“Most of the changes to the U.S.-built 2011 R-Class revolve around its exterior, which is now more in line with its stablemates. Its wider-look mug is highlighted by a more angular three-bar grille and hood, revised headlamps and slick LED light-bar running lamps. The muscular theme also plays out at the rear, with shallower rear glass, rectangular exhaust tips integrated into a diffuser, and edgier taillamps. “

“Seven-passenger seating is an option, but the R-Class works best as a six-seater, with two captain chairs in the second row and a two-person bench at the rear. Adults should have no problem getting into the back row as the second row seats easily flip up and out of the way, and with 32.4-inches of legroom, they’re probably not going to complain about sitting back there for a spell unless they’re on the local basketball team. “

“The R350 4Matic employs the automaker’s 268 horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6, while the R350 BlueTEC 4Matic gets the 50-state legal 3.0-liter turbodiesel with 210 horsepower and a healthy 400 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are hooked up to Benz’s tried-and-true seven-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic means both are all-wheel-drive only.”

“For as long and as heavy as it is, the R-Class is a solid handler. It’s not the type of vehicle you’re going to be tossing into corners, but it isn’t going to roll over and play dead either. “

Read Full review here.

The 2011 Mercedes E350 4matic wagon is scheduled to arrive in the US this June. I think the wagon is a great vehicle for passengers and cargo. It is also such an iconic vehicle for Mercedes.

“Sure-footed four-corner traction: Standard. Height-adjustable rear AirMatic suspension for deep-snow ground clearance: Standard. Luggage-rack rails ready to accept your Thule ski-rack: Standard…Seating for seven (okay, five and two-halves): Standard. Iconic style and a hood ornament that commands respect from the apres-ski club valets: Standard. Could there be a more perfect vehicle than the new Mercedes E-Class wagon for driving up to Deer Valley, Whistler, or Hochgurgl, Austria?”

“With all systems on, the car faithfully cleaves to the driver’s intended driving line — at least to the extent that physics can allow (which is impressively high when the various electromechanical traction assistants are abetted by a set of Continental ContiWinterContact footwear).”

“The seat is still comfortable, however, offering oodles of headroom and a panoramic view of the passing Alpine scenery. Another cool feature: once the rear doors have been opened and closed, a screen on the driver’s information display indicates which (if any) seat belts have been fastened.”

“The 2011 E350 4Matic wagon goes on sale in June, 2010 (all-wheel-drive sedans are available now) at a price that’s yet to be determined, but if the price difference relative to the sedan stays roughly the same as it was on the W211 generation, it should drop to $54,500 or so.”

You can read the full Motor Trend report Here.

The 2009 E350 is expected to arrive in the US this July. Mercedes will be continuing with the choice of Sport or Luxury in this model.

2009 E350 Changes
All-new COMAND system (same as on MY09 SL/CLS)
o Bluetooth interface (previously required a $500 adaptor)
o In-dash SD Memory Card reader
o In-dash 6 CD/DVD changer w/ Video playback capability
o Enhanced harman/kardon LOGIC7 5.1 surround-sound system
o 40 GB HD Navigation w/ Birdseye View (P1)
o Enhanced Voice control for audio, telephone & navigation (P1)
o 4GB Music Register (approx. 1000 songs) (P1)
o Traffic guidance, Gracenote Database, ZAGAT Guide (P1) (this is amazing!)
o iPOD/MP3 interface, HD Digital Radio (P1)

2009 E350 Sport
321 AMG Sport Package Replaces the 333 Sport Package!

321 – Sport Package
o Sport front and rear bumper
o AMG 18″ 5-spoke wheels w/ all-season tires
o Sport steering wheel w/ gearshift paddles