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2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

Class: Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Body styles: R350 4matic4 Dr SUV, R350 Bluetec 4matic4 Dr SUV
Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl
Drivetrain: 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel: Premium Gasoline
MPG (best): 18 combined · 16 city / 21 hwy
Length: 203.1 in
Curb weight: 4,916–5,154 lb
NHTSA rating: Not rated
Recalls: 0 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 22 for similar models.
No recalls so far

Watch out for

Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 7 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is a SUV - offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 203 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 127-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,916 lb (R350 4matic4 Dr SUV).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 21 highway), 5% worse than the 2012 SUV - average of 19 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.

What changed for 2012

All-wheel or four-wheel drive now available
Best combined MPG up from 16 to 18
Lightest version 232 lb lighter

Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 R-Class →

Dimensions & weight

Body	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Track F / R	Curb weight	Weight F/R
R350 4matic4 Dr SUV	203.1 in	75.6 in	66.1 in	126.8 in	65 / 65.4 in	4,916 lb	52/48
R350 Bluetec 4matic4 Dr SUV	203.1 in	75.6 in	66.1 in	126.8 in	65 / 65.4 in	5,154 lb	52/48

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

Version	Engine	Transmission	Drive	City / Hwy / Comb	vs. class	Fuel / yr	CO₂ g/mi
R350 4matic	3.5L 6-cyl	Automatic 7-spd	4-Wheel Drive	16 / 21 / 18	-5%	$4,550	494

Spend $10,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car

19 MPG2012 Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class.

Similar 2012 SUV -s

Model	Best MPG / range	NHTSA overall	Recalls
2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class (this car)	18 MPG	Not rated	0
2012 Cadillac Escalade	21 MPG	Not rated	3
2012 Audi Q7	20 MPG	Not rated	4
2012 Lincoln Navigator	16 MPG	Not rated	3
2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class	15 MPG	Not rated	0
2012 Lincoln MKT	20 MPG	Not rated	1
2012 Infiniti QX56	16 MPG	Not rated	3

Recalls (0)

No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

No owner complaints for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.

Used 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class buyer's checklist

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other R-Class years

Compare all years →

Year	MPG (best)	Length	Overall
2013 R-Class	18	203.1 in	Not rated
2011 R-Class	16	203.1 in	Not rated
2010 R-Class	16	203.5 in	Not rated
2009 R-Class	16	203.1 in	Not rated
2008 R-Class	21	203.1 in	Not rated
2007 R-Class	21	–	Not rated
2006 R-Class	16	–	Not rated

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →