Mercedes-Benz 2012 R-Class R350 Term: 36 /mo with $0 Down   $599 /mo   (Miles per year: 7500)

Car Additional Photos

Car Description & Info

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is a large crossover/wagon/van vehicle with a standard six-person capacity. An optional second-row bench seat ups the passenger count to seven. There are two trim levels, R350 Bluetec 4Matic and R350 4Matic, but the difference between the two is restricted to engine and tires.

The R-Class comes standard with 19-inch wheels, automatic headlights, LED running lamps, automatic wipers, a sunroof, power third-row quarter windows, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat (with four-way lumbar adjustment), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, MB-Tex premium vinyl upholstery, Bluetooth phone connectivity, an older version of Mercedes' COMAND electronics interface, and an eight-speaker sound system with a six-CD changer, an auxiliary audio jack, satellite radio and HD radio. The Bluetec gets run-flat tires.

The Premium 1 package adds a rearview camera, a power liftgate, power-folding mirrors, auto-dimming exterior and interior mirrors, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, driver memory functions and an iPod/USB audio interface. The Premium 2 package includes all of the above along with keyless ignition/entry (available separately) and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system. The Lighting package adds bi-xenon headlamps with a self-cleaning system. The Sport Appearance package (not available on the Bluetec) adds 20-inch AMG wheels and blue-tinted glass.

Stand-alone options include parking sensors, adaptive suspension dampers, a blind-spot warning system, a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, three-zone climate control, power rear sunshades, the Mercedes emergency communications system and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz R350 4Matic comes with a 3.5-liter gasoline-powered V6 that produces 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed automatic transmission and "4Matic" all-wheel drive is standard. Mercedes estimates the R350 will go from zero to 60 mph in a rather sluggish 8 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined.

The R350 Bluetec 4Matic comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 diesel that produces 210 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. It also gets a seven-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. Mercedes estimates a 0-60 time of 8.2 seconds. EPA fuel economy stands at 18/23/20 -- good but not really that much better than the cheaper gasoline-powered V6.

Safety

Every 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class comes standard with antilock brakes, traction and stability control, active front head restraints, front seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Also standard is PreSafe, which readies the seatbelts and can close windows and the sunroof if it detects an imminent collision. The Mercedes mbrace emergency communications system and a blind-spot warning system are optional.

In crash testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the R-Class achieved the best rating of "Good" in the frontal-offset and side-impact tests.

Interior Design and Special Features

The cabin of the R-Class certainly warrants its Mercedes badge, with high-quality construction and materials. However, the cabin controls are dominated by Benz's previous-generation COMAND electronics interface, which features a less convenient four-way directional button pad (like an old video game controller) rather than the new multipurpose knob found in the newer GLK-Class and other Benzes.

There are other downsides. The sliding doors of a minivan might not be cool, but the elongated conventional doors of the R-Class (especially the rear ones) can be cumbersome in parking lots. And while the six-person configuration offers plenty of room for all, the optional seven-passenger bench encroaches upon third-row knee room. With the second- and third-row seats folded forward, the R-Class can hold 85 cubic feet of cargo -- less than a minivan, but on par with large luxury crossovers.

Driving Impressions

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is big and feels it, but its ride quality is comfortable and its high-speed stability is exemplary. Throw in appropriately subdued noise levels and you've got all the ingredients of a world-class long-distance cruiser. However, maneuvering the R-Class on tight streets and in parking lots can be a chore because of its size, so the optional parking sensors and rearview camera are certainly recommended.

As for engine choice, the new-for-2012 gasoline V6 is more powerful and efficient than before, so the diesel-powered and slightly pricier Bluetec is no longer the easy choice it once was. Still, we'd probably go for it since the diesel engine is stronger at low speeds around town, with better fuel economy and only minimal cost increase.