The new front-end on the R-Class makes a huge, positive impression and really complements the iconic, trendsetting roofline that swoops from rear to front. The redesigned upright grill is the centerpiece and from the A-pillar onward, the silhouette has a sharp new appeal.
From the side, the new nose does wonders for the overall profile of the vehicle. Whereas the 2010 R-Class suffered from a terminally droopy face, the vertical look lends a little bit more pride to the R twins. Instead of borrowing from the Pontiac Trans Sport playbook, the R-Class now looks like it belongs with the rest of the Mercedes-Benz clan. Never underestimate the power of a nose job. The rest of the exterior remains largely untouched by the refresh pen, though trapezoidal exhaust tips have replaced the round bits of the 2010 model.
Moving to the interior, plush leather seating invites up to six to enjoy the ride��no matter the dis
tance. The third row is truly functional and can accommodate average height adults. Luxury touches abound, with quality materials, bright splashes of chrome and a well-designed dash.However, R-Class powertrain options are somewhat limited in the American market, with the two choices being a 3.5-liter gasoline V6 with 272 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque and a 3.0-liter diesel V6 with 211 horsepower. Both
engines benefit from the smooth, seamless 7-speed automatic which delivers 15 city/19 highway on gasoline and 18 city/24 mpg highway in the diesel.Prices for the 2011 R-Class have yet to be pinpointed, but expect about $50,000 for the gasoline version. In our view, that's a lot of people-mover for the money. :)