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.

The Baby Benz (2012 C-Class)

The Baby Benz (2012 C-Class)

The 2012 C-Class in action

How about a new 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class? Never mind, the talks of the increased performance of the BMW 3-series, the new 2012 C-Class boasts its own sportiness while providing an air of class and luxuriousness. Be advised, more sportiness does not sacrifice the ride quality, comfort, and the dynamic nature of the car. This is the tell-tale sign of Mercedes-Benz production; style, and reliability.

The newest addition of the 2012 is the all new C-Class coupe. Done away with after the 2005 model, this newly redesigned coupe gives Mercedes a more affordable and rather stylish entry in the two-door segment. Both the coupe and sedan levels share a fresh face with more curvaceous headlamps and better integrated LED daytime running lights. Not only has the exterior seen a facelift, but the interior has seen minor reworking’s for the better. Higher-quality gadgets, a more visually appealing design, and also a fixed display screen which replaces the awkward pop-up unit are the main attractions inside the new 2012 C-Class.

Engine wise, the C-Class model offers a wide variety of selection based on driver preference. If fuel economy/efficiency is a concern, the all-new C250 model features a lively turbocharged four cylinder engine. But what if you live in a seemingly frigid climate? No worries, the C300 4MATIC, has it all covered with the standard full time all-wheel drive system. Or if you even want a powerful beast that can give you thrills along with everyday drivability you can opt for the C350, which boasts 302 horsepower (34 more horses than the previous years model). Last but most certainly, not least is the German muscle car that competes with the best of the best; the C63 AMG. The AMG model is for true driving enthusiasts as it provides 451 horsepower. Every step on the pedal in this AMG model puts you firmly back in your seat asking for more.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

After a brief gloss over of the 2012 Mercedes Benz C-Class here’s where I get more in depth about body styles, trim levels, and potential options. As I said before, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is available in sedan and coupe body styles, both of which are available in C250, C350 and C63 AMG trim levels. The sedan is furthermore available as a C300 4MATIC, while the coupe gets an added C63 AMG Black Series. The C250 and C300 trims all come standard with 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights, automatic wipers, a sunroof/moonroof, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats (with adjustable lumbar), MB-Tex vinyl upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, auto-dimming interior and driver-side mirrors, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a sound system with a CD player, auxiliary audio jack, a USB audio jack and HD radio. The C300 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive and a V6 engine for a little pep in your journeys.

In its sedan form, the C250 and C300 are further divided into Luxury and Sport sub-trims. You’ll notice the difference between them in their wheel design, suspension tuning, styling details, steering wheel design and interior trim type. When equipped with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the Luxury also includes a comfort-tuned suspension. The Premium 1 package adds on four-way adjustable lumbar support for the front seats, heated front seats, driver memory seat functions, a power-adjustable steering wheel, split-folding rear seats and a Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system with satellite radio and an iPod interface (optional separately as well). If you ask me the Premium 1 Package will do keep you quite comfortable in your daily drives.

In coupe form, the C250 gets a beautiful panoramic sunroof, split-folding rear seats, additional driver seat adjustments, driver memory functions and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. The coupe's Premium 1 package adds the heated seats and the Harman Kardon system with satellite radio and an iPod interface.

The C350 sedan comes with a sport mentality. It features a high output and bigger V6 engine and the Premium 1 package as a standard option; the C350 coupe adds a panoramic sunroof. The model above; the C63 AMG is equipped similarly in terms of comfort and convenience features, but gets 18-inch wheels, ultra high-performance tires, an adaptive sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, sport seats, more aggressive styling and different interior trim. This trim level is the best bang for your buck as you get a mix of high performance and comfort. Of course, Mercedes-Benz always offers a variety of options to dress up your vehicle to your standards.

Performance

Performance wise, each trim of the 2012 C-Class carries its own practicality. The entry level 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 is powered by a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder that produces 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic are standard. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 21 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined which is very good for the segment, and matches up well with other entry level sedans.

The Mercedes-Benz C300 4MATIC is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 that produces 228 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, and it's the only C-Class that gets all-wheel drive. Fuel economy stands at 18 (city)/25(highway)/20(combined), decent gas mileage for a full time all-wheel drive system.

Under the hood of the Mercedes-Benz C350 is a 3.5-liter V6 which produces 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is an excellent 20/29/23. With the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, you get a 6.2-liter V8 that cranks out 451 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque; add the AMG Development package and horsepower gets bumped up to 481. Fuel economy is 13/19/15.

Finally, the C63 AMG Black Series gets a more powerful version of the 6.2-liter V8 good for 510 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque. That should obviously make it quicker than the regular model. Either way the AMG models pack a punch, and will deliver a thrill to any driver out there.

My C-Class Mercedes

I am very passionate about cars in general. Get me in a conversation about cars, and most likely I will not stop talking. I thoroughly enjoy being around them, seeing them, working on them, and the idea of writing about them excites me. I probably get the passion from my Dad because we talk about cars when we are around each other. Growing up I could easily identify practically any car; make, model, or year. I always had dreams about driving, and when I was 16 my dream came true. I was finally granted permission to operate a car with my Connecticut driver’s license.  

I now own a Mercedes- Benz C230 Kompressor. I’ve had it for about a year now, and it is my pride and passion. I baby this car. Often times, my parents or friends get mad at me for how much time I spend with it; whether it be washing, waxing, buffing, vacuuming, and polishing the wheels. In any free time I have it is usually spent doing research about the car. I am even a member of the enthusiast club, called Club202, for my particular car. On the website we post pictures about our beloved cars, ask questions about repairs, boast about our cars, talk about the upgrades to our cars and so on. There is not one moment where I am not happy when I’m on the website. I could spend hours reading up on what other members have done to their car or what they plan to do in the future.  Over this upcoming summer, I plan to add my own upgrades to my car so I can participate in some of the boasting that takes place on the Club’s website.

It is obvious that my favorite car is a Mercedes-Benz, but maybe it’s because I currently drive one. But regardless, I appreciate every car out there, and what it has to offer. But in this blog I will be writing about each Mercedes-Benz model that I hope to drive and own one day. Hope you enjoy!