Hoboken, New Jersey — The Mercedes-Benz R-Class is another vehicle aimed at those who need the room of a minivan, but wouldn’t be caught dead in one.
Predictably, the automaker doesn’t call it a minivan, but an SUV. Mercedes also notes that the R Class profile is “coupe-like.”
Whatever it is called, and whatever has influenced styling, when this seven-seater first debuted in 2006, it seemed radical.
Four years later it looks less so, as more and more daring “anti-SUV” styling treatments are rendered on crossovers and other people movers.
Mid-cycle Refresh
Model year 2011 is the year R Class was designated for a refresh. As far as mid-cycle revisions go, this one is on the light side.
But we had a chance to see and experience what was done, via a dual press event here in New Jersey (where the smart electric was also presented).
The biggest development is the new front end, featuring new fenders, hood, grille (black with chrome accents), headlights (dark-tinted Bi-Xenons with washers), front bumper, and LED daytime running lights. The total effect is a more upright and masculine look, and one that connects it more thoroughly to M-B's other SUVs.
Changes to the back end are restricted to a new rear bumper, new LED taillights, and integrated exhaust tips.
The exterior mirrors are also new and sleeker, and when you opt for the Premium Package, these mirrors feature Blind Spot Monitoring.
R-Class also gets new shoes for 2011. Standard rims are 19 inchers, but 20-inchers are part of the new Sport Package, which also throws on adaptive damping system, AIRMATIC Air Suspension, Blue-Tinted Front Glass, and dark tinted LED tail Lamps.
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| The new 2011 models start arriving on Canadian dealer lots in late August and early September. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz) |
Predictably, the automaker doesn’t call it a minivan, but an SUV. Mercedes also notes that the R Class profile is “coupe-like.”
Whatever it is called, and whatever has influenced styling, when this seven-seater first debuted in 2006, it seemed radical.
Four years later it looks less so, as more and more daring “anti-SUV” styling treatments are rendered on crossovers and other people movers.
Mid-cycle Refresh
Model year 2011 is the year R Class was designated for a refresh. As far as mid-cycle revisions go, this one is on the light side.
But we had a chance to see and experience what was done, via a dual press event here in New Jersey (where the smart electric was also presented).
The biggest development is the new front end, featuring new fenders, hood, grille (black with chrome accents), headlights (dark-tinted Bi-Xenons with washers), front bumper, and LED daytime running lights. The total effect is a more upright and masculine look, and one that connects it more thoroughly to M-B's other SUVs.
Changes to the back end are restricted to a new rear bumper, new LED taillights, and integrated exhaust tips.
The exterior mirrors are also new and sleeker, and when you opt for the Premium Package, these mirrors feature Blind Spot Monitoring.
R-Class also gets new shoes for 2011. Standard rims are 19 inchers, but 20-inchers are part of the new Sport Package, which also throws on adaptive damping system, AIRMATIC Air Suspension, Blue-Tinted Front Glass, and dark tinted LED tail Lamps.
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| Inside, you’ll notice it looks a lot like the 2010 R Class. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz) |