2011 Mercedes-Benz R350 Review

Mercedes-Benz R-Class the decision was made to bring the R-Class into the present, if only so it wouldn’t stick out so badly in family pictures.

The alien-abduction headlights are replaced by angular ones that look vaguely Korean. The whole vibe mixes GLK with GMC Terrain. New wheel designs, side mirrors, rear bumper, LED taillights and restyled exhaust cutouts try in vain to modernize the overall package. From the side or rear, it’s unmistakably R. Since Mercedes couldn’t give the originals away, that doesn’t bode well.

Mercedes initially used this to help separate the car from Japanese and American minivans, but the reality is, when it comes to moving people, those side-sliders are about as handy an invention as Rudolf Diesel’s engine.

The powered a 268-horsepower 3.5-liter gasoline V6 in the base R350, and a 210-horsepower 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 in the BlueTec model. Given the minimal difference in MSRP between the two ($50,240 vs. $51,740), the latter’s 400 lb-ft of torque and similar 8.2-second 0-60 mph run (vs. 8 sec. flat) give it the edge in desirability. The diesel obviously trounces its sibling in the fuel economy stakes too, offering 18-mpg in the city and 24-mpg on the highway compared to 15/19 for the base V6.

Popularity: 25% [?]

Related posts:

1. 2011 Mercedes-Benz G 350 BlueTEC Announced
2. Mercedes-Benz Becker JetVan Sprinter debuts at New York
3. 2011 Mercedes-Benz teases C-Class Coupe [video]
4. Mercedes-Benz S-Class by Inden Design
5. Mercedes-Benz launches E300 & E400 New Hybrids