The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350 stands as a testament to luxury and engineering excellence, offering a range of body styles and features to cater to diverse preferences. This model year boasts a comprehensive set of standard equipment and a variety of optional packages and standalone features, making it a highly customizable vehicle in the premium segment. Let’s delve into the specifics of what the 2012 E350 and its siblings in the E-Class lineup offer.
The foundation of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350 sedans and E350 Bluetec sedans is well-appointed with 17-inch wheels, ensuring a balanced ride and aesthetic. Automatic headlights and LED running lights provide enhanced visibility and a modern look, while the inclusion of a sunroof adds an element of open-air enjoyment. Practicality is addressed with automatic wipers and cruise control for comfortable driving in varying conditions. Inside, dual-zone automatic climate control maintains personalized comfort for driver and passenger. The 10-way power front seats, complete with four-way lumbar adjustment and memory functions, upholstered in MB Tex premium vinyl, offer superior seating adjustability and comfort. A power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel further enhances driver ergonomics. Interior accent lighting sets a refined ambiance within the cabin. Auto-dimming inside and driver-side mirrors contribute to safer nighttime driving. The COMAND electronics interface serves as the central hub for vehicle controls and entertainment, integrating Bluetooth connectivity and an eight-speaker sound system with a six-CD/DVD changer, along with an auxiliary audio jack for diverse media options. Notably, the E350 sedan distinguishes itself with Luxury and Sport sub-trims, each presenting unique suspension tuning, styling nuances, interior trim variations, and wheel designs to cater to different driving dynamics and aesthetic tastes.
Expanding beyond the sedan, the 2012 E350 wagon incorporates standard all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and stability, a power liftgate for convenient cargo access, a rearview camera for safer maneuvering, and a rear-facing third-row seat, increasing passenger capacity. The E350 coupe takes a sportier direction with sport seats, luxurious leather upholstery, a versatile 60/40 split-folding backseat, and a console-mounted transmission lever accompanied by paddle shifters for a more engaging driving experience. For those desiring open-top motoring, the E350 Cabriolet is equipped with a power-operated roof, a rear center pass-through for added convenience, and the innovative AirCap pop-up air deflector, designed to minimize cabin turbulence when the top is down.
Stepping up to the E550 models brings further enhancements. Every E550 model benefits from larger brakes for improved stopping power and 18-inch wheels that add to the vehicle’s assertive stance. Leather upholstery, while optional on the E350, becomes a standard feature on the E550, elevating the interior ambiance. Specifically, the E550 4Matic sedan comes standard with all-wheel drive and incorporates the Sport sub-trim elements, blending performance and all-weather capability. The E550 coupe distinguishes itself with a sport-tuned suspension and a sport body kit, emphasizing its performance-oriented character.
To further personalize the 2012 E-Class, Mercedes-Benz offered several appealing packages. The Premium 1 package enhances convenience and entertainment with a navigation system, rearview camera, heated seats (with ventilation added on the E550), a power rear window shade (for sedan and coupe models), satellite radio, a premium sound system, and an iPod interface. For the Cabriolet variant, this package also includes the AirScarf neck-heating system for enhanced top-down comfort in cooler conditions. The Premium 2 package builds upon the Premium 1 package, adding adaptive bi-xenon headlights with washers and automatic high beams for superior nighttime visibility, a power trunk lid for effortless access, and keyless ignition/entry for added convenience. For drivers prioritizing safety, the Lane Tracking package includes a blind-spot warning system and a lane departure warning/keeping system. The Driver Assistance package further advances safety features with adaptive cruise control and more sophisticated versions of the Lane Tracking functionalities.
Beyond packages, a range of stand-alone options allowed for granular customization. For the sedan and wagon models, these included front and rear parking sensors to aid in tight spaces, split-folding rear seats for increased cargo versatility, heated and ventilated front seats (available on the E350), a panoramic sunroof for an expansive view, enhanced front seats with adjustable bolsters for customized support, a heated steering wheel for cold climates, an infrared night vision warning system for enhanced safety in low-light conditions, and a rear seat entertainment system. The coupe and Cabriolet models also offered heated front seats and parking sensors as standalone options.
At the pinnacle of the 2012 E-Class range was the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. This high-performance variant incorporated most of the E550’s equipment and significantly amplified the driving experience with a larger V8 engine and numerous AMG-engineered and tuned components. These enhancements spanned the transmission, suspension, steering, brakes, and exhaust system, resulting in exhilarating performance. Additional features included headlight washers, a sport steering wheel, sport seats with adjustable bolsters, unique styling elements both inside and out, and the premium sound system with satellite radio and iPod interface. The E63 AMG sedan came standard with a power rear sunshade and split-folding rear seats, while the wagon featured a standard panoramic roof. Options mirrored those of other models, including Premium 1 and 2 packages, Lane Tracking and Driver Assistance packages, along with exclusive AMG options such as a limited-slip differential, 19-inch forged alloy wheels, and carbon fiber trim. The AMG Performance package took performance even further, adding increased power, more aggressive suspension tuning (sedan only), a sportier steering wheel, a higher top speed, red brake calipers, and a carbon-fiber engine cover.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350, along with its diverse model range, offered a compelling blend of luxury, performance, and customization, cementing its position as a leading choice in the premium automotive market.
