The 2011 R-Class Mercedes-Benz occupies a unique space in automotive history. It aimed to blend the best aspects of a minivan, SUV, and luxury sedan into one versatile vehicle. While it may not be the first model that springs to mind when considering a Mercedes-Benz, the 2011 R-Class offers comfortable seating for up to seven passengers, available all-wheel drive, and even a fuel-efficient diesel engine option. However, in a competitive market, does the 2011 R-Class still hold its own? Let’s delve into the details to see what this luxurious crossover offers and whether it’s a worthwhile consideration today.
2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class: A Deep Dive into Features and Specs
Price and Value: Nominal Increase, But What Do You Get?
For the 2011 model year, Mercedes-Benz offered the R-Class in two main trims: the R350 4MATIC and the R350 Bluetec 4MATIC. As the names suggest, all-wheel drive (4MATIC) came standard on both models. While official pricing saw a slight increase compared to the 2010 models, the base R350 4MATIC started around $50,000. This price point included a respectable list of standard features, such as a power sunroof, power lumbar support for the driver’s seat, and Bluetooth connectivity. Under the hood, the gasoline-powered engine provided a familiar driving experience. Stepping up to the R350 Bluetec 4MATIC, for a relatively small premium, buyers gained access to a diesel engine. This diesel variant promised enhanced torque and improved fuel efficiency, making it an appealing option for those prioritizing long-distance comfort and economy.
Optional Features: Elevating Luxury or Necessary Add-ons?
While the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class came well-equipped in its standard form, many desirable features were part of optional packages. The Premium 1 Package, a significant investment at around $4,000, unlocked a suite of sought-after amenities. This package included a navigation system for seamless route guidance, an iPod adapter for integrated media, a power liftgate for added convenience, and a 115-volt power outlet, enhancing practicality for families on the go. For those seeking an even more luxurious experience, the Premium 2 Package, priced around $6,050, built upon the Premium 1 Package by adding a premium Harman/Kardon audio system for audiophiles and a keyless ignition system for modern convenience.
Beyond these packages, buyers could further personalize their 2011 R-Class with standalone options. LED daytime running lights enhanced visibility and added a touch of modern styling. Larger 20-inch AMG alloy wheels provided a sportier aesthetic. An expansive panoramic glass sunroof brought an open and airy feel to the cabin. A heated steering wheel catered to comfort in colder climates, and a rear-seat entertainment system kept passengers occupied on long journeys. Notably, for 2011, Mercedes-Benz introduced Blind Spot Assist technology as an option, adding a layer of advanced safety.
Exterior and Interior Refresh: A Face and Butt Lift for Modern Appeal
To solidify its crossover identity, the 2011 R-Class Mercedes-Benz underwent a significant styling refresh. Mercedes-Benz designers aimed to give the R-Class a more rugged and SUV-like appearance, aligning it with models like the ML-Class and GL-Class. The most noticeable changes occurred at the front end. The softer, rounded front fascia of previous models was replaced with a bolder, more upright design. The entire front section from the A-pillar forward was redesigned, including reshaped fenders and a taller, more prominent nose. The option for LED daytime running lights further contributed to the updated and more masculine aesthetic of the 2011 R-Class.
Moving along the sides, the changes were more subtle, mainly limited to new mirror designs and wheel options. However, the rear of the vehicle also received attention. A restyled rear bumper and LED taillights, although maintaining the same overall shape, freshened up the rear view. Inside the cabin, the updates were less dramatic but still noticeable. The gauge cluster and steering wheel received minor revisions, and the air vents were now finished in silver, adding a touch of refinement to the interior ambiance.
Engine Options and Performance: Power, Torque, and Fuel Efficiency
Under the hood, the 2011 R-Class Mercedes-Benz continued to offer V6 power, a consistent feature for most R-Class models sold in the US, with the exception of some earlier variants. The standard engine in the R350 4MATIC was a 3.5-liter V6, producing 268 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. This gasoline engine provided adequate power for daily driving, paired with a smooth-shifting seven-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. However, fuel economy was rated at 15 mpg city and 19 mpg highway by the EPA.
A more compelling engine option, particularly for those prioritizing efficiency and torque, was the 3.0-liter Bluetec diesel V6, available in the R350 Bluetec 4MATIC. This clean diesel engine, compliant with emissions standards across all 50 states, delivered 210 horsepower but a significantly higher 400 lb.-ft. of torque. The diesel engine excelled in fuel economy, achieving EPA ratings of 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, a notable improvement over the gasoline engine. Real-world testing even showed average fuel economy around 22 mpg in mixed driving conditions, highlighting the diesel’s efficiency.
Driving Dynamics: Handling the Weight and Torque
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class, while offering a luxurious and spacious interior, is undeniably a heavy vehicle. Weighing in around 4,949 lbs for the six-passenger R350 and up to 5,280 lbs for the seven-passenger R350 Bluetec, its considerable mass impacts its driving dynamics. While the diesel R350 Bluetec, with its impressive 400 lb.-ft. of torque, offered strong off-the-line acceleration and ample power for merging and overtaking, the feeling of heft was always present. Diesel engine noise was also noticeable at lower speeds.
