2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class: Road Test
2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class ▼
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- MSRP: $47,650 - $49,150
- Invoice: $44,314 - $45,710
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Our road test for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class help you decide if a 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| R350 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.3 |
Only R350 models have been made available for us to test. They accelerate briskly, but the transmission in one test model periodically suffered jerky gear changes at low speed.
FUEL ECONOMY
| R350 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 3.5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, an R350 averaged 17.6 mpg. R350 requires premium-grade gas. The R320 BlueTEC is available in all 50 states.
RIDE QUALITY
| R350 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 5.8 |
Any R-Class is admirably comfortable and rewardingly composed. The available air suspension has Comfort, Sport, and Automatic settings. Automatic is the best, as Sport is uncomfortably choppy, while Comfort allows for some float and wallow.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| R350 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 5.5 |
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.
QUIETNESS
| R350 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 6.6 |
Luxury car levels of road- and wind-noise suppression. The gas engine is quiet and refined.
CONTROLS
| R350 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 5.9 |
R-Class blends business-like gauges and sophisticated but generally easy-to-use dashboard controls. Large, well-marked climate dials deserve special praise. Gear shifting via the short column lever takes acclimation. The lever returns to the same position after each shift, requiring the driver to monitor gear selection on instrument panel screen. The navigation system absorbs most audio functions, requires multiple steps for some basic tasks, and its low-mounted screen requires a long glance away from the road to read.
DETAILS
| R350 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 7 |
The cabin design is the expected blend of rich, textured plastics, soft-touch surfaces, and high-quality materials.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| R350 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 7.4 |
Generous room on supportive seats. Entry and exit are easy via large doors and no-stress step-in height.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| R350 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 6.1 |
Spacious. Six-footers have abundant 2nd-row headroom and knee space, plus adequate under seat foot space. Seats blend fine support with soft padding. Second-row seats slide forward and tilt up for entry and exit to the 3rd-row seat, which is roomy enough for two six-foot adults and more comfortable than those in most midsize SUVs. Larger passengers may wish for more shoulder space. Extra-large rear doors ease entry and exit from the 2nd row; 3rd-row access requires some awkward maneuvering. Note that both the 2nd- and 3rd-row seats recline.
CARGO ROOM
| R350 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 9 | 8.4 |
Second- and 3rd-row seats fold easily to lay flush with the floor, providing a cargo hold that's nearly 8 feet long. The available 2nd-row console protrudes above the seatbacks, though. Liftover is low for easy loading. Deep door pockets and multi-chambered 1st- and 2nd-row consoles provide abundant small-item storage.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| R350 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.8 |
R-Class combines Mercedes-Benz luxury and driving dynamics with minivan-like utility. This SUV's ability to transport six adults in executive-jet comfort is unparalleled in this class. It's not cheap, but slow sales should mean big discounts.
Total Score
| R350 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 79 | 68.3 |
Total Score: 79
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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