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2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

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Overview

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2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 6.4

The 2012 Mercedes R-Class is an unusual vehicle. It's definitely not a minivan nor is it really a crossover (even though that's what Mercedes-Benz calls it). Rather, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class has staked its territory as a no-nonsense rolling monument to practicality. With comfortable seating for six, standard all-wheel drive and the option of a diesel engine, the R-Class puts some of the best-selling SUVs on the road to shame. The R-Class suffers from puzzling nomenclature. The gasoline-fueled version is called the R350 4MATIC, while the diesel-burning variant is the R350 BlueTEC. Both have all-wheel drive.

You'll Like This Car If...

With its solid construction, luxury touches and practicality, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is a pleasant refuge from both SUVs and, especially, crossovers with false off-road pretensions.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you must parallel park in your neighborhood or don't have a bunch of children to transport about town, you may find the R-Class to be more car than you need.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

6.4
Driving Dynamics

5.6
Comfort & Convenience

7.4
Design: Interior & Exterior

4.6
Value

5.8
Safety

7.9

How It Ranks

#14

out of 32

MPG

#19

out of 32

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

7.6 out of 10

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consumer ratings

2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2012

For 2012 the biggest change to the R-Class is the R350 4MATIC's new V6 engine. This 3.5-liter V6 makes 302 horsepower, 34 more than last year's gasoline-fueled V6. Other new standards include LED daytime running lights and Mercedes' COMAND personalization system for sound system, navigation and more.

Driving the R-Class

2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions The new V6 in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R350 4MATIC is a welcome addition. While not hair-raising in any way, the extra horsepower does its part to put a spring in...

the R-Class' step. Mercedes-Benz's 4MATIC all-wheel-drive setup is great as usual and makes for a great year-round people mover. With copious amounts of low-end torque, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R350 BlueTEC is quick enough to keep you from lamenting the diesel engine. The 7-speed automatic transmission finds its place admirably, and both R-Class models are smooth and competent through corners. Excellent braking and turning radii make the R-Class even better an everyday driver.

Favorite Features

Diesel Power
If you wish more good diesel engines were available in the U.S. and you don't try a 2012 R350 BlueTEC you're part of the problem. This great engine proves the viability of the right diesel in the right machine.

Second-Row Seating
We can't tell you what a joy it is to see second-row seats with such comfort and adjustability. Anything that can be done to reduce acrimony and complaint from the back is a good thing in our eyes.

2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Details

2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Interior design and amenities in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class are top notch. The cabin is spacious, as are the second- and third-row seats. Rear-seat passengers have seat adjustments, cup holders and an optional dual-screen DVD player. Elegant wood trim along with the well-integrated monitor of the COMAND system goes a long way toward keeping Mom and Dad sane.

Exterior

Some may find the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class' angular hatch unappealing, particularly taken in context with the elegant swooping rooflines of other Mercedes models. Then again, when the kids' (and your neighbors' kids') and their hockey gear is loaded up, you may not mind so much.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The biggest change for standard equipment in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is the COMAND system. Both the conventional and diesel models retain 4MATIC all-wheel drive, power sunroof and Bluetooth connectivity as standards. The 19-inch wheels are a nice styling touch, and there are two new exterior paint options available.

Optional Equipment

Likely the most appealing option for the 2012 Mercedes R-Class is the dual LCD screens for the rear passengers. There is also an optional sound system and keyless starting system. For the consumer who wants to squeeze a bit more style out of the R-Class, 20" wheels are available.

Under the Hood

The upgraded V6 in the 2012 R350 4MATIC helps alleviate some issues with power relative to weight load in the previous model. Also a little extra horsepower never hurts. The diesel remains an outstanding option for fuel economy without feeling bereft of all acceleration and engine response.

3.5-liter V6
302 horsepower @ 6,500
258 lb-ft torque @ 2,400-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/21

3.0-liter V6 turbocharged diesel
210 horsepower @ 3,400 rpm
400 lb-ft torque @ 1,600-2400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/23

Pricing Notes

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz R350 4MATIC has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $52,700, while the R350 BlueTEC diesel has an MSRP of just under $54,000. Fully loaded the R-Class can top $60,000. Be sure to visit kbb.com to see our Fair Purchase Price, which shows what others in your area paying. It's tough to find vehicles that compete directly with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R350 4MATIC as most are either more truck-like or more car-like than the R-Class. In its price range you'll find SUVs such as the Lexus' GX 460. The R-Class' resale value hasn't held up as well as other Mercedes models, but the growing demand for economy, along with the scarcity of diesel-powered autos in the U.S. might help float used R350 prices in the coming years. To help make sure that the new-car deal you're considering is a good one, be sure to check out kbb.com's Fair Purchase Price, to see what others in your area paying for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

7.6

Out of 10

Based on 160 Ratings for the 2006 - 2012 models.

Review this car

Value

7.8/10

Quality

8.0/10
Reliability

7.8/10

Performance

8.4/10
Comfort

9.0/10

Styling

8.7/10

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."

2 people out of 2 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 .."

4 people out of 4 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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Comfort, luxury, safety, roomy, & its a Benz.

By Hoover (NJ) on Tuesday, October 02, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 55,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Big & comfy, yet sporty & safe handling."

Cons: "Maintenance can be expensive."

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

"Second owner. Love the styling, handling, and especially the roominess. 6 can sit in comfort on a long trip, and the all- glass roof doesn't cause claustrophobia. I can get 28MPG on cruise - not bad for a deuce and 1/2 weight wise. The Sirius radio and Harmon Cardon stereo system is better than most people have in their homes."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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