2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

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The R-Class comes in two trims: the R350 4MATIC and the R350 BlueTec turbo-diesel. The R350 4MATIC comes with a 3.5L V-6 gasoline engine offering 268 horsepower and 258 foot-pounds of torque. Mileage for this engine is estimated at 15 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. The R350 BlueTec features a 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel engine, offering 210 horsepower and 398 foot-pounds of torque at 1600-2400 rpm. Mileage for the BlueTec is estimated at 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. Both engines come mated to a standard 7-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes-Benz' 4MATIC system. Front and rear suspension is independent, featuring double wishbone in front and 4-arm multilink in rear.

Comfortable seating for six is standard on the R-Class and 7-passenger seating is optional. There are up to 40 inches of space between the first two rows and up to 30 inches between the second and third rows.

A full range of safety features are standard, including 4-wheel vented anti-lock disc brakes, side airbags for the first and second rows, side-curtain bags for all three rows, electronic stability control with rollover sensors, an advanced tire pressure monitoring system and a trailer stability assist feature. The R-Class also comes standard with the Mercedes 'Pre-Safe' system, which tightens seat belts, adjusts seats and prepares the vehicle to be more 'flexible' in the event of an impending accident. Standard for 2010 is Mercedes 'Post-Safe' system which unlocks the doors and shuts off the engine and fuel system after an accident.

Standard equipment includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 18-inch aluminum wheels, power sunroof, performance tires, bucket seats, power driver's seat, fog lamps, privacy glass, anti-theft system, brown maple woodgrain interior trim, trip computer, wireless cell phone hookup and interior cargo shade. Also standard is Mercedes' COMAND screen-driven menu system with enhanced voice control, 6.5-inch color screen, Bluetooth interface and SD memory-card slot. The R350 BlueTEC will add as standard chrome trim, blue-tinted glass, and darkened tail lenses.

Available options for 2010 include a navigation system, a high-end harmon/kardon sound system, satellite radio, mirror memory, rear parking aid, rear-seat entertainment system, power liftgate, backup camera, keyless remote start, high-definition radio, power folding mirrors, hard disk drive, panoramic roof and heated seats. A second-row bench is available instead of standard bucket seats.
There are few changes to the Mercedes-Benz R-Class for 2010. The 2009 R320 BlueTec is now known as the R350 BlueTec, yet it has the same 3.0L turbo-diesel engine as before. Style-wise, the 2010 R-Series features a slightly larger front grille, more squared-off headlights and new taillights. New exterior colors available are Palladium Silver and Steel Grey.

Most notable for 2010 is the addition of Mercedes' 'Post-Safe' system, which unlocks the doors and shuts off the engine and fuel system after an accident. This feature complements Mercedes' 'Pre-Safe' system, which prepares the vehicle if a collision is anticipated. Both 'Pre-Safe' and 'Post-Safe' are now standard equipment.
Stylish people-mover; roomy and elegant interior; comfortable ride; exceptional performance
The Mercedes-Benz R-Class is a vehicle that is part-SUV, part-crossover, part-minivan, and is considered by many reviewers to be a luxury mid-sized SUV. Introduced in 2006, the R-Class shares a platform with the Mercedes-Benz M-Class. Its primary competitors are the Lexus RX and Cadillac SRX.

The R-Class is unique in its class. It features a tremendous amount of interior space, and it's one of the few vehicles with a third row that allows the vehicle to accommodate up to seven adults in posh comfort. With a wheelbase of 126.6 inches, the 2010 R-Class is also one of the longest vehicles in its class. MSRP starts at about $49,000.