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.

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    Important safety notes
    WARNING Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving. Adjusting the steering wheel while driving could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The electrical steering wheel adjus ...

    Setting the interior/exterior lighting delayed switch-off time
    Interior lighting: you can set whether and for how long you wish the interior lighting to remain on in the dark after you have removed the SmartKey from the ignition lock. Exterior light: you c ...

    Releasing the parking lock manually
    In the event of an electrical malfunction, it is possible to release the selector lever lock manually to move it out of position P, e.g. if you wish to tow the vehicle away. Do not use any s ...