New 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

The Mercedes-Benz R-Class is not just another luxury car that’s all style and no substance. Featuring the cleanest burning diesel engine in the R320 and a standard collision-mitigation system, the R-Class is a Crossover to be reckoned with.

Available in two trims: the R350 4MATIC and R320 BlueTEC diesel, Mercedes has made a little something for everyone. The R350 boasts a 3.5-liter, 268-horsepower 24 valve V-6 is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmissionwith Touch Shift for fingertip manumatic gear changes. The all-wheel independent suspension helps to smooth out road imperfections and create a supple ride. The R320 swapped out last year’s CDI engine for a new, cleaner, 3.0-liter BlueTECH turbo-diesel V-6 that produces 210-horsepower. Mercedes estimates that under certain conditions, the R320 can yield over 600 miles on a single tank of fuel. That’s farther than Los Angeles to Salt Lake City! Get 15-18 MPG in the city and 19-24 MPG on the highway. 

Because the R-Class is listed as a crossover SUV, it gets the best of both sedan and SUV worlds. If you stow the second and third-row seats, both models will boast an eight-foot-long loading floor area and up to 85 cubic feet of cargo space. 10-way power front seats, 3-position memory head restraints and seating up to seven show the crossover’s true colors. Advanced amenities include Smartkey remote control with door unlock, valet key, panic alarm, driver preferences, and infrared remote opening and closing of the windows and sunroof. An available DVD-based Navigation System offers real-time traffic, mapping, and directions, while an excellent 8-speaker audio system with auxiliary input jack for MP3 players offers an amazing audio experience.

When it comes to safety, Mercedes-Benz offers its landmark PRE-SAFE system as a standard feature. PRE-SAFE uses sensors to detect certain vehicle movements that indicate an accident is possible and tightens seatbelts among other measures to ensure maximum safety. Other safety features include a standard 4-wheel Electronic Traction System and an Electronic Stability Program. Standard dual front airbags and front/rear window curtain airbags with an integrated rollover sensor protect both rows of passengers in a collision. Standard 4-wheel disc brakes with an Antilock Braking System, Brake Assist, and Electronic Brake Force Distribution increase stopping power, help maintain steering ability, and prevent wheel lockup.

There is much more behind the world-class Mercedes-Benz R-Class than just a name; namely safety, fuel efficiency and unparalleled sophistication.