By Sam HaymartPublished: March 29, 2010Posted in: CarsTags: 2011, BlueTEC, cdi, Mercedes Benz, r-class 
While so many things in the world seem to be getting worse instead of improving, it’s good to see what Mercedes Benz has in store for the 2011 R-Class. Next week at the New York Auto Show, they will unveil a redesign for the three-row crossover that looks far more pleasing to the eyes than the previous model.
The mini-van sized, SUV’ish R-Class made its debut several years back with an odd looking set of ovid headlights and fender creasing that looked more akin to the 1996 Ford Taurus than something that should come from Mercedes Benz. Once you got beyond the artistic expression, the R-Class was a laudable people mover with room for six or seven passengers, all in the lap of luxury.
The R-Class gets all new sheet-metal from the front doors forward. New headlights mimic the latest Mercedes Benz styling themes. LED running lights are included in the lower fascia and the hood has a much more broad shouldered design. The R-Class comes standard with 17″ alloy wheels and there will be a new sport package that includes 19″ AMG wheels and other visual tweaks. It is not known at this time if the package will be offered on BlueTec models.
The interior is largely unchanged with exception of some new two-tone leather seating shemes being offered. This is not a bad thing mind you as the R-Class has offered top notch leather and wood trim from day one. The high seating position and ergonomics are befitting of a Mercedes Benz, but livable for those with large families who need a family vehicle.
The new R-Class for 2011 is primarily a visual update, retaining the same mechanicals as before. This of course includes the 3.5 liter gasoline V6 and the popular 3.0 liter BlueTec V6 turbo-diesel. The diesel has achieved an excellent record of providing excellent drivability and power. Achieving 18mpg city and 24 mpg highway, the engine provides 210hp and 389 lb-ft. if torque.
4MATIC all-wheel-drive is standard across the board and engines are shifted through a 7-speed automatic transmission.
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The mini-van sized, SUV’ish R-Class made its debut several years back with an odd looking set of ovid headlights and fender creasing that looked more akin to the 1996 Ford Taurus than something that should come from Mercedes Benz. Once you got beyond the artistic expression, the R-Class was a laudable people mover with room for six or seven passengers, all in the lap of luxury.
