R350 Bluetec in the Market

One look at Mercedes' 2010 sales numbers is all you need to understand the R-Class' niche status. In a year when the automaker's midsize M-Class and full-size GL-Class SUVs sold around 30,000 and 20,000 copies, respectively, approximately 3,000 R-Class models left the lot. It's a stark example of the SUV's staying power in the U.S. market.

That said, if you're considering a luxury SUV but might be willing to step outside the SUV box, you'll probably find more to like in the R-Class than you think. It's an eminently sensible SUV alternative — especially if you never venture off-road.

    See also:

    Activating/deactivating airrecirculation mode
    You can deactivate the flow of fresh air if unpleasant odors are entering the vehicle from outside. The air already inside the vehicle will then be recirculated. The operation of air-recirculati ...

    Locking the trunk separately
    You can lock the trunk separately. If you then unlock the vehicle centrally, the trunk remains locked and cannot be opened. Close the trunk lid. Take the mechanical key out of the SmartKey. ...

    Releasing automatically
    Your vehicle's electric parking brake is automatically released if all of the following conditions are met: - the engine is running. - the transmission is in position D or R. - the seat belt ha ...