2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Review
Price
RM470,888
Installment
RM4,491/mth
2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class at a glance
The first-rate comfort and quality are compelling. However, the fact that the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class offers no more room compared to mainstream MPVs, and yet costs much more, means it is far from convincing.
2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class quick specs
| Body Style | MPV |
| Class | Large Luxury Utility |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class ratings (overall rating : 3.5/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
Mercedes-Benz models have always been designed with sleekness in mind, but despite some nice styling touches, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class looks big and bulky. There is plenty of road presence, but just not much styling flair involved. Then again, which automaker has managed to pull off a slick-looking MPV?
Handling
Based on the same mechanical underpinnings as the M-Class, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class drives reasonably well for a large MPV. The ride-and-handling balance is heavily tilted towards ride comfort, apparent from the little fun throwing the Mercedes-Benz R-Class's substantial mass down a twisty road. Still, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class exhibits better body control and suffers from less body roll compared to other MPVs.
Comfort
The cabin is hugely comfortable, with a neat, logical dash layout, and plenty of adjustments for front and rear occupants. Front visibility is good, but rear visibility is hindered by the rear headrests. Intended as a luxury MPV, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is most suited for long-distance cruising, as it allows almost no engine, wind or road noise into the cabin at speed. The ride remains supple over rougher surfaces and larger bumps.
Quality + Reliability
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class's cabin uses classy materials throughout, and shares a number of switchgear with other Mercedes-Benz models. Build quality also meets our high expectations. Some earlier models have been known to suffer from electrical glitches, but Mercedes-Benz is winning back its reputation for reliability. According to JD Power customer satisfaction surveys, the Mercedes-Benz brand has been performing well in terms of reliability.
Performance
The R280 comes with a 3.0-litre V6 producing 231 bhp, and the R350 with a 3.5-litre V6 producing 272 bhp. Given the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class's substantial weight, there is no wonder how the 3.0-litre V6 labours to bring the car up to speed. However, the performance should still be sufficient for most people. Both engines are paired to the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, which shifts through the seven gears with uncanny smoothness.
Roominess
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class long-wheelbase version offers generous room for front and rear occupants. Six can sit in comfort with loads of head- and leg-room, but the centre occupant in the middle row gets less shoulder room. The boot space is limited with the third row in place.
Running Costs
Fuel economy for the R280 and R350 stands at 9.0 km/litre and 8.8 km/litre respectively. Maintenance and repairs will be costly as all Mercedes-Benz servicing tends to be. We expect the highly desirable badge on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class to mitigate future depreciation. Still, more mainstream Mercedes-Benz models such as the C-Class, E-Class and S-Class are likely to retain significantly better residual values compared to the less-in-demand R-Class.
Value for Money
The main motivation for anyone considering the Mercedes-Benz R-Class would likely be the much desired badge. Because if you take the brand and its appeal away, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class carries out its MPV duties with less space—while costing more, much more to buy—compared to mainstream MPVs. Sure, you get first-rate comfort and quality, but for the buying and running costs involved, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class fails to convince us.
Equipment
The R280 comes equipped with independent front and rear climate control, bi-xenon headlamps, 6.5" LCD screen COMAND APS with navigation system, 6-disc CD-changer with MP3 capability, electrically adjustable front seats with memory, electric sunroof, PARKTRONIC system, and 18" alloy wheels. The R350 adds 19" alloy wheels, dual 7" LCD screens with DVD player, and electric panoramic sunroof. Safety equipments include Electronic Stability Program (ESP), front to rear curtain airbags, rear side airbags, 2-stage front and side airbags for front two.
Environment
Carbon dioxide emissions of 265 grams/km and heavy fuel intake make the R-Class one of Mercedes-Benz's most polluting model. If you are “green” at heart, stay away from the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class, even if there are seven seats (meaning less emissions per occupant).
Live Life Drive Verdict
First-rate ride comfort and refinement
Classy cabin
Likely a rare sight on the roads
Bulky styling
No more room against mainstream MPVs
Expensive to buy and run
