Used 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 BlueTEC Crossover SUV Review & Ratings

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-class R350 features two similar models with different engine types: the R-class R350 4MATIC and the R-class R350 BlueTEC. The 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-class R350 BlueTEC has been more positively received in many reviews mainly because the engine it uses has better fuel economy. The 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-class R350 BlueTEC has a 3.0liter BlueTEC turbo diesel V6 engine under the hood. This engine can produce a maximum of 210 horsepower and a remarkable 400lb-ft of torque. The BlueTEC technology has been pioneered by Mercedes-Benz to reinvent the way their cars process diesel fuel. Gone are the days when diesel engines produce too much noise, smoke and foul odor. With BlueTEC technology, all those harmful elements are dramatically reduced.

Comparing the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-class R350 BlueTEC with other crossover SUVs in the market, its overall performance is about average. The exterior design is unpopular among a lot of reviewers, as the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-class R350 BlueTEC looks more like a minivan than a sporty vehicle. A major competitor for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-class R350 BlueTEC in the crossover SUV market is 2012 Lexus RX 350. The RX 350 is one of the top ranking mid-sized SUVs in the market today; being positively reviewed for its overall performance and quality. They only thing about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-class R350 BlueTEC that is vastly superior to the RX 350 based on our reviews are its safety features.

A sticking point is the price of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-class R350 BlueTEC. Other contenders in the crossover SUV category are often $5,000 to $15,000 cheaper than the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-class R350 BlueTEC even though most of them are around the same level in terms of quality and performance. At present, the base model for a 2012 R350 BlueTEC costs about $55,000 and enhancement packages could easily increase the final price.

One of the important things consumers consider when buying cars these days is the fuel economy. With the continuing price increase of gas prices, manufacturers need to be as competitive as they can in this area. In terms of fuel economy, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-class R350 BlueTEC performs just about the same as the Lexus RX 350. Both get 18 miles per gallon in the city but the Lexus is 2 miles better than the R350's 23 miles per gallon highway performance. Compared to other crossover SUVs out there, however, those figures are very competitive.