2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Class: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is largely unchanged. This slow-selling wagon is the larger of Mercedes' two midsize SUVs. It shares its basic design with the M-Class and offers seating for up to seven passengers. R-Class is also about 12 inches longer in wheelbase and 15 inches longer overall than the M-Class.

Two models are offered, both with standard all-wheel drive. The R350 has a 268-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine. The R350 BlueTEC has a 210-hp 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 and run-flat tires. All R-Class models have a 7-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 3500 lb. Seating is available as a 2-2-2 arrangement, with folding 2nd-row bucket seats and a folding 50/50 split 3rd-row bench. A 2nd-row bench is available for seven-passenger capacity. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front and rear side airbags. A sunroof is standard, along with Mercedes' PRE-SAFE safety system that senses an impending collision and tightens the seatbelts and moves the front passenger seat to a safer position. PRE-SAFE also closes an open sunroof if a rollover is detected. DVD entertainment is also available, as is an audio unit with voice control that combines a wireless cell-phone link, a navigation system with real-time traffic updates, HD radio, 6-disc CD/DVD changer, MP3 connectivity, and a hard drive that can store 4 gigabytes of digital music files. This report is based on evaluations of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class.