2010 Mercedes-benz R-class R 350 4matic Consumer Reviews

The Car Connection Expert Review

Martin Padgett Editorial Director

March 6, 2010

Buying tip

The wearisome-selling R-Class gets a face-lift for the 2011 model twelvemonth, but we don't expect information technology to dramatically change. If you've never owned a diesel, don't hesitate to choose the Benz oil-burner; it'south quiet and torquey, and it gives the R-Form virtually 500 miles of driving range.

features & specs

4MATIC 4-Door R 350

4MATIC four-Door R 350 BlueTEC

You wanted a Mercedes minivan? The 2010 R-Course crossover is as shut equally you lot'll get, downward to the driving feel.

If car companies treated their products like TV families, Mercedes-Benz would have a Brady-fashion dilemma on its hands with the R-Class. It's such a Jan-the obedient, plain B student unfortunately built-in betwixt two cuter, smarter, more talented siblings. The R-Class all only disappeared in the shadows of the five-seat ML-Grade and vii-seater GL-Grade sport-utes from the day it was born in 2006, and it hasn't fabricated a dent in the luxury-crossover market since, even though a diesel fuel engine makes it the about efficient vehicle of its kind. Radical change isn't coming any time soon, either. For 2010, the R-Grade gets very few tweaks-the biggest one in name only-and soldiers on with a toll tag of about $50,000. The crossovers it gets jealous of? The big and earthy Lincoln MKT, the lean and sophisticated Audi Q7, and the poster child for the bling generation, the Cadillac Escalade.

The R-Grade is sidelined most, we call back, considering of its inflated proportions. Information technology's the rare car that looks bigger than it is. Nosotros don't find anything wrong with the details of the R-Class, but it tries to fuse a sport-ute personality on a minivan-sized body and misses the mark. As long as an Due south-Class and as alpine as some SUVs, the R-Course just can't hide its bulk behind the mom-jeans effect of a low, aerodynamic nose. Worse yet, at first glance, y'all might fault information technology for its quondam corporate cousin, the Chrysler Pacifica. Inside, it's plainer than yous might expect, and the R-Class dash reads more than "utility" than it does "luxury." Wide bands of wood trim dress up the gray plastics well enough, and gauges have cutting-tube styling that'southward trendy and handsome. It'southward the large stack of controls betwixt forepart passengers and the oddly retro chrome trim on the steering wheel that dial dorsum the luxe expect the about. You'd find the aforementioned shapes in minivans of a lesser price point.

For 2010, two R-Class models wear the alphanumeric R350 tag-despite the fact that the diesel fuel version displaces just 3.0 liters. The diesel turns the R-Class into a very practical utility vehicle; it's as smooth every bit mod diesels become, and though its output is rated at just 210 horsepower, its big torque figure of 400 pound-feet gets channeled through a seven-speed automated and an all-wheel-drive system for relatively swift acceleration, all-weather grip, and a wallet-friendly 18/24 mpg fuel economy rating. The gas-powered iii.5-liter V-6 puts out 268 hp through the aforementioned transmission and AWD system, giving the R-Class a little more straight-line performance while cut fuel economic system to fourteen/19 mpg. Benz estimates either version will accelerate to threescore mph in nigh 8.0 seconds. The R-Class' gearbox is a smooth operator, and it offers a manual-shift mode-but we're not certain many drivers always will use it. The R-Class' 5,000-pound body and sluggish steering volition smother most attempts at brisk driving on curvy roads, even if the powerful brakes tin go along up their end of the bargain. The R-Course' air break damps virtually bumps out of affect, though like the GL-Class SUV, its ringlet control is so tight passengers volition feel more head toss than in a softly sprung Cadillac Escalade. Both 2010 R350 crossovers will tow iii,500 pounds with an optional hitch.

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Whether it's a sport tourer, a crossover, or a pseudo-minivan, one affair's for sure: The R-Class delivers its passengers in more comfort and space than whatsoever truck-based SUV, and it's on a par with TheCarConnection's favorite large crossovers, the Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT. The R-Class seats 6 or seven passengers, and at least iv of them will exist coddled in supreme comfort all of the fourth dimension. All three pairs of seats are full-sized and offer adult-sized cushioning and headroom. A 3rd passenger seat can be fitted in the second row in the place of a console. The third-row seats are nearly as costly, with a touch less articulatio genus room and width, and they're hands accessed from the R-Class' wide rear doors and easy-tilt second-row seats. Those big doors can be difficult to open up in crowded parking lots, even in generous spaces. The 2nd and 3rd rows of seats fold downwards to create a sizable cargo space of about 87 cubic anxiety (a huge l cubic feet shy of the Escalade ESV, but larger and flatter than the space in the Lincoln MKT), and the R-Form is positively littered with in-cabin storage, molded into the door panels and subconscious under console lids.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Class has better safety protection than even last year's model. A new POST-SAFE system disables electrical and fuel systems afterwards an accident, while PRE-Condom tightens seatbelts in advance of an accident. All R-Form crossovers take anti-lock brakes; traction and stability command; four-wheel drive; dual front, front and rear side, and side curtain airbags that cover the third seating row; active headrests; a trailer-sway command arrangement; and tire pressure monitors. A radar-based cruise control system, parking sensors, and a rearview photographic camera are options. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) gives the R-Class "good" ratings for front end and side bear upon protection; NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has not tested the R-Course.

