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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Overview

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2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Review

By KBB.com Editors

For 2011 the Mercedes-Benz R-Class crossover utility vehicle has been given a fresh new face, the same sophisticated fascia that's shared with many of the manufacturer's other models. While the change may seem small, the alteration has given the R-Class a more unified look. Potential buyers may still be left scratching their heads over exactly what to call the R-Class, but the "sport tourer" offers plenty of passenger and cargo capacity for families who want a more luxurious way to get around town. The R-Class includes a seven-speed automatic transmission, standard all-wheel-drive and a choice of gasoline or diesel engines. Unsurprisingly, it's rather spacious inside, with feature-rich seating for six people and so much cargo space it bests the huge Cadillac Escalade.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you can't quite stand the thought of owning a minivan but require an abundance of space and functionality, the R-Class is a winner. The interior offers three rows of luxury seating and a BlueTEC diesel engine option delivers impressive fuel economy without a power penalty.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Make no mistake, this is a huge vehicle. If you don't find yourself playing chauffer to the neighborhood on a regular basis, something smaller may be a better option. Navigating tight city streets or jousting in cramped parking lots can be difficult at best.

What's Significant About This Car?

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class has an entirely new front-end, complete with fresh fenders, a new hood and a redesigned front fascia. The look borrows heavily from the German automaker's new design language and the big people-mover wears it well.

Driving the R-Class

Driving Impressions The 3.5-liter V6 powering the R350 is partnered with a full-time all-wheel-drive system and a seven-speed automatic transmission to create a pleasant, but not spirited, driving experience. The R350 BlueTEC...

actually feels quicker, which is no surprise given the engine's abundance of low-end torque. We found that even on winding roads the R-Class smoothly carved through the turns while the seven-speed transmission delivered seamless shifts, with the shift logic always finding just the right gear when needed. Like many Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the R-Class has both Sport and Comfort suspension settings, and we found the Sport setting quite pleasing and agile. Stopping this heavy vehicle is also no problem with its big 13.8-inch front brake rotors and standard ABS and Brake Assist features. The R-Class also has an excellent turning radius, making it even easier to maneuver than many SUVs.

Favorite Features

Second-Row Captain's Chair Seating
The comfortable second-row seats in the 2011 R-Class offer nearly as much room and comfort as those in the front, providing rear passengers a comfortable riding experience that's nearly unsurpassed.

Panoramic Sunroof
Mercedes-Benz has made the R-Class available with a panoramic sunroof that stretches over six feet. The option does much to help passengers feel less trapped in the second and third rows.

2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Details

Interior

What the 2011 R-Class gives up in functionality by opting for traditional hinged doors instead of the sliders of a minivan it more than makes up for in interior comfort. When equipped with the optional panoramic sunroof, the cabin feels more open and spacious than any of its competitors. Attractive maple interior trim and available third-row seats make the R-class as functional as it is attractive inside. Rear-seat passengers are treated to individual seat adjustments, cup holders, a middle console and an optional dual-screen DVD player.

Exterior

Thanks to the new nose job, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class has developed a much more mature presence. Though the body remains identical to its 2010 predecessor from the front-doors rearward, the vehicle now looks as if it belongs in the Mercedes-Benz stable. An expressive, upright grille dominates the front fascia while wrapped projector lights give it a healthy dose of personality. Though the rear half of the R-Class still holds its awkward proportions, stylized body strakes and arching-rear glass give the illusion of an athletic shape.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Mercedes-Benz has equipped the 2011 R-Class with a long list of standard equipment, including the company's excellent 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. A power sunroof and dual-zone climate controls also make the list, as do stylish 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Inside, look for Bluetooth hands-free calling, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and an in-dash CD changer connected to an eight-speaker audio system.

Optional Equipment

Though the standard-equipment list is lengthy, Mercedes-Benz also offers a substantial number of options. Those hungry for a little more style may chose 20-inch wheels while the tech-hungry can select gadgets like a harman/kardon LOGIC7 sound system, dual eight-inch LCD screens for the rear passengers, the keyless starting system and hard-drive-based navigation. In addition, the 2011 R-Class is available with a panoramic sunroof and tri-zone automatic climate controls. Diesel buyers may also opt for rear air suspension.

