2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class — Full Specifications
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Running gear matters most — before anything else, UK: check tyre prices at TirendoUS: check wheel & tyre prices at WheelHero for this car's fitment.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is an SUV powered by a 3.5L 6-cyl premium gasoline engine. It returns around 22 mpg (UK) / 18 mpg (US EPA) combined. Owners often keep a Mercedes-Benz R-Class workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class: Fuel economy improves from 19 to 22 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 3.5L 6-cyl |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic 7-spd |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | 4-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 22 combined / 19 urban / 25 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 18 combined / 16 city / 21 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 307 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $4,550 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 1 configuration for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class, all with the 3.5L 6-cyl engine. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 22 | 18 (16/21) | 307 | $4,550 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
Running Costs: 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class at 22 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,653 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $4,550 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
No NHTSA crash-test rating is on record for this model year. The NHTSA rates only a subset of vehicles each year; you can browse every rated vehicle on our NHTSA Safety Ratings hub.
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class as of 6 October 2026. Recalls can be issued years after a model is sold, so it is still worth checking your own VIN.
Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class. The most-reported areas are Air bags (5), Service brakes (1), Electrical system (1).
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Air bags (5 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Brakes (1 owner complaint) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Electrical system (1 owner complaint) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Engine (1 owner complaint) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Mercedes-Benz R-Class compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 22 mpg figure is 5 mpg below that average. Its 307 g/km CO₂ figure is 54 g/km higher than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
Mercedes-Benz models in our database average about 26 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class's 22 mpg is 4 mpg below that make average. Its 307 g/km CO₂ figure is 39 g/km higher than the 268 g/km Mercedes-Benz average.
Of the 4 Mercedes-Benz R-Class model years we cover, the 2012 is the most economical on its best configuration (22 mpg UK combined). See every Mercedes-Benz R-Class year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class have?
It's fitted with a 3.5L 6-cyl premium gasoline engine, paired with a automatic 7-spd transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class?
The most efficient configuration returns around 22 mpg (UK) combined, or 18 mpg on the US EPA cycle.
How much does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $4,550 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class have any recalls?
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class as of 6 October 2026. Recalls can be issued years after a model is sold, so it is still worth checking your own VIN.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class?
Among the 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Air bags (5 complaints), Service brakes (1 complaint), Electrical system (1 complaint). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Mercedes-Benz R-Class's fuel economy good for an SUV?
It returns around 22 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track.