Review and specifications
2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
Feeling like a luxury minivan, the three-row R-Class has room for six or seven in its flexible interior. The ride is comfortable and quiet. Handling is responsive and secure, but the steering is too light. The 5.0-liter V8 returned 15 mpg overall in our tests. A 3.5-liter V6 is optional. The seven-speed automatic sometimes hesitated to downshift. Access is very easy, but the long rear doors can strike adjacent cars when swung open. The second-row seats are very roomy and comfortable, but the third-row seats are tight. When they are folded, early R-Class models could only carry four passengers; in 2008 a second-row bench seat was offered, increasing seating capacity. Fit and finish are excellent, but some controls are awkward. In 2008, the V8 was dropped and a 3.2-liter V6 diesel was added. The 2012 models marked the last year for the slow-selling R-Class.
- Market value
- $6,313
- Fuel
- Conventional
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Seats
- 7
At a glance
Model data
Overview
- Powertrain
- Conventional
- Body style
- 4-door SUV
- Drive type
- AWD
- Transmission
- Automatic, 7-speed
- Category
- Midsized SUVs
- Generation began
- 2006
Pricing
- Current retail median
- $6,313
- Retail value range
- $6,100 - $6,525
- Original MSRP range
- $50,240 - $51,740
- Trade-in range
- $3,045 - $3,450
Ratings
- Road test score
- 76/100
Fuel economy
- Tested city
- 10 MPG
- Tested highway
- 22 MPG
- Tested overall
- 15 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $3,245
- Cruising range
- 315 miles
Road tests
- 0-30 mph
- 2.6 sec
- 0-60 mph
- 7.1 sec
- 60-0 mph braking
- 137 ft
- Avoidance speed
- 47 mph
- Test status
- Test Completed
Dimensions
- Length
- 203 in
- Width
- 76 in
- Height
- 65 in
- Wheelbase
- 127 in
- Weight
- 5,120 lb
- Maximum load
- 1,060 lb
- Towing capacity
- 3,500 lb
Interior
- Seating
- 7 people
- Front head room
- 3.5 in
- Front leg room
- 41.5 in
- Rear head room
- 2.5 in
- Rear leg room
- 30.5 in
- Cargo volume
- 40.5 cu ft
- Luggage
- 1+1+0
Environmental impact
- Air pollution score
- 5/10
- Greenhouse gas score
- 1/10
- SmartWay
- No
Brand context
About Mercedes-Benz
Most Mercedes-Benzes give their owners industry-leading comfort and technology. The cost of that experience is an expensive base price with expensive options and below-average reliability. The brand produces a wide variety of vehicles for the U.S., including coupes, station wagons, sedans, convertibles, and even two-seat sports cars. Its two- and three-row SUVs that we’ve tested have powerful engines and interiors that are roomy and quiet. Generally, Mercedes-Benz fit and finish, inside and out, is exceptional and helps justify prices. Mercedes-Benz’s EVs range from compact to large three-row SUVs. Across the lineup, controls for the complex climate and infotainment systems aren’t as intuitive as we find in other luxury vehicles. Like most European luxury brands, used Mercedes-Benzes can have expensive out-of-warranty repairs, although Consumer Reports has found used models with above-average reliability.
Vehicle ID: 5521 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: December 4, 2025
Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.
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