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The space provided behind the front seats is so generous that up to three child safety seats can be installed at the same time. If only four seats are required, the 3rd row seats can be easily folded down for more storage.

Mercedes-Benz R350 customers who prefer more seating capacity may opt for a seventh seat located in the second row. With three passengers seated in the middle row, this gives a total seating capacity of seven. Groups of up to six people choose the popular 2-2-2 seating configuration, which provides each occupant with an individual seat. The R350 comes with 8-way power adjustable front seats with driver-side 4-way pneumatic lumbar control for driver and front passenger as standard, while as a special order option front passengers can also enjoy the luxury of actively ventilated and heated seats.

The R350 also features another benefit in the form of its large, versatile 85 cu. ft. luggage compartment. The optional electronic tailgate -- which can be operated remotely by means of a switch or smart key -- also makes access to the cargo area easier. This makes the R350 the most variable and spacious vehicle in the entire Mercedes-Benz passenger car product range.

The high-class interior - which seems even more spacious when fitted with the optional Panorama glass sunroof - makes use of new materials and color combinations to enhance the high-class appeal and quality of this luxury crossover. Upholstery offerings include black, almond beige or ash in both MB-Tex or optional leather. The seats feature a new transverse and linear piping design. The interior also features standard burl walnut trim.

The cockpit impresses with its newly designed instrument cluster. The dials and needles have a white background, and are even easier to read thanks to a three-dimensional effect.

Telematics and Multimedia in the R350

The telematics of the Mercedes-Benz R350 impress with intuitive and user-friendly operation, high-performance and great versatility. The 2011 R350 features the COMAND system as standard equipment with an in-dash 6-disc CD/DVD changer and high-resolution 6.5-inch color display. The COMAND system also includes a compass function, which is shown in both the instrument cluster and the central display plus a Bluetooth interface and an Aux-in connection for mobile audio devices are also integrated. As part of the optional Premium1 package, the COMAND system also includes a 4 GB memory for MP3 files (Music Register), an SD memory card slot and a hard disk drive navigation system that holds various map displays. SIRIUS real-time traffic rapidly helps guide the driver to the desired destination. Also included in the Premium1 package is a voice-operated control system for accessing many vehicle functions, and a universal media interface to connect an external music memory or iPod to the onboard electronics and the control system. Music tracks are displayed both in the instrument cluster and the color display in the center console, and can be conveniently accessed using the keys in the multifunction steering wheel or on the dashboard. This system also enables charging of the audio device at the same time.

Passengers can also enjoy full, concert-hall surround-sound with the optional, latest-generation harman/kardon Logic7 sound system. This high-output sound system includes a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) and Dolby Digital 5.1. Also available is an optional rear seat entertainment system with two large 8-inch screens, a DVD player and two wireless headsets for greater freedom of movement, plus a remote control.

Safety Features

All R350 models have numerous standard features which help make long journeys as well as short trips around town even safer and more relaxed. These features include the unique anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE, a complete restraint system with eight airbags, crash-responsive NECK-PRO front head restraints, and a tire pressure loss warning system. New for 2011, the optional Blind Spot Assist makes lane changes significantly safer by monitoring the sides of the vehicle and alerting the driver with visual and audible warnings whenever they signal a lane change with another vehicle alongside. Safety is also enhanced by the sophisticated telematics system "mbrace", the COMAND system with an extremely user-friendly interface, as well as the raised seating position. This gives the driver a good view of the traffic conditions, enabling him or her to recognize potential dangers more quickly and easily.

The Gasoline Engine in the R350

The V6 gasoline engine gives the R350 4MATIC a high level of drive comfort together with effortless power delivery and a moderate fuel consumption. The 3.5- liter V6 gasoline engine of the all-wheel drive R350 4MATIC develops 268 hp and a maximum torque of 258 lb-ft, producing fuel economy figures of 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway.

The Suspension of the R350

The R350 has a dynamically active and comfortable suspension as standard equipment. Both model variants have steel springs in front with self-leveling rear air suspension as standard equipment. Also available as a special order option, the AIRMATIC system with air suspension, the Adaptive Damping System and level adjustment improves both ride comfort and handling dynamics.

Mercedes-Benz R350: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications