Mercedes-Benz Makes the 2011 R-Class Less Painful to the Eye [27 High-Res Photos]

It's no secret that the segment-confused R-Class is one of the ugliest and less successful vehicle's in the history of Mercedes-Benz. Having already admitted this, the German automaker is now trying to give the R-Class a new lease in life by updating the crossover model where it hurts the most: the styling department.

The 2011 R-Class' front end has been completely redesigned taking its inspiration from Mercedes-Benz's latest sedan and SUV models. Gone are the goggle-style lights that have been replaced with newly-shaped headlamps.

The more chiseled bonnet design and bumper along with the new daytime running lights complete the stylistic updates up front.

At the back, Mercedes-Benz tweaked the tail lights and the bumper while the shape of the exhaust pipes is also new. Finally, the 2011 R-Class also gets a fresh set of alloy wheels and newly styled exterior mirrors.

Aside from some minor tweaks here and there (e.g. the new buttons on the steering wheel), the overall aesthetics of the interior have remained unchanged for 2010.

Mercedes-Benz did not mention any mechanical changes in its short press release on the new R-Class that will make its global debut at the New York Auto Show on March 31st.

Mercedes R-Class Black Bison Edition by Wald International

The latest member to join Wald International's 'Black Bison' family is the Mercedes-Benz R-Class. The styling package from the famed Japanese tuner makes the German crossover look every bit as aggressive as the other Black Bison edition models. The body kit includes new front and rear bumpers, side skirts and a blacked out front grille, as well as an integrated rear diffuser that shrouds quad tailpipes.

A set of larger mutlispoke alloy wheel finished in glossy black and a sport suspension kit that lowers the Merc's ride height complete the package. In keeping with its secretive nature, Wald International has not released any further details or prices for that matter.

Via: Autoblog.nl

New Mercedes-Benz R-Class "Grand Edition" Sporting AMG Upgrades

For some strange reason, every time that Mercedes-Benz tries to make the Owl R-Class look better, we recall Barack Obama's reference to "lipstick on a pig". Same goes for the Stuttgart-based automaker's latest attempt with a new 'sporty' package called Grand Edition that can be ordered in Europe for €3,300 plus tax (about US$4,400). Among other things, the package adds unique 20-inch AMG bicolour light-alloy wheels as well as thermally insulated blue windows all-round.

Other exterior features includes standard by bi-xenon headlamps with dynamic active light and cornering light functions, chrome-framed LED daytime driving lamps integrated into the front bumper and taillights in a dark finish.

Inside, the Grand Edition justifies its price with decorative wood trim made of anthracite-colored poplar with chrome applications as well as the "Grand Edition" nameplate, an AMG steering wheel with gearshift paddles, and sports pedals made of brushed stainless steel.