Mercedes simplifies some R-Class equipment and options for 2010. All R350 crossovers get standard vinyl upholstery; woods trim; a sunroof (on gas versions); a leather-trimmed steering wheel; nineteen-inch wheels; power forepart seats; dual-zone automatic climate control; power windows, mirrors, and locks; COMAND control for audio and entertainment systems; an AM/FM/DVD changer with SD memory slot and an auxiliary jack; and Bluetooth. An iPod/MP3 interface, Sirius Satellite Radio with real-fourth dimension traffic and data, and Hd Radio are options, along with a rear-seat entertainment organisation. Other options include a power liftgate; keyless entry and button-push start; a cargo tray; a vii-seat configuration; parking sensors; ventilated seats; a panoramic sunroof; a towing packet; a heating steering bicycle; and heated front seats. Twenty-inch wheels tin be fitted to gas-powered versions.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Class won't drive any enthusiast mad with want.

The R-Form never has been a potent seller, and without a major styling change for 2010, it's likely to remain the invisible cousin to the crisp, good-looking Benz ML-Class and GL-Class SUVs.

The R-Class gets sidelined from nearly shopping lists, we think, because of its inflated proportions. We don't find anything wrong with the details of the R-Grade, but it tries to impose a sport-ute personality on a minivan-sized body and misses the mark. As long as an S-Class and every bit tall as some SUVs, the R-Form only tin can't hide its bulk behind the mom-jeans issue of a depression, aerodynamic olfactory organ. Likewise, it looks vaguely like many vehicles, and none of the comparisons would be taken as compliments in Stuttgart. At kickoff glance, you might fault it for its onetime corporate cousin, the Chrysler Pacifica.

Within, the R-Grade is plainer than y'all might expect, and it reads more "utility" than "luxury." Wide bands of wood trim wearing apparel upward the gray plastics well enough, and gauges have cut-tube styling that's trendy and handsome. It'south the big stack of controls between front passengers and the chrome trim on the steering cycle that dial dorsum the luxe look the nearly. You lot'd find the same shapes in minivans of a lesser price indicate.

More Opinions:
Auto and Driver: "sensuous curves"
Cars.com: "rounded and squat at the rear, the R-Course flaunts a relatively long profile"
Edmunds: interior is "both posh and functional"

Review continues below

It's not particularly quick or nimble, but diesel power gives the R-Class a leg upwardly on fuel economic system.

Two engines give the 2010 R-Grade virtually identical performance numbers, salvage for the very important number from the EPA: fuel economic system.

For 2010, 2 R-Form models wear the alphanumeric R350 tag-despite the fact that the diesel version displaces but 3.0 liters. The diesel fuel turns the R-Class into a very practical utility vehicle; it'south as shine as modern diesels go, and though its output is rated at just 210 horsepower, its big torque effigy of 400 pound-anxiety gets channeled through a 7-speed automatic and an all-wheel-drive system for relatively swift dispatch, all-atmospheric condition grip, and a wallet-friendly eighteen/24 mpg fuel economy rating.

The gas-powered 3.v-liter Five-6 puts out 268 hp through the same transmission and AWD system, giving the R-Class a little more straight-line performance while cutting fuel economy to 14/nineteen mpg. Mercedes estimates either version takes about 8 seconds to prowl to 60 mph from a full stop.

The R-Class' gearbox is a shine operator, and it offers a transmission-shift fashion-but nosotros're non sure many drivers ever will use it. The R-Class' v,000-pound body and sluggish steering will smother well-nigh attempts at brisk driving on curvy roads, even if the powerful brakes tin can keep up their end of the deal. The R-Form' air pause damps most bumps out of touch on, though like the GL-Class SUV, its roll control is so tight passengers will feel more head toss than in a softly sprung Cadillac Escalade.

Both 2010 R350 crossovers will tow 3,500 pounds with an optional hitch.

More Opinions
Edmunds: diesel "really lunges forwards once the Bluetec is on eddy"
ConsumerGuide: diesel "suffers brief turbo lag, and so accelerates quickly"
Kelley Bluish Volume: "seamless shifts, always finding but the correct gear when needed"
Cars.com: "steering feels just right for this new grade of automobile"
ConsumerGuide: "acts more than similar a station carriage than an SUV"
ConsumerGuide: "the steering is impressively linear and accurate, though some drivers may prefer a weightier feel"

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There's no shortage of passenger or cargo room within the 2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Grade.

