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"Not quite a station wagon and not quite minivan, the Mercedes-Benz R-Class has had a tough time to not only define itself, but also find its niche in the marketplace. With the introduction of the all-new generation, the German automaker seeks to firmly establish the vehicle as a crossover SUV with bold styling and the inclusion of 4Matic all-wheel drive as a standard feature.   Offered with a choice of two powerplants, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R350 comes with either a 3.5-liter gas V-6 making 268 bhp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque or a 3.5-liter turbodiesel producing 210 bhp and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. The gasoline engine is rated at 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway, while the turbodiesel returns 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway.   While the all-new R-Class is offered in Europe on two different wheelbases, the U.S. market will receive only the extended wheelbase version, which rides on 19-in. wheels and tires. Gasoline versions of the R350 can be equipped with a sport pack that includes 20-in. AMG wheels. While the look is certainly more rugged than the vehicle it replaces, the R-Class retains its conventional doors and rear liftgate, and it offers an optional 7-passenger seating configuration over the standard 6-seat layout. With the seats down, the R-Class has a maximum load space of 84 cu. ft.   Much of the vehicle&amp;#039;s new look comes from a revamped front clip, with redesigned fenders, hood, radiator grille, front fascia, headlamps and bumper. LED running lights and bi-xenon headlamps are optional.   Other options include a panoramic sunroof with electric sunshade, 3-zone climate control, a rear entertainment system and a trailer hitch rated to tow 3500 lb. Other options include such driver assists as Distronic adaptive cruise control, Airmatic adjustable air suspension, Blind Spot Assist and voice commands for the vehicle&amp;#039;s telematics. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-shows/new-york-auto-show/news/a15639/advanced-coverage-2011-mercedes-benz-r-class/>