2011 Mercedes-Benz R350 Blue TEC

The slow-selling Mercedes-Benz R-Class finally gets its first major facelift through the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R350 Blue TEC.  The early version of the R-Class confused buyers as to whether they were looking at a minivan, an SUV, or a wagon.  The new R350 manages to shed most of its minivan appearance to look more like the GL-Class SUV- its bigger and successful sibling.  Ironically, it is classified as a front engine, 4-wheel drive, 5-door wagon that accommodates 6 to 7 passengers.  It falls under the luxury crossover vehicle segment.

Endowed with the remarkable capacity to transport people and cargo, the redesigned 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class stays true to its purpose of giving unequalled interior space while providing luxurious comfort to its passengers.  It takes on a more assertive character with a completely redesigned front section, sleek side proportions, and seamless rear section.  Its interior is best described as versatile specifically with the variety of seating options offered.  Configurations accommodating 4 to 7 passengers can be arranged as required.  The 3rd row seats are easily folded when more storage space is required.  The most popular option is the 2-2-2 seating configuration per row.  A seventh seat option can be provided in the second row.  A maximum of three child safety seats can be placed all at the same time because of the space available.

At a base price of $ 52,615.00, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R350 Blue TEC comes in standard equipment including 3.0L turbocharged diesel V6 engine, 7-speed automatic transmission, 19-inch alloy wheels, 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, self-leveling air suspension, power tilt/sliding glass sunroof, COMAND system, in-dash 6-disc CD/DVD changer, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, electronic stability program, trailer stabilization system, anti-slip regulation, and tire pressure monitoring system.  Options include the Premium 2 Package consisting of the Harman/Kardon Logic surround sound system, keyless go, rearview camera, Sirius Satellite Radio, 4GB hard drive, power steering column, power liftgate, iPod/MP3 media interface, HD digital radio, auto-dimming mirror, and voice control.

The Lighting Package includes the headlamp cleaning system, Bi-Xenon headlamps, and LED daytime running lights.  Options that can be availed of individually are the rear seat entertainment system, three zone automatic climate control, panoramic sunroof with electric sunshade, PARKTRONIC, heated front seats, steel gray exterior paint, Mbrace, blind spot assist, and the wood/leather multifunction steering wheel.   The R350’s freshening is essentially limited to the exterior.

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz R350 Blue TEC faces competition in its own backyard with the GL350 and M350 both BLUE TEC diesel, as well as outside competition with the likes of the BMW X5 diesel, Cadillac Escalade Hybrid and the Lexus GX460.  The Blue TEC diesel-engine has respectable fuel efficiency.