2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Review
2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Review
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Used R-Class for sale
Appraise This CarMercedes-Benz R-Class model years
Mercedes-Benz R-Class types
- Wagon
- Diesel
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Enhanced fuel economy from turbodiesel engine, space for six adults, comfortable and quiet ride.
Cons
- Long rear doors are a hassle in parking lots, lack of torque and fuel economy from gasoline V6, fussy COMAND interface, pricey for what is essentially a glorified minivan.
What’s new
For 2010, the Mercedes-Benz R-Class gains standard 19-inch wheels and the seven-seat configuration is now a stand-alone option. There are several other minor feature changes and adjustments. The R320 Bluetec has been renamed R350 Bluetec and its engine output increased by 2 pound-feet of torque.
Edmunds says
While something of an outlier among people haulers, the opulent 2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Class remains a competent and versatile luxury family vehicle.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 4MATIC 4dr Wagon AWD (3.5L 6cyl 7A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$342/mo for R-Class R350 4MATIC
R-Class R350 4MATIC
vs
$219/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
Though Mercedes describes the 2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Class as a "crossover," the company's definition of that term would seem to be a bit different than everyone else's. The R-Class is more part minivan, part station wagon and part luxury crossover. Even so, for those looking for a large luxury-badged family vehicle that's capable of seating six people in comfort, this Mercedes could fill the bill.
At 203 inches long, the R-Class extends past regular crossovers like the Audi Q7 or BMW X5. All that length pays dividends inside. Both second- and third-row passengers have more than adequate room to stretch out. There's also an optional seventh seat, though adults will really only find it comfortable on short trips. As for power, Mercedes used to offer V8 power in the R-Class, but currently there are just two V6s. The clean-diesel V6 is our preferred choice thanks to its superior power and fuel economy.
Overall, the big, comfortable and luxurious 2010 R-Class is a legitimate choice for family transport. Yet we think most people would be happier with other choices. The related Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT might not be as prestigious, but both offer a powerful turbocharged engine and the Flex has more third-row seat room. Other choices include Mercedes' own G-Class or even a top minivan like the Honda Odyssey. But if you absolutely must have a three-pointed star on your hood and no-compromises luxury in your cabin, the R-Class will certainly serve you well.
Performance & mpg
The 2010 Mercedes-Benz R350 4Matic features a 3.5-liter V6 good for 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed automatic is standard and 4Matic indicates it has all-wheel drive. Mercedes estimates a 0-60 time of 8.0 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined -- a bit less than comparable crossovers.
The 2010 R350 Bluetec features a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 that utilizes Mercedes-Benz's Bluetec clean-diesel technology. It produces 210 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. The seven-speed auto and 4Matic all-wheel drive are standard as well. Mercedes estimates a 0-60 time of 8.2 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is a much better 18/24/20 mpg.
Safety
The 2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Class comes standard with stability and traction control, antilock brakes, active front head restraints, front- and second-row side airbags and side curtain airbags for all three rows. Mercedes' new "mbrace" emergency telematics system (it replaces TeleAid) is also standard. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash testing, the R-Class achieved the highest rating of "Good" for frontal-offset and side crash protection.
Driving
The 2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is big and feels it. But its ride quality is comfortable and its high-speed stability is exemplary. Throw in appropriately subdued noise levels and you've got all the ingredients of a world-class long-distance cruiser. However, maneuvering on tight streets and parking can be a chore because of its size, so the optional parking sensors and rearview camera are certainly recommended. As for engine choice, we'd go with the Bluetec since its diesel engine is stronger at low speeds around town and returns much better fuel economy.
Interior
The R-Class' cabin certainly warrants its Mercedes badge, with high-quality construction and materials. However, the cabin controls are dominated by Benz's previous-generation COMAND electronics interface, which features a less convenient four-way directional button pad (like a video game controller) rather than the new multipurpose knob found in the newer GLK-Class and others.
There are other downsides. The sliding doors of a minivan may not be cool, but the R-Class' elongated rear doors can be cumbersome in parking lots. And while the six-person configuration offers plenty of room for all, the optional seven-passenger bench encroaches upon third-row knee room and its middle position is too narrow for adult frames. With the second- and third-row seats folded forward, the R-Class can hold 85 cubic feet of cargo -- less than a minivan for sure, but on par with most other luxury crossovers.
2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Class models
The 2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is a minivan-like vehicle with conventional rear doors that seats six people standard with a seven-passenger stand-alone option. There are two available models that correspond to engine choice -- R350 4Matic and R350 Bluetec -- but both offer virtually identical equipment.
