The 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is a luxury Midsize SUV/wagon that offers a roomy and luxurious interior, car-like driving experience, and standard AWD.
The R-Class which is placed between M-Class and GL-Class as a 7-seater available in two trim levels: R350 4Matic and R350 Bluetec 4Matic. This SUV is loaded with many convenient features and its interior is ranked among nicest in luxury crossover family.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Wagon AWD | Base Price: $52,690.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.1 gallons (80 l) | MPG: 16 city / 21 hwy |
| Length: 203 in. (515.6 cm) | Wheel Base: 126.6 in. (321.5 cm) |
| Height: 65.4 in. (166.1 cm) | Width: 77.1 in. (195.8 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 4960 lbs (2250 kg) | Ground Clearance: 5.8 in. (14.7 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 15.2 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 3.5L DOHC V6 | Compression Ratio: 12.0: 1 |
| Horsepower: 302 HP | Max RPM: 6500 RPM |
| Torque: 273 lb-ft @ 3500-5250 rpm | Transmission: 7-Speed Automatic |
| Option:R350 BlueTEC | MSRP: $53,840; MPG: 18 city / 23 hwy |
Safety & Reliability
The R350 is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine that generates 302 horsepower and 273 lbs-ft of torque. This engine is hooked up to a 7-speed automatic transmission with 4Matic AWD. The fuel economy of comes in at 16/21 mpg city/highway. The R350 Bluetec 4Matic on the other hand, uses a turbocharged 3.0L V6 diesel engine that makes 400 lbs-ft of torque and 210 horsepower. The V6 is complimented by a 7-speed automatic transmission and AWD system. This model can move from 0 to 60 mph in 8.2 second. Fuel economy of this model rates at 18/23 mpg city/highway.
Exterior
Though many people perceive the Mercedes-Benz R-Class as a minivan, it has a nose that has more of SUV looks. From the outside, you will notice standard features that include: 19-inch alloy wheels, LED running lamps, sunroof, automatic headlights and automatic wipers.
Optional features include: power lift gate and 20-inch wheels, while the R350 Bluetec comes with special AMG wheels. The exterior is available in 2 non-metallic color coats: Arctic white and black; and 8 metallic colors ranging from steel grey to diamond white just to mention a few.
Interior
The interior of the R-Class is made of high quality materials, with the cabin controls dominated by a COMAND electronic interface from Benz’s previous generation. The roomy interior comes with standard 3 rows that can accommodate 7 adults comfortably.
Many standard features have been incorporated including: Bluetooth connectivity, imitation leather, a sliding moon roof, and burl walnut trim. Optional features are: eucalyptus wood trim, panoramic glass roof, rear entertainment system and Nappa leather and memory seats. When the third and second row seats are folded, a maximum cargo space of 85 cubic ft is created.
The R-Class is fitted with numerous standard safety features to guarantee safety of the occupants during a ride and in the event of a collision. Some of these features are: side impact airbags for outboard seats in the first and second row, a pair of 3-row curtain airbags, active front seat head restraints, and traction and stability control.
A standard Mercedes PreSafe system is yet another key safety feature incorporated in this car. This system readies the safety belt, closes the sunroof and windows when it detects an impending collision. Optional safety features include: blind sport warning system, backup camera, and mbrace emergency system from Mercedes. The R-Class is backed with a 4-year or 50,000 mile basic warranty.
Pros
- Third row
- Comfortable, composed ride
- Tight build quality
- Fuel efficient diesel engine
- Seating for seven
- Top-notch interior quality and materials
Cons
- Wide-swinging doors make tight parking spots difficult
- Expensive, even for a luxury SUV
- Antiquated COMAND interface
- Limited cargo space
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is a vehicle that provides comfortable rides combined with high speed stability. With its subdued noise levels and other standard features, the R-Class can therefore be regarded as a luxury family vehicle of choice.
Station wagons, or simply wagons have been replaced by SUVs, however, bordering on Crossover, Mercedes Benz continues in the tradition of wagons with the R, it is joined by the Lincoln MKT (MSRP $45,285; 17 city / 25 hwy), the inline 4 Audi Quattro Allroad Wagon (MSRP $39,600; 20 city / 27 hwy), and the Cadillac CTS Wagon (MSRP $39,205; 18 city / 26 hwy).
Overall Rating
75 out of 100
What others say:
“If you need to accommodate several adult passengers in comfort–or even if you seek a more luxurious alternative to a minivan–the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is a great pick.”Car Connection
“R-Class acts more like a station wagon than an SUV. The steering is impressively linear and accurate, though some drivers may prefer a weightier feel. R-Class corners with impressive grip and balance with no excess body lean. Stopping control is strong.”Consumer Guide
“The three-row R-Class has a comfortable and quiet ride, with secure handling. A 3.5-liter V6 and a turbodiesel are the only engines.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“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.”KBB
“Seating for seven; comfortable and composed ride; relatively good fuel economy; tight build quality…Cumbersome to maneuver; antiquated COMAND interface; limited cargo and passenger space compared to minivans.”Edmunds
