2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Facelift Spy Shots

Mercedes-Benz is determined not to completely write-off its ‘Grand Sport Tourer’ just yet. The 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class received a mild facelift in 2007 to help turn around flagging sales, but a second and more extensive update is in fact planned for the 2011 model year as previewed by these latest spy shots of a prototype caught testing in Germany.

The first facelift came less than two years after the vehicle was first shown at 2005’s New York Auto Show, and was implemented mainly to increase the car’s desirability. A cheaper rear-wheel drive model was added to the lineup as well as a more flexible seven-seater model, but other than that the R-Class remained mostly unchanged.

For the next update Mercedes-Benz will give the car a major styling overhaul with a new front-end planned as well as a slightly revised rear and interior. Expected to be launched in the second half of next year, the new 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class appears to receive the same squared-off treatment as seen on the A- and B-Class models, including angular headlights and a larger more prominent grille.