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:
CL-Class in the Market
The S-Class sedan outsells the CL-Class roughly 10 to 1, but that doesn't
make the big coupe a failure. Even though two-doors aren't as popular here as
they are in some foreign markets, Mercedes s ...
Setting the temperature
Climate control climate zones
You can select different temperature settings
for the driver's and front-passenger sides as
well as for the left and right sides of the rear
compartment and the ...
Overview of transmission positions
The DIRECT SELECT lever is on the right of the
steering column.
P Park position with parking lock
R Reverse gear
N Neutral
D Drive
The DIRECT SELECT lever always returns
to its origina ...