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.

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    Parcel nets
    WARNING Parcel nets are intended for storing lightweight items only, such as road maps, mail, etc. Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges, or fragile objects may not be transported in the ...

    Notes on care
    Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for retaining the quality in the long term. Use care products and cleaning agents recommended and approved by Mercedes- Benz. WARNING Many clea ...

    Safety
    The R-Class received a Good overall score — the highest rating possible — in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests. It hadn't yet undergone IIHS' ...