Mercedes-Benz R-Class

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class ranks 9 out of 17 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 86 published reviews and test drives of the Mercedes-Benz R-Class, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

If you can stomach its high price tag and minivan styling, the R-Class shines for its spacious and luxurious interior, innovative styling, and exceptional performance. It even boasts a fuel-efficient diesel engine option.

The Mercedes-Benz R-Class has always walked a fine line between minivan and SUV. Designed as a luxurious minivan alternative, the six- or seven-seat hauler has never enjoyed much success. Many reviewers attribute that to its steep price and its decidedly minivan-like styling, which some call disproportionate. For 2011, Mercedes-Benz has attempted to increase the R-Class’ appeal by giving it a complete style overhaul. The redesigned SUV has a completely new front end, revised taillights and headlights, and an updated bumper.

Aside from the exterior changes, the R-Class is essentially the same car as last year’s model -- with the exception of a new beige-on-brown color scheme option, a 3D instrument cluster display and an integrated compass for the rearview mirror. The R-Class continues to offer a super-luxurious, super-comfortable cabin and a comfort-oriented ride.

“Against luxury seven-passenger SUV-like crossovers, the R-class looks good on paper with plenty of interior space and impressive (diesel) fuel economy,” says Car and Driver.“But even with the improved styling, the R-class looks dowdy to minivan-fearing Americans. If you can get over appearances and have a thick wallet, then the R-class stands up well.”

Indeed, you’ll need a lot of cash to get into an R-Class. The 2011 model is expected to start just over $50,000, with the diesel model adding about $1,500 to the price -- and that’s even before you add options. On top of that, the R-Class’ base fuel economy rating, 14/19 mpg city/highway, is among the worst in its class. On the flip side, the diesel model’s fuel economy, 18/24 mpg city/highway, is near the top of the class -- which means it may be a better value than the base R-Class.

Other Luxury SUVs to Consider

If you can live without the prestige and refinement of a Mercedes, there are plenty of less expensive family SUVs. However, none of them can match the R-Class’ extremely spacious cargo area and roomy third-row seats.

The Lincoln MKT provides seating for seven (that’s one more than the standard R-Class). Better yet, it starts at about $6,000 less than the R-Class and has a much higher 17/23 mpg base fuel economy rating. The MKT also has a luxurious interior complete with high-tech options like a self-parking system, refrigerator in the second row, and a power-folding third row. Just remember that it doesn’t come standard with all-wheel drive, and many reviewers don’t like the MKT’s oddly proportioned styling.

The Audi Q7, on the other hand, comes standard with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system and seating for seven. It starts at about $2,000 less than the R-Class, but it doesn’t improve upon its poor base fuel economy rating. However, Audi offers a TDI diesel model that nets 17/25 mpg city/highway, which is much more than the base R-Class (though still not as high as the diesel R-Class’ rating).

Details: Mercedes-Benz R-Class

The R-Class continues to come in two trims: the base R350 and diesel-powered R350 BlueTEC. Both come with Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

• "For those Mercedes buyers who do shop the R-class-perhaps because they're looking for maximum seating capacity while avoiding a high-riding SUV-we'd heartily recommend the R350 BlueTEC over its gasoline counterpart."
• "Do I want it? If you put high value in the functionality of your vehicle, carry six or seven passengers often and don't mind driving around a vehicle that closely resembles a (gasp!) minivan, then yes."
• "R-Class combines Mercedes-Benz luxury and driving dynamics with minivan-like utility. This SUV's ability to transport 6 or 7 adults in executive-jet comfort is unparalleled in this class. It's not cheap, but slow sales should mean big discounts."
• "If you were put off by the previous looks of the R-Class but still like the idea of a luxury hauler, the 2011 model could be one to finally check out."
• -"While the new corporate uniform will likely win over a handful of customers, chances are Silver Arrow buyers will just as soon buy the big-boy GL-Class SUV over its crossover sister - and at $49,300 for the gasoline R Class, we can't really blame them."

R-Class Performance - 7.9 (Good)

Reviewers like the 2011 Mercedes R-Class’ car-like performance. Just remember that it's engineered for comfort rather than excitement. The only sticking point is its base fuel economy rating, which is one of the worst in its class. Fortunately, the R350 BlueTEC diesel model provides increased fuel economy with only a minimal price increase.

R- Class Exterior - 7.3 (Good)

For 2011, Mercedes has substantially updated the R-Class’ styling. Reviewers like the new front end, but they still find the rear end (which is largely unchanged) oddly disproportionate. And they say the R-Class still looks like what it’s trying so hard not to be: a minivan.

R-Class Interior - 8.5 (Very Good)

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class continues to boast a spacious and luxurious cabin, which is expected considering its high price tag. It provides standard seating for six and optional seating for seven. However, not all reviewers like its complicated COMAND controls system.

R-Class Safety - 10.0 (Excellent)

Although the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class has not yet been tested by the federal government or the insurance industry, the similar 2010 model receives good scores in crash tests. The R-Class is filled with state-of-the-art safety technology, including Mercedes-Benz's PRE-SAFE system.

R-Class Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D.Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The R-Class is covered by a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty.