Big and Roomy
Inside, you’ll notice it looks a lot like the 2010 R Class. The only changes are the introduction of two-tone interior options, and a new gauge cluster design.
As before, the list of standard convenience and safety equipment is long, and includes such items as PARKTRONIC, navigation, dual rear-seat entertainment system, surround sound stereo, third-row seating, second-row console (for six-seat models), NECK-PRO headrests, panoramic sun-roof, rear-view camera, and EASY PACK power tailgate.
The R-Class is a long vehicle (5,173 mm). The second row seats offer exemplary legroom, and the third row actually fits most adults.
When all the rear seats are folded down it opens up huge space (2,385 litres).
Behind the Wheel
Carried over from 2010 are both the 3.5-litre 268-hp V6 (gasoline), and the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel “BlueTEC” V6. The latter produces 400 lb-ft of torque.
Both engines are exclusively mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic, the automaker’s permanent all-wheel-drive system.
We really like the BlueTEC and all of its 400 “torques.” It effortlessly moves the big Merc along and is quiet, clean (meets BIN 5 emission standards), and fuel-efficient to boot (about 8.4 L/100 km, combined city/highway). And so do most Canadians, apparently, as over 75 percent of Canadian R Class sales are BlueTEC models.
The other V6 continues to be smooth and refined. If you’re not hung up on over-the-top torque like the rest of us, you'll have no quibble with it.
Both models have a very comfortable ride — on smooth pavement you seem to float, hovercraft-like. But this comes at hardly any expense to body roll (by big, crossover standards).
Inside, you’ll notice it looks a lot like the 2010 R Class. The only changes are the introduction of two-tone interior options, and a new gauge cluster design.
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| Carried over from 2010 are both the 3.5-litre 268-hp V6 (gasoline), and the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel “BlueTEC” V6. The latter produces 400 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz) |
As before, the list of standard convenience and safety equipment is long, and includes such items as PARKTRONIC, navigation, dual rear-seat entertainment system, surround sound stereo, third-row seating, second-row console (for six-seat models), NECK-PRO headrests, panoramic sun-roof, rear-view camera, and EASY PACK power tailgate.
The R-Class is a long vehicle (5,173 mm). The second row seats offer exemplary legroom, and the third row actually fits most adults.
When all the rear seats are folded down it opens up huge space (2,385 litres).
Behind the Wheel
Carried over from 2010 are both the 3.5-litre 268-hp V6 (gasoline), and the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel “BlueTEC” V6. The latter produces 400 lb-ft of torque.
Both engines are exclusively mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic, the automaker’s permanent all-wheel-drive system.
We really like the BlueTEC and all of its 400 “torques.” It effortlessly moves the big Merc along and is quiet, clean (meets BIN 5 emission standards), and fuel-efficient to boot (about 8.4 L/100 km, combined city/highway). And so do most Canadians, apparently, as over 75 percent of Canadian R Class sales are BlueTEC models.
The other V6 continues to be smooth and refined. If you’re not hung up on over-the-top torque like the rest of us, you'll have no quibble with it.
Both models have a very comfortable ride — on smooth pavement you seem to float, hovercraft-like. But this comes at hardly any expense to body roll (by big, crossover standards).
 |
| The R-Class is a long vehicle (5,173 mm). The second row seats offer exemplary legroom. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz) |