2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is that PRE-SAFE occupant protection becomes standard across the lineup. This is a meaningful equipment and lineup update rather than a full redesign.
About the 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
1st generation R-Class (W251), pre-facelift, fourth model year; last full model year before the 2011 styling refresh.
Mercedes-Benz positioned the R-Class as a luxury family hauler that drove more like a long wagon than a truck-based SUV. Its core appeal was roomy three-row packaging, a quiet highway ride, standard all-wheel drive for foul-weather confidence, and a premium Mercedes cabin. Compared with traditional SUVs, the R-Class leaned harder into passenger comfort, easy long-distance travel, and a lower, sleeker shape that felt closer to a large touring wagon.
The R 350 Sport is the mainstream version, pairing a 268-hp gas V6 with all-wheel drive and three-row flexibility. The R 320 BlueTEC Sport is the long-range diesel model, with 398 lb-ft of torque, all-wheel drive, and a seven-speed automatic. Both have a glass sunroof and a 6.5-inch touchscreen system with Bluetooth, an SD card reader, and a six-disc DVD/CD changer.
What changed, by category
2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0L |
| Transmission | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Overdrive & Touch Shift | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Overdrive & Touch Shift |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Diesel |
| MPG City | 15 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 19 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 210 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 398 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 85 cu-ft | 85 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.2 in | 36.2 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| Power Moonroof | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Roof Rails | ||
| Bluetooth | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Power Driver Seat | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Remote Start | ||
| Third Row Seat | ||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class?
The biggest change is standard PRE-SAFE occupant protection across the 2009 R-Class lineup. The system prepares the cabin when it detects that a collision may be about to happen, and active front head restraints are also standard.
Is every 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class all-wheel drive?
Yes. Every U.S.-market 2009 R-Class has 4MATIC all-wheel drive because the rear-wheel-drive R 350 was dropped.
How did the diesel R-Class change for 2009?
The diesel changes from the limited-availability R 320 CDI to the R 320 BlueTEC Sport, which meets emissions requirements in all 50 states. It uses a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 with 210 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque.
What technology became standard on the 2009 R-Class?
The standard COMAND system gains Bluetooth hands-free calling, an in-dash six-disc DVD/CD changer, an SD card reader, MP3 playback, and an auxiliary input. A 6.5-inch display is standard on both trims.
Is the 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class a redesign?
No. The 2009 R-Class remains part of the first-generation W251 model line and keeps its pre-facelift design, but it receives meaningful safety, technology, equipment, and lineup updates.