Standard items include 19-inch wheels, tinted rear glass, automatic wipers, automatic headlights, foglamps, a sunroof, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt-telescoping steering wheel, eight-way power driver seat (includes lumbar adjustment), MB-Tex premium vinyl upholstery, Bluetooth, the COMAND electronics interface, and an eight-speaker stereo with auxiliary audio jack and six-CD/DVD changer.
The Premium I package adds a power liftgate, power-folding exterior mirrors, auto-dimming driver and interior mirrors, a rearview camera, a power steering column, driver memory functions, a hard-drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic updates, HD radio, satellite radio, iPod interface and digital music storage. The Premium II package gets you everything from Premium I plus keyless ignition/entry and a Harman Kardon premium surround-sound system.
Stand-alone options include a second-row bench seat, parking sensors, a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, three-zone climate control and a rear entertainment system. Leather upholstery is not available on the R-Class. The R350 4Matic can be equipped with a Sport Appearance package that includes 20-inch AMG wheels, dark tinted taillamps and blue-tinted front glass.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3 out of 5 stars3/5Average
#9 out of 20 among Luxury Fullsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Mercedes-Benz R-Class from 2008-2022.$589/yr
vs. $735/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).2.3x/yr
vs. 1.83x/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).14.1%
vs. 16.5%
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Class.
5 star(80%)
4 star(16%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
45 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
Practical Luxury
Baker, 11/24/2015
2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 4dr Wagon AWD (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
This is a beautiful car, solidly built, smooth ride, amazing sound system, super quiet. A great car for transporting people. The second row of seats have lots of leg room. People love riding in this car. A great commute car because it is a very smooth and stable ride, great handling. It is a long car, and its hard to tell where the front end is, making a little awkward to park. The best … thing about this car is the price. You can pick up a used one for a fraction of the original sales price. Be warned that after a heavy rain or snow, your "check engine" light may come on". Don't take it to the Mercedes dealer. Take it to your trusted mechanic. I did and he turned the light off, and it never came back on again. Don't fix anything unless you are sure it is broken. Seats seven passengers. All the rear seats fold flat for lots of cargo room. Nice sunroof. Love this car. I replaced my Chrysler Minivan with it. My wife loves the car. Mercedes was way ahead of its time with this design. A lot of other cars have now imitated the design, but when it came out, no one could figure it out. So it didn't sell very well. All to our benefit now. Go get one. UPDATE 12/01/16: I've had this car 2 years now, and have only had to change the oil. Love this car. Still cheap to buy used. Assembled in Alabama, USA.
4.88 out of 5 stars
R320 CDI REVIEW
DANIEL, 07/07/2010
2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R320 CDI 4dr Wagon AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
Having owned 2 previous M-B Suvs (ML and GL), I can say without a doubt that this is the reliable, most comfortable and best performing of the three. The "R" is more roomy than either the ML and, yes, even the GL. It also handles better and is more pleasant on the highway. How the minivan label became attached to this model is confusing. It is not styled or functions like one. The diesel … is the only engine to have as it accelerates strongly and is very frugal for a vehicle of this size. The styling was not my favorite at first, but has grown on me. It is hard to find an "R" owner that does not love their car. Resale market pricing for the diesel version is strong. Good job Mercedes!
4.63 out of 5 stars
The Only Green Luxury Family Utility Vehicle
J R, 10/23/2007
2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R320 CDI 4dr Wagon AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
With the 7 seat option now, if you are in the market for a luxury brand to haul a family of 5 + occasional/regular guests, this is the must have. Having done my share of research on 7- Seater SUVs (MDX, Q7, GL etc.), I am not regretting my decision to buy this "Van or SUV" vehicle at all. I waited for 2 months after hearing about the 7 Seat option before picking up my 2008 R320 CDI on … August 29th. We get all the 4WD benefits that the SUVs bring and most of the family comforts of a 7 seater Van including, most importantly, a good rear seat which seats adults and not people under 5' alone. Also, the Mercedes brand has its fair share of luxury inputs to this vehicle.
5 out of 5 stars
A truly outstanding vehicle
George H. Miller, 03/27/2010
2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class R320 CDI 4dr Wagon AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
The MB R class with a CDI engine is the perfect all around vehicle forany household. It is very large and very comfortable with outstanding fuel economy for it's size because the diesel engine. Power and torque are amazing. My wife insists on driving this luxury car for her daily 45 mile commute. She pays for the fuel which averages 25 MPG overall and tops out at 27 with mostly … highway travel.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the R-Class since its last redesign.
2010 R-Class Highlights
Wagon
R350 4MATIC
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $49,300 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $342/month |
Seating | 6 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | unlimited years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the R-Class include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Pre-collision safety system
- Post-collision safety system
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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