Mercedes-Benz R-Class SUV Review
SUV Reviewer
The Mercedes-Benz R-Class is something of a mystery vehicle. Is it an SUV? Is it a sport wagon? A minivan with style? Call it what you will but you can call it completely redesigned for the 2011 model year. When the Mercedes-Benz R-Class first entered the scene many consumers weren't sure exactly what to make of it. Not only did the public have a difficult time trying to figure out whether it was a crossover or an extended hatchback but it was also rather difficult to tell that it was truly a Mercedes.
For the 2011 model year all doubt has been removed regarding who manufactures the Mercedes-Benz R-Class. The reproportioned design actually looks like a Mercedes well before you see the badge. With the front end developed to resemble the Mercedes line of SUVs the overall look was added to with newly styled side mirrors, LED running lights, brand new wheels, and the rear bumper. The exhaust outlets have been joined to work cohesively and stylishly with the lower fascia. The addition of LED tail lights rounds off the exterior accessory changes.
The Mercedes-Benz R-Class provides a quiet ride in a well laid out and comfortable interior. At the same time it still offers the capacity to seat six full grown people without complaint. The turbo-diesel has helped to improve the fuel economy which now runs at about 18 miles per gallon in the city, 24 miles per gallon on the highway, and 24 combined miles. The stability control, traction control, and the antilock brakes are simple but necessary standard safety equipment. Side curtain air bags and airbags for the front seats as well as the second row of seats help improve safety standards and could very well be setting a new trend in safety design.
With a seven speed automatic transmission the Mercedes-Benz R-Class reaches 60 miles per hour in 8.2 seconds flat. When opting for the clean diesel option the overall performance enhances and the new technology that provides better power, stronger EPA ratings for fuel efficiency, and lowered emissions the Mercedes-Benz R-Class has reached a new segment of its own. While you can technically stick this vehicle in the crossover or even minivan category it also stands by itself in its very own class created by its existence.
The Mercedes-Benz R-Class does have a few drawbacks. While the design of the rear doors could be considered intelligent when you have use of a driveway or wide open parking areas, trying to open them in a typical parking space is a bit of a challenge. The gasoline version doesn't quite produce the torque necessary to give the consumer that ultimate get up and go. With the turbo diesel the increased torque provides a much better platform for comparison.
While there are many interesting and even fun features that dress up the Mercedes-Benz R-Class the interface for the COMMAND system is not as user friendly as one would hope. The touch screen requires perfection for performance, which is very difficult when you're driving. With a high price on the sticker, the overall redesign gives consumers a much more intelligent feeling when driving off the lot.
For the 2011 model year all doubt has been removed regarding who manufactures the Mercedes-Benz R-Class. The reproportioned design actually looks like a Mercedes well before you see the badge. With the front end developed to resemble the Mercedes line of SUVs the overall look was added to with newly styled side mirrors, LED running lights, brand new wheels, and the rear bumper. The exhaust outlets have been joined to work cohesively and stylishly with the lower fascia. The addition of LED tail lights rounds off the exterior accessory changes.
The Mercedes-Benz R-Class provides a quiet ride in a well laid out and comfortable interior. At the same time it still offers the capacity to seat six full grown people without complaint. The turbo-diesel has helped to improve the fuel economy which now runs at about 18 miles per gallon in the city, 24 miles per gallon on the highway, and 24 combined miles. The stability control, traction control, and the antilock brakes are simple but necessary standard safety equipment. Side curtain air bags and airbags for the front seats as well as the second row of seats help improve safety standards and could very well be setting a new trend in safety design.
With a seven speed automatic transmission the Mercedes-Benz R-Class reaches 60 miles per hour in 8.2 seconds flat. When opting for the clean diesel option the overall performance enhances and the new technology that provides better power, stronger EPA ratings for fuel efficiency, and lowered emissions the Mercedes-Benz R-Class has reached a new segment of its own. While you can technically stick this vehicle in the crossover or even minivan category it also stands by itself in its very own class created by its existence.
The Mercedes-Benz R-Class does have a few drawbacks. While the design of the rear doors could be considered intelligent when you have use of a driveway or wide open parking areas, trying to open them in a typical parking space is a bit of a challenge. The gasoline version doesn't quite produce the torque necessary to give the consumer that ultimate get up and go. With the turbo diesel the increased torque provides a much better platform for comparison.
While there are many interesting and even fun features that dress up the Mercedes-Benz R-Class the interface for the COMMAND system is not as user friendly as one would hope. The touch screen requires perfection for performance, which is very difficult when you're driving. With a high price on the sticker, the overall redesign gives consumers a much more intelligent feeling when driving off the lot.
