R350 Bluetec in the Market

One look at Mercedes' 2010 sales numbers is all you need to understand the R-Class' niche status. In a year when the automaker's midsize M-Class and full-size GL-Class SUVs sold around 30,000 and 20,000 copies, respectively, approximately 3,000 R-Class models left the lot. It's a stark example of the SUV's staying power in the U.S. market.

That said, if you're considering a luxury SUV but might be willing to step outside the SUV box, you'll probably find more to like in the R-Class than you think. It's an eminently sensible SUV alternative — especially if you never venture off-road.

    See also:

    Important safety notes
    WARNING   Air bags are designed to reduce the incidence of injuries and fatalities in certain situations: • frontal impacts (driver's and frontpassenger front air bags and driver's kne ...

    Locking the vehicle (mechanical key)
    If the vehicle can no longer be locked with the SmartKey, use the mechanical key. - Open the driver's door. - Close the front-passenger door, the rear doors and the tailgate. - Press the lockin ...

    Child-proof locks for the rear doors
    WARNING Children could open a rear door from inside the vehicle. This could result in serious injuries or an accident. Therefore, when children ride in the rear always secure the rear doo ...