The gasoline-powered R350 provided sufficient power for everyday family hauling duties, but its lack of low-end grunt made the diesel’s readily available torque more appealing. The seven-speed automatic transmission performed smoothly in both models. However, the steering feel differed between the two. The Bluetec variant’s steering was described as vague and unusually heavy at low speeds while becoming lighter at highway speeds. In contrast, the gasoline R350 offered more communicative steering and a tighter, more responsive handling feel overall.
Comfort and Interior Space: Where the R-Class Shines
Despite any shortcomings in driving dynamics, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class truly excelled in passenger comfort. The front seats were firm and supportive, upholstered in high-quality leather (optional), and offered extensive power adjustments, including power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, ensuring a personalized driving position. The cabin felt spacious, with generous head and legroom, and an abundance of soft-touch, padded surfaces contributed to the luxurious ambiance. However, some elements, like the plastic climate control dials and vinyl sun visors, detracted slightly from the overall premium feel.
Access to the second row was facilitated by long rear doors, which could be cumbersome in tight parking spaces. Children might also find the doors heavy to operate. However, once inside, second-row passengers enjoyed comfortable bucket seats with ample legroom, footroom, and headroom. The third row was a standout feature in the R-Class, setting it apart from many crossovers. It offered genuinely usable space, even for adults. Even a five-foot-eight-inch editor found it comfortable, and a six-foot-six-inch journalist could find a workable position by adjusting the second-row seats. The third-row seats were more plush and comfortable than typically found in crossovers, and access was made easy by the tilt-and-slide second-row seats.
Cargo and Practicality: The Complicated Seat Folding and Usable Space
Transforming the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class for cargo hauling presented a somewhat complex process compared to modern vehicles with simpler folding mechanisms. Creating a flat load floor involved a multi-step procedure: tilting the third-row lower cushions upwards, folding down the third-row seatbacks, removing the second-row head restraints (potentially to avoid interference with optional rear DVD screens), storing the head restraints, operating a somewhat tricky lever to fold the second-row seats forward (avoiding the tilt/slide function), and then finally lowering the third-row lower cushions into place. This intricate process might make one reconsider whether it’s easier to simply have large items delivered instead.
However, despite the complicated seat folding, the R-Class offered a significant amount of usable cargo space, even with all three rows of seats in use, thanks to its long and tall proportions. This was a practical advantage for families needing to carry both passengers and cargo. With the third row up, there was 15.2 cubic feet of storage. Folding the third row increased cargo space to 42.2 cubic feet behind the second row. With both the second and third rows folded, the R-Class provided a generous 85 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The wide trunk opening and optional power liftgate further enhanced cargo accessibility. Inside the cabin, numerous storage cubbies and cupholders added to the R-Class’s practicality for road trips and everyday family needs.
Competition and Alternatives: R-Class vs. Buick Enclave, Audi Q7, and More
Mercedes-Benz positioned the 2011 R-Class as a blend of minivan, passenger car, and SUV characteristics. They identified competitors primarily within the crossover segment, such as the Buick Enclave and Audi Q7. The Buick Enclave presented a compelling alternative, offering superior design in terms of seat folding functionality, significantly more cargo space (30 additional cubic feet), and a generally lower price point. Styling preferences aside, the Enclave arguably offered more practicality for the money.
The Audi Q7, while offering a more engaging driving experience, fell short of the R-Class in terms of cargo and overall passenger space. Other potential competitors in the luxury crossover segment included the BMW X5, particularly the diesel xDrive35d variant, which was noted for its faster performance and better fuel efficiency compared to the R-Class Bluetec.
Verdict: Shortcomings and Advantages – Is the 2011 R-Class a Good Buy Today?
No vehicle is without its imperfections, and the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is no exception. While it received updates to improve its visual appeal compared to the 2010 model, certain drawbacks persisted. The cumbersome folding rear seats, large and heavy rear doors, a less intuitive navigation system, and the absence of Mercedes’ COMAND central control dial were notable shortcomings. While the Bluetec diesel engine was a highlight, its advantages were arguably overshadowed by alternatives like the BMW X5 xDrive35d, which offered a more dynamic driving experience and comparable efficiency.
However, the 2011 R-Class Mercedes-Benz still holds appeal in specific areas. Its comfortable and spacious interior, particularly the genuinely usable third-row seating, remains a strong selling point for families prioritizing passenger comfort. If comfort and space are paramount, and the complexities of the folding seats and other minor drawbacks are acceptable, a used 2011 R-Class, especially a Bluetec diesel model, could represent a value proposition in the luxury crossover market. Ultimately, potential buyers should weigh the R-Class’s strengths in comfort and space against its shortcomings and consider how it stacks up against contemporary alternatives in the used car market.
