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www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, June 23, 2010 · 26 2011Mercedes-Benz R-Class both versatile and luxurious Mercedes-Benz calls this crossover an `SUV tourer' By Lorne Drury Metroland Newspapers Carguide Magazine HOBOKEN, N.J.-- If the 2011 MercedesBenz R-Class is the new shape of the modern minivan, then bring them on! It has to be one of the classiest looking people movers on the planet, yet for some reason the R-Class really hasn't caught on with the public since its introduction in 2006. Sure, the price tag north of $50K is a roadblock for many, but I really don't understand why anyone shopping the premium crossover market wouldn't take a look at the R-Class because it offers great versatility, solid performance and a handsome face. But in the 2009 model year only slightly more than 300 R-Class units were sold here in Canada. So, Mercedes-Benz set out to redesign the vehicle for 2011. The new model has significant changes to the front end, but it basically stays true to its roots as one of the vehicles that invented the crossover craze. The R-Class now has a more macho look up front and more of a road presence, something the previous generation may have lacked. Mercedes-Benz calls the R-Class the original "SUV tourer," but in reality it's part of the crossover movement that has taken the market by storm. Who would have predicted crossovers would overtake sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and minivans, but that's exactly what has happened in recent years. Interestingly, though, Mercedes-Benz still prefers to call the R-Class an SUV, perhaps in a way to differentiate it from the masses. Crossovers are everywhere these days and in demand because they are easier to handle than SUVs since they are based on a car instead of a truck platform. They are also generally more fuel-efficient and still offer the versatility of a minivan. Mercedes-Benz has nine different variations of the R-Class worldwide, but in Canada only two models are available-- the R350 4MATIC and R350 BlueTEC 4MATIC. The 2011 R-Class was unveiled at the New York International Auto in March. It has stunning good looks for a vehicle that offers so much practicality. From a side view, it has coupe-like lines. Designers focused on the front end for the refresh and emphasized the vehicle's width by using a horizontally structured hood. The new design shares many of the styling cues of the GL and M-Class, perhaps an attempt by Mercedes-Benz to create more of a corporate identity. Other changes were made to the exterior mirrors, fenders, grille and surround, headlamps and bumpers. The mirror incorporates a Blind Spot Monitoring system, while the grille is now black with chrome accents and the lights are tinted Bi- Mercedes-Benz R-Class 2011 At A Glance: BODY STYLE: four-door `SUV Tourer'. DRIVE METHOD: front-engine, 4MATIC all-wheel drive. ENGINE: 3.5-litre V6 (268 hp, 258 lb/ft of torque); 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel (210 hp, 400 lb/ft of torque) with seven-speed automatic transmission. FUEL ECONOMY: (Est.) BlueTEC 4MATIC 8.4-8.5L/100 km combined; R350 4MATIC 11.6-11.9 combined. PRICE: NA WEB SITE: www.mercedes-benz.ca the floor like the Stow `n Go in the Chrysler products. Standard interior features include power adjustable driver's seat, auto-dimming mirrors, leather covered steering wheel and shift knob, sliding glass sunroof (a panoramic sunroof comes with the Premium Package). On the safety front, the R-Class keeps up with the crowd, featuring eight airbags, Neck-Pro headrests and an anticipatory occupant safety system called Pre-Safe. We got to spend about four hours in the R-Class in and around New York City on a variety of different roads. This car is more comfortable on the open road for a number of reasons. It's bigger than it looks at 2,335 (5,137 lb) and 5,127 mm in length, making it a bit difficult to park in tight spaces. Thankfully, it has a rear view camera because it is difficult to back up as are many vehicles of this type. The turning circle of 12.60 m also is not conducive to flitting about in tight city quarters. On the highway, though, it shines. The RClass give a wonderful, quiet and smooth ride, easily soaking up all but the worst of potholes and bumps. It's no performance sedan and it's not meant to be, but Mercedes lists a 0-100 km/h time of 8.9 seconds for the BlueTEC model, certainly plenty fast enough for any situation. And if I was to choose between the gasoline or diesel engine, I would certainly go for the diesel. My driving partner and I got to see how well the vehicle performs in a `panic stop' situation when a commercial van pulled right in front of us from a turning lane, forcing my co-driver to hit the brakes as hard as he could. Luckily, we narrowly missed a collision and can vouch for certain that the brakes and seatbelts in the vehicle work like a charm-- a lucky charm for us. So while the R-Class is a big and heavy vehicle, it has a great deal of versatility with the variety of seating configurations and cargo capacity. To me, it is one of the best looking and luxurious SUVs (or crossovers) on the market and deserves a look for anyone shopping the premium luxury market. Prices will be announced closer to launch time in late summer. The Mercedes-Benz R-Class has been redesigned for 2011 with a more macho look up front, but still remains true to its roots as a handsome, luxurious people-mover. Xenons with washers. LED daytime running lights are also new for 2011. Moving to the rear, there is a new bumper design, integrated exhaust tips and LED taillights. As far as packaging is concerned, a revised Premium Package now includes the Blind Spot Monitoring system and a media interface. A new Sport Package will include an adaptive damping system, air suspension, dark tinted front glass, dark tinted LED taillamps and 20-inch AMG wheels in place of the standard 19-inchers. With its 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the Mercedes-Benz R-Class has a lot to offer Canadians shopping the premium luxury crossover market. A short-wheelbase model will be offered in some other markets, but Canada gets only the long-wheelbase version. Mercedes-Benz Canada anticipates threequarters of its R-Class sales will be the BlueTEC clean diesel models. Compared to its predecessor, the BlueTEC uses less fuel and generates similar emissions to a comparable gasoline engine. The 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel produces 210 hp and 400 lb/ft of torque with a combined city/highway fuel economy rating of 8.4L/100 km (34 mpg). Meanwhile, the 3.5-litre V6 gasoline engine has 268 hp and 258 lb/ft of torque. Power is transferred through a seven-speed automatic transmission and as mentioned, both models get 4MATIC full-time all-wheel drive. On the open road, the R-Class is a treat to drive. As Mercedes-Benz senior product manager for the R-Class Markus Rubenbauer puts it, "this car turns travel into a pleasant experience." Up to seven passengers can enjoy that `pleasant experience.' An attractive two-tone interior treatment is new for this year along with new gauges. Lots of aluminum, chrome and wood trim accents give it a rich, luxurious look and feel. There's plenty of room inside, particularly up front. The second row can be configured with a bench seat (for three passengers) or a pair of captain's chairs with an armrest between. The third row seats two, but with limited legroom. What makes the R-Class such a versatile vehicle is the cargo space. There is 633 litres behind the rear seat, but with all rear seats folded, that space becomes 2,385 litres. Folding the seats is not a snap like on most of today's minivans, though. The rear headrests have to be removed for the seats to folded and they don't fit under