined category such as minivan, SUV or crossover, it's nonetheless a practical car for the high-earning, minivan-averse family.
The R350 caters to families with its roomy cabin, compliant ride and available convenience features, but it sacrifices some utility in the name of style.
I tested the diesel-powered R350 Bluetec, and a gas V-6 engine is also offered. The diesel version starts at $51,740, but options made the as-tested price balloon to around $67,000. The R-Class' price range overlaps two of Mercedes' SUVs: the five-seat M-Class and the seven-seat GL-Class. The R-Class is available with seating for six or seven. To see a side-by-side comparison of these three models, click here.
See also:
Position of the steering wheel fordriving
The steering wheel is moved to the last
selected position when:
• the driver's door is closed.
• you insert the SmartKey into the ignition
lock.
or
• you press the Start/Stop button once on
veh ...
Front air bags
The front air bags increase protection for the
driver's and front-passenger's head and
chest.
Driver's air bag 1 deploys in front of the
steering wheel; front-passenger front air
bag 2 deploys ...
System self-test
After you have switched on the ignition, the
system carries out a self-diagnosis.
WARNING
A malfunction in the system has been
detected if one of the following conditions
occurs:
- ...