Step Into The Next Class (The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class)

Daddy’s Favorite Benz

Beauty, elegance, and sleekness are words that describe the Mercedes-Benz 2012 E-Class. This is the most interesting body styling of the E-Class compared to the previous years which featured the signature bug eyed headlights and rather simplistic body lines. This newly redesigned E-Class will certainly cause some rubbernecking (for the right reason) when you slowly cruise around town. The fresh face lift this model received seems a bit awkward, but as soon as you see the three pointed star on the hood, you know what it represents. New for the 2012 year are the E-Class coupe and convertible, and the sedan remains.  How could you not want to own one of these for the New Year? Besides, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class remains a top choice against a plethora of competitors, including those from Audi (A5, A6, S5), BMW (5 Series, M5), Infiniti (M37 and M56), Jaguar (XF) and Porsche (Panamera). All these are very nice cars, but the E-Class holds a class of its own.

All You Want To Hear About (Body Style, Trim Levels, Options for the picky)

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is available in five-passenger sedan, four-passenger coupe, four-passenger convertible (Cabriolet) and seven-passenger wagon body styles. Each is further broken into different trims that correspond with its engine. The sedan is available in E350, E550 4Matic and E63 AMG variants. The coupe and cabriolet are E350 and E550, the E-Class wagon is E350 4Matic and E63 AMG. As noted in my previous blog post, 4Matic refers to the all-wheel-drive system.

The E350 sedan is similarly equipped with alloy 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights, a sunroof, rain sensing automatic wipers, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power front seats with four-way lumbar adjustment and memory functions, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, interior accent lighting, auto-dimming inside and driver-side mirrors, the COMAND electronics interface, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker sound system with a six-CD/DVD changer and an auxiliary audio jack.

The E350 sedan is further broken down into the Luxury and Sport sub-trims, which vary in suspension tuning, styling, interior trim and wheel design. Either trim still carries it class and elegance. The E350 wagon gets standard all-wheel drive (4MATIC), a power liftgate, a rearview camera and a rear-facing third-row seat. The E350 coupe gets sport seats, leather upholstery, a 60/40 split-folding backseat and a console-mounted transmission gear selector with paddle shifters for those who want a little more control and fun from the automatic transmission.

Every E550 adds bigger and higher performing brakes to handle all the power that engine packs, 18-inch stylish wheels and leather upholstery (which is also optional on the E350). The E550 4Matic sedan comes with standard all-wheel drive along with the Sport sub-trim items. The E550 coupes get a sport-tuned suspension along with a sport body kit for added aggressiveness and curb appeal.

The Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG includes most of the E550's equipment plus a larger V8, various AMG-engineered and tuned components (transmission, suspension, steering, brakes, exhaust), headlight washers, a sport steering wheel, sport seats with adjustable bolsters, AMG special styling elements inside and out, and the premium sound system with satellite radio and iPod interface. The sedan gets a standard power rear sunshade and a split-folding rear seat, while the wagon gets a standard panoramic roof. This car has all the treats you need for the long trips and just for daily grocery getter. Finally, the AMG Performance package (which will be explained later on) adds additional power, more aggressive suspension tuning, a sportier steering wheel, a higher top speed, red brake calipers and a carbon-fiber engine cover.

Powertrains and Performance

The Mercedes-Benz E350 models come with a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This engine surely is a thrill to wield since it is coupled with a seven-speed automatic transmission that can be switched between sport and comfort modes with ease. Unfortunately, for the manual transmission enthusiasts, the 2012 E-Class does not offer a manual gearbox, but the automatic surely does the job. The rear-wheel drive is standard on all except for the family friendly wagon. All-wheel drive (4Matic) is standard on the wagon and optional on the sedan.  Based on Mercedes-Benz of USA, it is reported that the rear-wheel drive E350 sedan can launch from zero to 60 mph in a quick 6.5 seconds. Without surprise, the wagon and 4Matic’s short sprint (0 to 60 mph) is a bit slower due the added weight of the 4MATIC system. But the Cabriolet form of the E-Class sees improvement in the 0 to 60 mph department. The EPA, estimates that the E350 will achieve 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, rather decent figures for a V6 engine.

The E550 models get a twin-turbo 4.7-liter V8 that produces 402 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. Impressive! Rear-wheel drive is standard on the coupe and cabriolet, while the sedan gets 4Matic all-wheel drive for the standard option. Mercedes-Benz analysts estimate the sedan will hit 60 in a jaw-dropping 5.2 seconds, while the coupe and Cabriolet should hit 5 flat or dip into the high 4 second range. This truly is stunning for a car that is quite heavy to say the least. The EPA estimates fuel economy stands at 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway regardless of trim level.

Finally, we get to the race inspired AMG E-Class. This car is a real head-turner, in more than one way. The E63 AMG gets a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 that cranks out 518 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. This car is for the advanced driver, who enjoys thrills of mashing the pedal and seeing the tachometer race up. With the AMG Performance package, this already boastful car gets a healthy raise in horsepower from 550 and 590, respectively. Standard is rear-wheel drive and the AMG seven-speed automated manual transmission (TipTronic). It is reported that this machine can hit 60 mph from a standstill in about 4.2 seconds! Of course, when you’re driving a car like this fuel economy does not faze you as this Mercedes gets an estimated15 mpg city/22 mpg highway for the sedan and 14/21 for the wagon. Be careful out there if you choose to wield the ultimate E-Class on the road! Certainly, this car will leave you with a huge grin every time you sit in it.