Mercedes-Benz has yet to give the R-Class a long-term contract, but the German automaker will offer up a fresh example of the minivan/crossover/SUV for the 2011 model year. Our spy photographers just spotted the R-Class while out testing, shielded by only a few pieces of tape.
Originally, a new version was scheduled to arrive for 2013, but an updated version of the current car will hit the market before that date, with the hopes of bolstering slacking sales. The R-Class will undergo modest changes, with a re-worked front end with a larger grille and more squared-off headlights. Minor tweaks to the back will include new taillights.
No other details are known about the project at this time – including any powertrain updates – news from Mercedes-Benz is expected in the coming months.
Look for the updated R-Class to debut at an upcoming auto show — possibly the Detroit show in January or Chicago show in February — with an on sale date set for the first half of 2010.



10/08, 5:43 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
I wish everyone would stop copying audi’s led designs!
10/08, 5:59 PM
posted by:
aesir
I wish everyone would stop making ugly crossovers.
10/08, 6:01 PM
posted by:
Borat
I concur with aesir. I don’t see Audi here, just butt fugly wagon/CUV that is not exactly a success story of sales. This is even hard to call CUV, it is some abortion of the van.
10/08, 6:05 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
I NEVER mentioned an audi shaped car….good god…learn how to read carefully…I said, “…audi’s led designs!”
10/08, 6:27 PM
posted by:
carbonsigma
LEDs are hardly Audi’s invention.
10/08, 6:48 PM
posted by:
Genesis101
^^
yea but audi sure is showing them off as if they did invent them.
10/08, 6:56 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
“LED DESIGNS!”…..GOOD GOD PEOPLEEEEE!!!!
10/08, 6:59 PM
posted by:
05Z88Path
Jeeze. What’s with you guys? Nobody says Audi invented LED technology…but they are the ones to incorporate them as a DESIGN FEATURE in their headlights (daytime running lights to be precise). Now since the cool “eye-liner” look is a big hit other manufacturers are copying. And copying = lame.
10/08, 7:00 PM
posted by:
05Z88Path
haha…looks like you beat me to it idrinorbarsaku.
10/08, 7:05 PM
posted by:
Genesis101
what exactly is your definition of LED design? If your talking about that the LEDs in a straight line ( like on the bottom front fascia of this R class) then thats hardly a design im sorry. unless im wrong what other way can you lay out LEDs on the front of the car? only LED design i see in audi was the little swoop LEDs inside the headlamps…..
10/08, 7:14 PM
posted by:
IzzyMan_92
Idrino
no need for all caps man, i dont even think borat was talkin to you.
10/08, 7:23 PM
posted by:
nickkop
i second idrinorbarsaku, aesir, borat, 05z88 here….
good thing they didn’t ” give it a long term contract”
just axe this stupid thing after the refresh and call it a day
maybe all other automakers will do the same (*cough*, BMW, Toyota< venzzza, highlander, etc..) and stop making these fat a$$-ugly crossover wagon-minivan-car-CUV things….. goshhh dammit
10/08, 7:25 PM
posted by:
nickkop
these things look like shyt…. the fool whoever thought that everyone loved minivan STYLING and thought it should be applied to every other automotive creation under the sun should be slapped, or kicked in the head!
10/08, 7:30 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
I’m going to have 6 beers then come back and have another look. No matter what at least a wedding’s not at stake this time.
10/08, 7:56 PM
posted by:
aesir
I think Idri’s head is going to explode.
10/08, 8:22 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
led design, to me, is how the shaped the whole thing as a set, and how they incorporate it onto the vehicle. Clearly audi had a hit with them because they look incredible while driving by one.
10/08, 9:20 PM
posted by:
IzzyMan_92
^^ and you are on point with that one…. especially the A6
10/08, 9:55 PM
posted by:
The Stig
It looks as bad as the current generation … bravo !!!
10/08, 11:22 PM
posted by:
Samintosh
I thought the first R was a total failure !!!!!!!!!
10/09, 5:00 AM
posted by:
A4
If cars could talk…. “Kill meeee, kill me.”
10/09, 5:07 AM
posted by:
subtotal
I wish you all would remember E39 facelift parking lights. In this case you would not say that Audi invented something.
Though it was not LED, but the first that added a plus to front parking lights.
After a while (at least here in Europe) to every car you could buy “angle eye” from tuning market.
10/09, 12:37 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
Why not go ahead and put sliding doors on it? It is a MB Mini-van… just get over yourselves and admit it!
10/09, 1:15 PM
posted by:
DenverGuy217
I wonder if that guy gets tired walking around with a black bar covering his glasses
10/09, 2:06 PM
posted by:
ktulu
dis ius a fully lookin’ minivan!
10/09, 4:49 PM
posted by:
johngalt
I’ve got four kids–I’m a long time past caring what people think of the car my family’s riding around in. If it’s a minivan, that’s OK. My wife wouldn’t turn it down: Nice, long wheelbase, MB’s ride quality, probably safer than anything in its class… Hell, I’d drive it if it’s got room for all of us, especially for long road trips.
10/12, 10:08 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for Volkswagen
Dear Crossover Haters,
What is your problem? Crossovers are the key to many car companies success right know.
Think about all those marketing campaigns and all those crossovers you see on the road. Do you really want all those car companies just to fall on the ground and squirm around until it dies like GM (Goverment Money) or Chrysler? I am telling you just so you know PEOPLE LOVE HATCHES!
NMOFVW
10/13, 5:59 AM
posted by:
A4
subtotal – sorry, the answer we were looking for was “angel eyes”, eesh, sorry.