Last updated August 4, 2026
The R 350 Sport and R 350 4MATIC Sport are the familiar gas-powered R-Class models, built for smooth everyday driving with three-row space and all-wheel drive. The R 320 BLUETEC Sport, R 350 BlueTEC Sport, and R 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC Sport use a torque-rich diesel engine instead, making them the long-distance branch with stronger low-speed pull and better fuel economy.
The Gas Model trim level — R 350 4MATIC Sport and R 350 Sport — is the mainstream R-Class, combining familiar gasoline power with a roomy, comfort-focused three-row cabin.
Best for: Families who want R-Class space and Mercedes ride comfort without moving to diesel power.
Highlights
The Diesel Model trim level — R 320 BLUETEC Sport, R 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC Sport, and R 350 BlueTEC Sport — is the torque-focused, long-distance R-Class.
Best for: Drivers who cover many highway miles or value strong, easy pull at lower speeds.
Highlights
Compared with the Gas Model, it adds stronger low-speed pull and better 2012 fuel economy, while keeping the same all-wheel-drive, three-row formula.
0 in stock| Feature | Gas Model | Diesel Model |
|---|---|---|
| Includes | R 350 4MATIC Sport, R 350 Sport0 in stock | R 320 BLUETEC Sport, R 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC Sport, R 350 BlueTEC Sport0 in stock |
| Engine | 3.5L gas V6 | 3.0L turbo-diesel V6 |
| 2012 horsepower | 302 hp | 210 hp |
| 2012 torque | 273 lb-ft | 400 lb-ft |
| 2012 city fuel economy | 16 mpg | 18 mpg |
| 2012 highway fuel economy | 21 mpg | 23 mpg |
4MATIC means all-wheel drive, and BlueTEC identifies the turbo-diesel engine. Sport is part of the trim name, but the R-Class remains focused on comfort and family travel rather than aggressive performance.
The main difference is the engine. In the final lineup, the gas R 350 makes 302 horsepower, while the diesel R 350 BlueTEC makes 210 horsepower and a stronger 400 lb-ft of torque. Both use a seven-speed automatic and all-wheel drive.
They are diesel R-Class models from different parts of the run. The R 320 BlueTEC was renamed R 350 BlueTEC for 2010. Both use a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6, so the newer name does not mean it switched to a gasoline engine.
The BlueTEC diesel is the long-distance-focused trim. Its 400 lb-ft of torque supports relaxed passing and low-speed pull, and the 2012 model is rated at 18 mpg city and 23 mpg highway, versus 16 and 21 for the gas R 350.
The R 350 is the gas-powered choice. It keeps the same three-row layout and all-wheel drive as the diesel, while using familiar gasoline power. In the final U.S. model year, its V6 produces 302 horsepower.
No. Earlier R 350 Sport models used a 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. The final U.S. model year received a newer direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 with 302 horsepower and a revised seven-speed automatic.
Both the gas R 350 and diesel R 350 BlueTEC had hard-drive navigation as standard equipment in the final U.S. lineup. Earlier examples used different versions of the COMAND touchscreen system, so equipment varies by era.
In the final U.S. lineup, both the gas R 350 and diesel R 350 BlueTEC used a six-seat cabin with sliding and reclining second-row captain’s chairs. A fold-flat 50/50 third row provided added cargo flexibility.
It has more pulling force, but not more horsepower. In the final lineup, the BlueTEC diesel makes 400 lb-ft of torque and 210 horsepower. The gas R 350 makes 273 lb-ft and 302 horsepower, so it has the higher horsepower figure.
Not necessarily. BlueTEC mainly changes the R-Class from gasoline to diesel power rather than creating a separate luxury tier. In later models, the gas and diesel trims share major comfort features, all-wheel drive, navigation, and the same three-row layout.
Both the gas and BlueTEC diesel trims have a power glass sunroof in the later lineup. The glass sunroof became standard across the R-Class for 2009, so it is not a feature reserved for the diesel model.
No. PRE-SAFE collision preparation became standard across the R-Class lineup for 2009, and the POST-SAFE post-crash response system became standard for 2010. These systems were not exclusive to the gas or diesel trim.
Not in the final lineup. Both use a seven-speed automatic with steering-wheel paddle shifters, 4MATIC all-wheel drive, and a self-leveling rear air suspension. Their defining mechanical difference is the gas or diesel V6.