Mercedes-Benz R-Class

The Mercedes-Benz R-Class is the brand's crossover vehicle, created for buyers seeking the driving dynamics of a luxury sedan with the space and functionality of a sport utility. It can accommodate up to seven passengers in comfort, with three rows of seating, four conventional doors and a top-hinged rear liftgate for easy access to the cargo area.

The R-Class is offered in two versions: the R350 and the new R320 BlueTEC. The R350 is powered by a 268-hp 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, while the R320 gets a 210-hp 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6, featuring BlueTEC clean diesel technology for enhanced fuel efficiency. Both models are equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission, including TouchShift manual shift control and steering wheel paddles, as well as full-time 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Standard safety features include stability and traction control, anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, first- and second-row side-impact airbags, overhead curtain airbags for all three rows and active anti-whiplash front head restraints. New to the R-Class this year, the Mercedes PRE-SAFE predictive occupant protection system is now standard on both models.

For 2009, the Mercedes-Benz R-Class gets sportier exterior styling and restructured options; new standard features include a power sunroof, power rear quarter windows and an upgraded COMAND system with 6-disc CD, DVD audio/video player and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. Additionally, the R320 BlueTEC replaces the previous model year's R320 CDI, and the rear-wheel drive R350 model has been dropped from the lineup.