2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Review by Kristin Varela
What's a parent to do when they need to transport more than two or three children (or adults for that matter), but they're not willing to make the leap to a minivan and don't love the trucky feel of a traditional SUV? Well, if you have more than fifty grand to spend, you buy a crossover. Specifically, you buy a 2011 Mercedes-Benz R350. It transports up to six people, drives just as easily as a smaller car and does it all with classy Benz swank.
I enjoyed my week test-driving the R-Class. I loved the quiet ride, standard all-wheel drive, the just-right responsive acceleration and the easy braking so much that I was willing to overlook other irksome qualities that normally would have swayed my opinion.
The R350, which was redesigned for 2011, has great visibility, with a big windshield that framed the amazing mountain vistas as I drove to Taos, N.M. The huge dual panoramic moonroofs kept the R-Class' cabin feeling bright and airy. I also loved having the flexibility to haul a variety of combinations of people and cargo, but the third row could definitely use some rethinking.
You might have guessed that this crossover isn't inexpensive. The base model starts at $50,240, and my test car, which was also a base model, cost $67,455. It takes some deep pockets to afford this car, but it's worth it.
See also:
Important safety notes
Do not leave the SmartKey in the trunk/cargo
compartment. You could otherwise lock
yourself out.
WARNING
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always ...
Information on differential anddifferential locks
When the vehicle drives around a corner, the
wheels on the outside of the bend must cover
a greater distance and must therefore turn
more rapidly than the wheels on the inside.
The differential, ...
Problems with the navigation system
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
Solutions
COMAND is unable to
continue route
guidance after the
journey has been
interrupted.
Route guidance is canc ...