2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Preview

Positioned between the entry-level Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the top-of-the-line S-Class, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the automaker's best selling brand. The line up is huge, available in sedan, coupe, convertible, and even a station wagon body style and offers a variety of petrol and diesel. The only thing missing is a hybrid model ... so far.

Mercedes E-Class update in 2010, so there were few changes in 2011 and 2012. The E-Class from the equipment list is long, and much of the high-tech. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan, for example, uses a system called AIRSCARF to warm her blow on the neck of the driver to him or her warm, while another system called air cap controls the wind around the convertible to the interior still all keep the roof open. Many technologies, such as Attention Assist, focus on safety. Attention Assist monitors the driver to actually see if they get sleepy behind the wheel, then warns them through audio and visual signals to wake up.

Body styles: convertible, coupe, sedan, wagon

Engines: 3.0-liter V-6, 3.5-liter V-6, 4.6-liter V-8, 5.5-liter V-8

Transmission: seven-speed automatic

Models: Mercedes-Benz E350 Bluetec, Mercedes-Benz E350 Sedan, Mercedes-Benz E550 Sedan, Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe/Wagon, Mercedes-Benz E550 Coupe/Wagon, Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic Wagon, Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

The huge Mercedes-Benz E-Class lineup (there are at least 11 different models) underwent a big change for the 2010 model year. Even so, Mercedes proposes significant changes for 2012.

The E-Class gets a new steering wheel, instrument cluster and infotainment color display. The 3.0-liter V-6 (except diesel), 3.5-liter V-6, 4.6-liter V-8, and the 5.5-liter V-8 engines undergo more tuning for better performance and fuel economy. The Mercedes-Benz E350 sedan and coupe gets 17-inch wheels, while the Mercedes-Benz E550 receives electromagnetic control. The Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG sports car returns to the lineup, while the E350 wagon, which also receives electromagnetic control, now standard with all-wheel drive, third row seating, power tailgate, and rear air. Finally, the E63 AMG Mercedes-Benz sedan gets fuel-saving ECO Stop / Start system and 17-inch wheels.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class underwent a major revision of the design in 2010 and thus the automaker makes no significant changes to the exterior for 2012. There are four different body styles for the E-Class (sedan, coupe, sedan and wagon) with multiple models, four different engines including a diesel, and many standard and optional features. The Mercedes E350 coupe and convertible get new 17-inch five-spoke wheels, while the E63 AMG sedan gets 19-inch 10-spoke wheels.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class underwent a major revision of the design in 2010 and thus the automaker does not make significant changes in 2012. The interior has been updated, especially with the placement of high quality materials and design. The steering wheel is standard with new features such as paddle shifters for transmission. The driver-side instrument panel is now in full color and several controls are moved.

All Mercedes-Benz E-Class vehicles have been strong performers, especially for such heavy vehicles. Of course, one of the sport-tuned AMG trims have been tops in acceleration and torque, Mercedes E350 Bluetec same with the sedan and the diesel engine having the additional advantage of the hybrid level has kilometers. Overall, the E-Class is a cruiser with a comfortable ride and a tight control feature of German vehicles. However, some models, especially the E550 models have stiffer suspension that may not suit everyone's taste.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class comes standard with front airbags, driver knee airbag protection, front-passenger side airbags, and head-protection curtain airbags with optional rear passenger side airbags. Other safety technologies include ABS braking system (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), traction control and stability control systems. Active safety systems such as a driver drowsiness warning system is operating this year, Lane Keeping Assist (which affects the vehicle brakes to keep the driver in a job), and Active Blind Spot Assist systems.

Mercedes-Benz E350 Sedan: 20 mpg city/30 mpg highway*

Mercedes-Benz E350 Bluetec: 21 mpg city/32 mpg highway*

Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic Sedan: 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway*

Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe/Convertible: 18-19 mpg city/28 mpg highway

Mercedes-Benz E550 Sedan: 16 mpg city/26 mpg highway*

Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic Sedan, E550 Coupe: 16 mpg city/26 mpg highway*

Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG: 15-16 mpg city/23-24 mpg highway*

E350 BLUETEC Sedan