2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Pros and Cons at TrueDelta: Satisfactory first impressions by Camryn
A member in California, United States
29K Mile CPO in excellent condition except malfunctioning RF door lock. Vehicle is secure, quiet, stable. Reasonable road feel. Not much leaning for a big vehicle. True 7 seater without "truck" look and feel. Better than expected city fuel economy with premium.
Exterior styling
Some think this vehicle looks like a half-sucked hard candy. I think it is somewhat aerodynamic. It's a lower profile than almost any other 7 passenger vehicle and doesn't look like a truck.
Interior styling
No issues, lots of room. A bit of wasted storage behind second row when 3rd row seats are folded down. Wastes about a foot with the back seat folded behind the middle row. iPod does not charge, so is prone to running down when plugged in. Newer models have this in the console, 2007 was in the glove compartment...a bit inconvenient.
Fuel economy
Pleasantly surprised by first tankful. 16.2 mpg in the city. Mostly used "comfort" setting which starts out in 2nd gear and shifts early. With this nonaggressive profile, city driving economy is improved. Premium gives better gas mileage than regular (about 5% on comparable tankfuls). On Comfort setting, no difference in performance is noted.
Quietness
Very quiet. Lots of sound deadening in this vehicle.
Reliability & durability
First crack out of the box with a 30K mile CPO: right pass door lock failed. Had to be replaced. Was under warranty. Would have cost $600.
Front seat support & comfort
Three different lumbar pumps...don't seem to be very different in what is inflated.
Discounts & incentives
Now that this vehicle is not made for US market any longer, depreciation may be faster than normal. Some color combinations are popular overseas (white with beige interior), silver/black. Good deals to be had on less desirable combinations: white/black for ex.
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