“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. “
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