Under the Hood

The R350's gasoline V6 is generally adequate but might be less spirited dealing with a loaded vehicle and a steep uphill climb. If you're not deterred by the thought of owning a diesel, the R350 BlueTEC's turbocharged V6 diesel engine provides great acceleration and superior fuel economy.

3.5-liter V6
268 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
258 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2400-5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/19

3.0-liter V6 Turbodiesel
210 horsepower @ 3400 rpm
400 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1600-2400
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Mercedes-Benz R-Class vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

7.6

Out of 10

Based on 161 Ratings for the 2006 - 2012 models.

Review this car

Value

7.8/10

Quality

8.0/10
Reliability

7.9/10

Performance

8.4/10
Comfort

9.0/10

Styling

8.7/10

Comfort

By Joey (VA) on Saturday, June 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 48,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Room,ride,all wheel drive"

Cons: "Styling,eats tires, sunroof creaks"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"We looked at so many options but found that the Rclass is the only vehicle that meets all needs if you don't mind the styling and don't want a minivan."

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Very,very nice

By Mark c (NY) on Tuesday, April 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 97,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "It has the characteristics of most cars in one!"

Cons: "City gas mileage is poor"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I've been living with my r350 for about 8 months now. I only had the one problem so far. The suspension airbag went bad NAND out around $400 to replace. Other than that the car is fantastic, it rides smooth , the ride feels like your in a luxury car and feels smaller than it actually is. This is my first mercedes benz, now I see why it's the king of high end luxury. BMW , Lexus , caddillac ,fall short in refinement."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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a great car

By steve (IN) on Monday, March 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 66,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "a perfectly sized vehicle"

Cons: "engine light comes on too often"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"i love this car and am very disappointed that mercedes has chosen to stop selling them in the usa . stopped in 2012 . the diesel gets 28 + mpg when driven at the speed limit on the highway . it is very comfortable and the seating in the third row is very good for an adult and better than most full size SUVs . it sits lower than a SUV and handles more like a quality car than a minivan or SUV . the only problem i have had is that the engine light comes on too often , but never for anything significant . usually just a sensor failure of some kind , which was usually covered by mercedes benz . i know of no vehicle that compares to the R class , and i believe the only reason this is no longer sold in the usa is poor sales which were due to an anemic marketing program by MB . i can't find a used Rclass to buy with lower mileage because no one wants to sell theirs .."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Best auto that's no longer built

By BaldEagle (CA) on Saturday, March 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 90,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Easy to drive"

Cons: "space between seats in cargo configuration"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Compared 3 SUVs when selecting this car in 06: Land Rover, Qx56 and R500. The only one that drove like a sedan was the RClass. That's why I bought it. It's a great car and I dont understand why it isn't more popular with SUV owners. It has as much or more cargo volume than the other two, and it is very comfortable. MB service is very good."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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LOVE MY R but the repair cost are outrageous

By DBLR (CT) on Tuesday, November 06, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 98,000

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 5/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Funt o drive, Great pick up for a crossover"

Cons: "gas millage, maintance cost"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"I know owning a Benz, is not suppose to economical, but the car has been in the shop over 10 times in the last 2 yrs. Air shocks, engine light going on often, axle ect..... Please keep in mind each diagnostic is 300 at the Mercedes Service department. I have been lucky and found a shop that only works on Mercedes and the cost for repairs are a lot cheaper than the Service Center. THE GAS IS KILLING MY POCKETS. It usually cost me about 100 bucks to fill up and that will last 5 days if that. But on the bright side. Its all I could want in a vehicle. It has all the bells and whistles, SUPER roomy for a family of 6, Love the Harmon system, the heated seats. It is by far the most comfortable, stylish car I have ever owned. I would certainly consider purchasing another in the future."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Best car I have ever owned.

By Doglover (OH) on Sunday, October 28, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 79,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Great fuel milage, fun to drive."

Cons: "No heated seats, but great heater."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Love this car. Only thing I wish it had was heated seats, since this is my winter car. It from Florida, where heated seats are not nessary. Drives in snow and ice with no problems. Sound system is great, and the sunroof is like having a convertible."

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See all 161 reviews