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.