Whether information technology's a sport tourer, a crossover, or a pseudo-minivan, one affair's for sure: The R-Class delivers its passengers in more than comfort and space than any truck-based SUV, and it's on a par with TheCarConnection.com's favorite big crossovers, the Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT.

The R-Class seats six or seven passengers, and at least four of them will be coddled in supreme condolement all of the fourth dimension. All three pairs of seats are full-sized and offer developed-sized cushioning and headroom. A third passenger seat can be fitted in the second row in the place of a console, but it might not fit larger folks. The third-row seats are nearly as plush, with a touch less knee room and width, and they're easily accessed from the R-Class' wide rear doors and easy-tilt second-row seats. Those large doors tin can exist difficult to open up in crowded parking lots, even in generous spaces.

The 2nd and 3rd rows of seats fold down to create a vast cargo infinite of most 87 cubic anxiety (a huge l cubic feet shy of the Escalade ESV, merely larger and flatter than the Lincoln MKT), and the R-Form is positively littered with in-cabin storage, molded into the door panels and hidden under panel lids.

You won't hear any complaints from united states about the R-Grade' fit and stop. Past examples nosotros've driven take felt drum-tight, though a trivial diesel and wind noise are inherent.

More than Opinions:
ConsumerGuide: "6-footers have abundant 2nd-row headroom and articulatio genus space, plus acceptable nether seat foot space"
Cars.com: seats accept "magisterial comfort and support, are wholly adjustable to adapt ane's physique, and remain appealing fifty-fifty after hours of driving"
ConsumerGuide: "cabin design is the expected blend of rich, textured plastics, soft-touch surfaces, and high-quality materials"
ConsumerGuide: "2nd- and 3rd-row seats fold easily to lay flush with the floor, providing a cargo hold that'due south nearly eight feet long"
ConsumerGuide: "liftover is low for piece of cake loading"
Cars.com: "optional second-row console contains additional cupholders, and bottle holders are located in each door pocket"
ConsumerGuide: diesel "intrusive during acceleration and noticeable at idle and in cruising"
Cars.com: "merely a touch of driveline and route sound is axiomatic"

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The 2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Grade hasn't been crash-tested by the feds, but individual industry groups vouch for its high safe rating.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Class has better safety protection than information technology did fifty-fifty last year. A new Postal service-Rubber arrangement disables electrical and fuel systems after an blow, while PRE-SAFE tightens seatbelts in advance of an blow.

All R-Class crossovers have anti-lock brakes; traction and stability control; four-wheel bulldoze; dual front, side, and mantle airbags that cover the third seating row; and tire force per unit area monitors. A radar-based cruise control system, parking sensors, and a rearview photographic camera are options.

The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Condom) gives the R-Class "good" ratings for front and side affect protection; NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Rubber Administration) has not tested the R-Class.

More Opinions
Cars.com: "side curtain airbags protect occupants in all iii rows of seats"
Edmunds: "steeply raked windshield affords fantabulous sight lines"
Cars.com: "a nest of headrests impairs the rearward view, which is otherwise OK and helped by aplenty mirrors"
Cars.com: "reflections are evident in the steep windshield, but they're not likewise distracting"

There'southward no shortage of actress equipment for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Class.

Mercedes simplifies some R-Grade equipment and options, but caution'due south still the keyword as some features can only be had in expensive packages.

All R350 crossovers go standard vinyl upholstery; 19-inch wheels; forest trim; a leather-trimmed steering wheel; power front seats; dual-zone automatic climate control; power windows, mirrors, and locks; COMAND command for audio and entertainment systems; an AM/FM/DVD changer with SD memory slot and an auxiliary jack; and Bluetooth.

An iPod/MP3 interface, Sirius Satellite Radio with real-time traffic and data, and HD Radio are options, along with a rear-seat entertainment system. Other options include leather upholstery; a power liftgate; keyless entry and push-push button start; a cargo tray; a vii-seat configuration; parking sensors; ventilated seats; a panoramic sunroof; a towing package; a heating steering bike; the rear-seat entertainment organization; and heated front end seats.

More Opinions:
Edmunds: COMAND "lacks the control knob nosotros've come to wait in premium vehicles"
Edmunds: "smorgasbord of identical-looking black buttons surrounding the COMAND screen"
Cars.com: "weather condition-band reception is included in the standard radio"
Car and Commuter: "be careful when cruising the long listing of optional temptations" Cars.com: "optional flat-screen monitors built into the dorsum of the front head restraints can provide entertainment for rear passengers"

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Source: https://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/mercedes-benz_r-class_2010

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