2010 Mercedes-Benz R350 BlueTEC vs. R350 4Matic Overview

2010 Mercedes-Benz R350 BlueTEC vs. R350 4Matic Overview.
(November 23rd, 2009 by BenzOnly - Exclusive Editorial Review)

    At the time, when Station Wagons become increasingly unpopular, but the need for them remains the same, Mercedes-Benz made a decision to develop a Crossover. Crossover is a mid-breed between a refined comfortable ride of a Sedan, and space, utility and all season capabilities of an SUV. If you are looking for a Sedan that can fit more passengers or you just need more space, but don’t like the bumpiness of the SUV, than 2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Class may fit your needs ideally.

    Models:
    2010 Mercedes-Benz R Class consists of 2 models: R350 4Matic and R350 BlueTec. Both models share the same dimensions: the same overall height and width, the same wheelbase and the same room. Looking from outside, you can not see any difference except the model badge. Even the price tag is almost the same. R350 BlueTec is just $1,500 more expensive. However, there is a clear difference between two models. BenzOnly.com states that these 2 models are radically different.

    Gasoline vs. Diesel:
    R350 BlueTec is powered by a Diesel Engine, while R350 4Matic uses a familiar gasoline engine. Diesel engines have 2 major advantages: they consume less fuel and they usually outlast the lifespan of the comparable gasoline engine. Diesel engine is a “die-hard workhorse”. It can perform reliably under a heavy load and under any weather conditions. On the other hand, gasoline engine gives you a better performance.

    R350 BlueTec:
    BlueTec stands for: Clean Diesel. Don’t mistake BlueTec with the old “smelling smoker over the 3 mile radius”. BlueTec engines are finally approved for sale in all 50 States. R350 BlueTec 3.0 liter V6 engine produces just 210 Horsepower, but at the same time it outputs “earth-moving” 400 pounds per feet of torque (!), which provides enough pulling power to climb any uphill while towing. In addition, R350 BlueTec can travel 5 more miles per each gallon of fuel (!) than R350 4Matic. It can travel about 500 miles on the single tank of fuel (!), while loaded with up to 7 passengers.

    R350 4Matic:
    3.5 liter V6 engine of R350 4Matic is more vigorous and produces 268 Horsepower, which propels you from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 8 seconds. Better acceleration gives you a better maneuverability. Although R350 4Matic consumes more fuel, at the same time, the price of a gallon of gasoline cost less than a gallon of diesel in most States. Also you save about $1,500 if you buy it, because it is less expensive than R350 BlueTec by itself.

    Drivetrain:
    4Matic is Standard equipment on both models. 4Matic stands for: Full Time 4 Wheel Drive. This system is intelligent as it can redistribute power to all 4 wheels independently, even to only 1 wheel (!) when it needs it automatically, without your involvement at all. It is superior to any regular or partial All Wheel Drive systems or any 4 wheel drive system that is able to transfer torque from front to rear, but not left to right or to a single wheel. 4Matic system is a State of the art and completely automated.

    Suspension:
    Unlike most trucks and majority of SUV’s, both R350 BlueTec and R350 4Matic have independent front and rear suspension. Independent suspension is the key to achieve sedan-like ride.

    Traction and stability:
    R350 BlueTec and R350 4Matic have equally the same Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Automatic Load Leveling, Stabilizer Bar, Power Rack and Pinion Variable Assisted Steering, Brake Assist (BAS) and Front Air Dams. ESP is controlled by Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Engine Power Reduction. To make story short – it is highly unlikely to loose control of either model on any road condition!

    Safety:
    It is safe to say that both 2010 Mercedes-Benz R Class models are one of the safest vehicles on the road. Besides all the facts mentioned above that contribute to the accident avoidance, R Class models have a lot of protection for unavoidable: 8 airbags, Airbag cutoff switch/sensor, Emergency Tensioning Retractors (ETR), Belt Force Limiters, Side Guard Door Beams, Crumple Zones and LATCH’s. On top of everything, the legendary Mercedes-Benz rigid body structure, that is designed to collapse in pre-programmed way, in case of an accident, - to absorb and direct the forces of an impact around, above and under the passenger cell (!). The design of the R-Class body is the engineering brilliance!

    Toys:
    Besides generous standard equipment you can get optionally: Heated Front Seats, Panorama Sunroof with full sky view, Parktronic – to help you park your car in front and rear, Trailer Hitch and Rear Seat Entertainment System. Also you can choose between Premium 1 Package, which includes Rear View Camera, Power Liftgate, Sirius Satellite Radio with Real Time Sirius Traffic and Command System with Navigation and enhanced Voice control. Or you can choose Premium 2 Package, which includes everything from Premium 1 Package plus Keyless Go, which gives you an ability to open, lock and start your car without using the key, and Harmon/Kardon Logic 7 surround sound with Dolby digital 5.1(!).

    Bottom Line:
    BenzOnly.com recommends R350 BlueTec, because there is no drastic difference in performance comparing to R350 4Matic, which looses in almost every other category to R350 BlueTec. However, R350 4Matic may be a better choice, if it has sufficiently better financial program or factory incentives to offset its technical shortcomings. BenzOnly.com aims to give you useful information to digest, but lets you decide.

2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Photos, Models, Options and Brochures.
2010 Mercedes-Benz Financial Specials.
2010 Mercedes-Benz Dealer Quotes, Test Drive or Information.
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