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2009 Mercedes-Benz R Class Features Review

June 1, 2009

FEATURES | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Compounding the problem is the smorgasbord of identical-looking black buttons
Edmunds

be careful when cruising the long list of optional temptations
Cars and Driver

privacy glass is standard
Cars.com

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class can be outfitted quite lavishly—and expensively.

According to MyRide.com, “Standard technology provisions include the COMAND in-car media control system with a 6.5-inch high-definition color screen, Bluetooth, a DVD video/audio player, and a six-disc CD/DVD changer.” Edmunds, however, isn’t taken with the new COMAND’s design and implementation, stating, “the COMAND interface lacks the control knob we've come to expect in premium vehicles, forcing you to use four directional arrow keys and an 'OK' button instead. Compounding the problem is the smorgasbord of identical-looking black buttons surrounding the COMAND screen.”

Edmunds says the following are standard equipment on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class: "power front seats, easy fold-down second- and third-row seats, eight-speaker audio system with auxiliary audio input and a retractable cargo cover." Oddly, the standard upholstery on the R-Class is vinyl; leather is optional. According to Cars.com, "privacy glass is standard" in every Mercedes-Benz R-Class, and "a single-lift tailgate is installed...weather-band reception is included in the standard radio, which has a single-CD slot and controls for optional satellite radio," while "an auxiliary plug in the glove box connects to MP3 players."

Options for this Mercedes-Benz 2009 model are indeed plentiful but pricey. Car and Driver recommends that consumers "be careful when cruising the long list of optional temptations." Kelley Blue Book reports "options abound on the [Mercedes-Benz] R-Class." According to Cars.com, these temptations include "optional flat-screen monitors built into the back of the front head restraints [that] can provide entertainment for rear passengers."

Edmunds notes that "most desirable [Mercedes-Benz R-Class] options are rolled into pricey packages, although a handful can be selected a la carte...available [Mercedes-Benz 2009] accoutrements include a panoramic glass sunroof, 19- or 20-inch wheels, Bluetooth, keyless ignition, heated seats and steering wheel, a power rear liftgate, three-zone climate control, a rear-seat entertainment system, adaptive cruise control, and glovebox-mounted six-CD changer and dedicated iPod interface."

Conclusion

Auto experts at TheCarConnection.com note no shortage of extra equipment for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class.

FEATURES | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:Compounding the problem is the smorgasbord of identical-looking black buttonsEdmundsbe careful when cruising the long list of optional temptationsCars and Driverprivacy glass is standardCars.com The 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class can be outfitted quite lavishly—and expensively. According to MyRide.com, “Standard technology provisions include the COMAND in-car media control system with a 6.5-inch high-definition color screen, Bluetooth, a DVD video/audio player, and a six-disc CD/DVD changer.” Edmunds, however, isn’t taken with the new COMAND’s design and implementation, stating, “the COMAND interface lacks the control knob we've come to expect in premium vehicles, forcing you to use four directional arrow keys and an 'OK' button instead. Compounding the problem is the smorgasbord of identical-looking black buttons surrounding the COMAND screen.” Edmunds says the following are standard equipment on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class: "power front seats, easy fold-down second- and third-row seats, eight-speaker audio system with auxiliary audio input and a retractable cargo cover." Oddly, the standard upholstery on the R-Class is vinyl; leather is optional. According to Cars.com, "privacy glass is standard" in every Mercedes-Benz R-Class, and "a single-lift tailgate is installed...weather-band reception is included in the standard radio, which has a single-CD slot and controls for optional satellite radio," while "an auxiliary plug in the glove box connects to MP3 players." Options for this Mercedes-Benz 2009 model are indeed plentiful but pricey. Car and Driver recommends that consumers "be careful when cruising the long list of optional temptations." Kelley Blue Book reports "options abound on the [Mercedes-Benz] R-Class." According to Cars.com, these temptations include "optional flat-screen monitors built into the back of the front head restraints [that] can provide entertainment for rear passengers." Edmunds notes that "most desirable [Mercedes-Benz R-Class] options are rolled into pricey packages, although a handful can be selected a la carte...available [Mercedes-Benz 2009] accoutrements include a panoramic glass sunroof, 19- or 20-inch wheels, Bluetooth, keyless ignition, heated seats and steering wheel, a power rear liftgate, three-zone climate control, a rear-seat entertainment system, adaptive cruise control, and glovebox-mounted six-CD changer and dedicated iPod interface." ConclusionAuto experts at TheCarConnection.com note no shortage of extra equipment for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class. 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ R-CLASS STYLING | [7 out of 10] Edmunds: "in black, the R-Class looks funereal" Cars and Driver: "sumptuous interior" Kelley Blue Book: "you'll know it's a Mercedes-Benz " The 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class may be more functional than beautiful. The Kelley Blue Book ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

There are no direct comparisons to the 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class. The Cadillac Escalade, while flashier than the 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class, runs close to parallel in terms of luxury. The Escalade's passenger accommodations are also top-flight, but now that all R-Class models are V-6 powered, the Escalade easily outmuscles the Benz. Another alternative is the Audi Q7, which delivers on the luxury end of the R-Class experience, but its rear seats are not as comfortable as the Mercedes-Benz's. Plus, the Q7 looks like a traditional SUV and has a taller step-in height, a potential issue for older passengers. The Q7 will soon add a diesel engine to the V-6 and V-8 engines already offered, and Cadillac produces a hybrid version of the Escalade. The new Lincoln MKT—closely related to the Ford Flex—is perhaps the closest match yet to the R-Class for seating comfort in the second and third rows. It’s also tremendously well equipped, though the Lincoln doesn’t offer a more fuel-efficient alternative as the others do.

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See the Mercedes-Benz R Class in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

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