The 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is a “part minivan, part station wagon and part luxury crossover wagon” with a seating capacity for six or seven passengers. Available in two versions - the R350 and the R320 Bluetec, the new R-class additions are opulent, comfortable and have been dubbed “versatile luxury family vehicle” by reviewers.
The R350’s 3.5-liter V6 engine pumps out 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the R320 Bluetec has a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine that produces 210 horsepower and 398 pound-ft of torque. Both models are all-wheel drive with 7-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability and traction control. In terms of fuel economy, the R350 gets an estimated 15 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on highways and the R320 Bluetec gives 18 mpg (city) and 24 mpg (highway). “The R320 BlueTEC uses ADBlue exhaust injection for an 80 percent reduction in emissions and is approved for use with B5 biodiesel”, according to a reviewer.
“Posh and functional” is how one can describe the interior of both the 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class models. The gauges are large and easy to read and most controls and fittings are totally upscale. The new navigation and audio options this year enhance the opulence of the R-Class and also make it possible to add Bluetooth, surround-sound and iPod integration. Front airbags, side airbags (both front and mid-row), curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor and pre-crash safety system are some of the standard features available in both the models. Rear-seat entertainment system includes two eight-inch screens, wireless headphones and an integrated DVD player with dual-source capability. The new display screen lends the R Class map and menu screens an upscale look.
The new models are both longer than other competitive models which gives adequate room for the second and third passengers to stretch out. Other standard equipment on the R350 includes “18-inch alloy wheels, premium leather upholstery, Mercedes’ COMAND driver interface, bird’s-eye maple accents, a power driver seat, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control and a single-CD stereo with eight speakers and a glove box-mounted auxiliary audio jack”.
The experience of driving the new R-Class is of course that of a “world-class long-distance cruiser”, according to test drivers. They recommend the optional park-assist system for easy maneuvering. The subdued noise-levels makes for a very compliant and extremely comfortable ride.
2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Mercedes-Benz R-Class 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 126.6
Overall Length, in. 203.7
Overall Width, in. 77.5
Overall Height, in. 65.2
Curb Weight, lbs. 4938
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 85.0
Standard Payload, lbs. –
Fuel Capacity, gals. 21.1
Seating Capacity 7
Front Head Room, in. 39.8
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 39.8
Rear Head Room, in. 40.4
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 36.2
Engines dohc V6 Turbodiesel dohc V6
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.5 /213 3.0 /182
Horsepower @ rpm. 268 @ 6000 210 @ 3800
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 258 @ 2400 398 @ 1600
Availability Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
7-speed automatic 15/19 18/24
Model Prices
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
R350 4-door wagon $46,450 $43,198 $875
R320 BlueTEC 4-door wagon $47,950 $44,594 $875
1 response so far ↓
1 Mercedes News - 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Category Review Photos Prices Specs // Dec 10, 2008 at 1:12 am
[...] Nonpareil Prices Trimming Name Retail Bonus Dealer Invoice Stopping-Place Charge R350 4-door wagon $46,450 $43,198 $875 R320 BlueTEC 4-door wagon $47,950 $44,594 $875 horse’s mouth [...]
Leave a Comment