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:

DOT (Department of Transportation)
DOT marked tires fulfill the requirements of the United States Department of Transportation. ...

Checking the battery
Press the or button. The battery is working properly if battery check lamp 1 lights up briefly If battery check lamp 1 does not light up briefly during the test, the battery is dischar ...

Smaller tank, same range
Because the new Mercedes CLS models consume significantly less fuel, it has been possible to reduce the filling volume of the fuel tank in the four and six-cylinder models to 59 litres. The 80-lit ...