2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 Crossover SUV Reviews & Ratings
Part 1: Expert Review, Specs & Colors
Expert Rating: 
Rate this Model:Expert Review for Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 Crossover SUV
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 crossover SUV has two models depending on which kind of engine you want. Both are powerful and suitable for various driving conditions. A lot of reviews say that the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 with 3.0liter BlueTEC engine is more favorable than the R350 with the 4MATIC engine, since the former offers far better fuel economy. It is interior quality that the Mercedes-Benz is known for, and of course the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 is no exception. It... click here for the full review
Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 Crossover SUV Ratings
| Performance | Reliability | ||
| Appearance | Comfort |
User Reviews for Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 Crossover SUV
Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 Crossover SUV Review
More Mercedes-Benz SUV reviews / All Mercedes-Benz CarsThe 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 crossover SUV has two models depending on which kind of engine you want. Both are powerful and suitable for various driving conditions. A lot of reviews say that the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 with 3.0liter BlueTEC engine is more favorable than the R350 with the 4MATIC engine, since the former offers far better fuel economy. It is interior quality that the Mercedes-Benz is known for, and of course the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 is no exception. It is particularly positively regarded in many reviews as most crossover SUVs on the market right now cannot compete with the comfortable and spacious interiors of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350. Featured in the R350's interiors are high-tech systems that aim to provide entertainment.
Other crossover SUVs that compete with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 right now are the 2012 Lincoln MKT and 2012 Porsche Cayenne. Based on our review, although both the Lincoln MKT and Porsche Cayenne give a better performance, the R-Class R350's reliability, interior design and features, and long list of safety features are superior to the competitors. The 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 is, however, an expensive beast. At almost $10,000 more than the Lincoln MKT, currently priced at $44,300 for the base model, it's not a cheap upgrade. The R350 also costs more than $5,000 compared to the 2012 Porsche Cayenne. Additional packages that you may one to acquire for your base model SUV still adds up in your total bill which is true for all the car models we have mentioned. Reviews also point out that the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350's is somewhat ugly compared to the competition, more reminiscent of a minivan than a sporty crossover.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 BlueTEC can run 18 miles per gallon in city driving and 23 miles per gallon on the highway. The 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 4MATIC, on the other hand, only runs 16 miles per gallon in the city and 21 miles per gallon on the highway. Both versions are superior to the Porsche Cayenne, which only gets 15 miles per gallon in the city and 22 miles per gallon on the highway based on our reviews. The Lincoln MKT is better than the R350 4MATIC in terms of fuel economy however, running 17 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway. As a result, what advantages the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 does hold over the competition seem negligible. Based on our reviews, the three cars are on a similar level which makes the Mercedes-Benz R-Class a tougher sell.
Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 Crossover SUV Pros and Cons
The design and quality of the interior of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 impressed us during our review. The materials and craftsmanship put into it are top notch and will surely make any driver and passenger feel comfortable and at ease.
The spacious third row of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 can seat regular-sized adults without a problem. This is remarkable since most of the crossovers we have reviewed have problems seating people comfortably in the third row.
The ride and handling of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 is powerful. When we reviewed and did a test drive, we felt as at ease with the R350 as we do when driving smaller cars.
There is copious cargo space in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 compared to other crossover SUVs in the market right now.
The safety features of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 are its most impressive selling point based on reviews. This crossover has a plethora of technology that makes the car safe and secure.
Although the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 is considered a luxury SUV, we feel that its price tag is just expensive compared to the competition. Prices of the R350 start at $52,690 for its 4MATIC crossover base model and $53,840 for its R35- BlueTEC crossover base model.
Based on our reviews of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350, the doors can swing a little too wide which makes it hard when you're parked in a tight space.
The non-diesel model of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 is less fuel efficient compared to competition.
The exterior design gets mixed-reviews. Some admire the design of the body but others say it has an unattractive "minivan" physique and we would agree. The 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 would benefit from a more "manly" design in the future.
