The 2012 Mercedes-benz E-class E 350 stands as a testament to luxury and performance, offering a range of body styles and trim options to cater to diverse preferences. This article delves into the standard features, available packages, and standalone options of the 2012 E-Class E 350, providing a comprehensive guide for potential buyers and enthusiasts.
Standard Features of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 350 Sedan
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 350 sedan comes generously equipped with a host of standard features designed for comfort, convenience, and style. It rolls on 17-inch wheels and boasts automatic headlights and LED running lights for enhanced visibility. A sunroof adds an open-air feel to the cabin, while automatic wipers take the hassle out of driving in inclement weather. Cruise control is standard for relaxed highway driving, and dual-zone automatic climate control ensures optimal comfort for both driver and passenger.
Inside, the E 350 sedan features 10-way power front seats with four-way lumbar adjustment and memory functions, wrapped in MB Tex premium vinyl upholstery. The power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel allows for a customized driving position, and interior accent lighting sets a sophisticated mood. Auto-dimming inside and driver-side mirrors enhance safety and convenience. The COMAND electronics interface controls various vehicle functions, and Bluetooth connectivity enables hands-free calling and audio streaming. An eight-speaker sound system with a six-CD/DVD changer and an auxiliary audio jack provides ample entertainment options.
The E 350 sedan is further divided into Luxury and Sport sub-trims. These trims differentiate themselves through suspension tuning, styling cues, interior trim variations, and unique wheel designs, allowing buyers to choose a model that aligns with their aesthetic and driving preferences.
Features Across Other 2012 E 350 Body Styles
Beyond the sedan, the 2012 E-Class E 350 offered distinct features tailored to its wagon, coupe, and cabriolet body styles. The E 350 wagon, designed for practicality and versatility, includes standard all-wheel drive (4MATIC), providing enhanced traction and stability. A power liftgate simplifies cargo access, and a rearview camera aids in parking and maneuvering. Notably, the wagon also features a rear-facing third-row seat, expanding passenger capacity.
The E 350 coupe emphasizes sporty elegance, featuring sport seats for enhanced lateral support during spirited driving. Leather upholstery adds a touch of luxury, and a 60/40 split-folding backseat increases cargo flexibility. A console-mounted transmission lever with paddle shifters offers a more engaging driving experience.
For those seeking open-air thrills, the E 350 Cabriolet comes with a power-operated roof for effortless transitions between coupe and convertible. A rear center pass-through provides some trunk access even with the top up, and the AirCap pop-up air deflector reduces cabin turbulence when driving with the top down.
Upgrading to the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 550
Stepping up to the E 550 brings performance and luxury enhancements. Every E 550 model gains larger brakes for improved stopping power and rides on 18-inch wheels. Leather upholstery, optional on the E 350, becomes standard on the E 550, elevating interior sophistication. The E 550 4Matic sedan comes standard with all-wheel drive and incorporates the Sport sub-trim elements for a more dynamic appearance and driving feel. The E 550 coupe further embraces sportiness with a sport-tuned suspension and a distinctive sport body kit.
Available Option Packages for the 2012 E-Class
Mercedes-Benz offered several option packages to further customize the 2012 E-Class. The Premium 1 package significantly enhances the in-car technology and comfort. It includes a navigation system for seamless route guidance, a rearview camera (if not already standard, depending on body style), heated seats (with added ventilation for the E 550), and a power rear window shade for sedan and coupe models. Satellite radio provides a wide array of audio entertainment, a premium sound system upgrades the audio experience, and an iPod interface allows for easy integration of Apple devices. For the Cabriolet, this package also includes the AirScarf neck-heating system for added comfort in cooler open-top driving conditions.
Building upon the Premium 1 package, the Premium 2 package adds even more advanced features. It incorporates adaptive bi-xenon headlights with washers and automatic high beams for superior nighttime visibility. A power trunk lid adds convenience to cargo access, and keyless ignition/entry streamlines vehicle operation.
For enhanced driver assistance, the Lane Tracking package provides a blind-spot warning system to alert drivers to vehicles in their blind spots and a lane departure warning/keeping system to help prevent unintentional lane drifts.
The Driver Assistance package further expands on safety and convenience, including adaptive cruise control to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead and more advanced versions of the Lane Tracking items for enhanced lane keeping and collision avoidance.
Standalone Options for Further Personalization
Beyond packages, a range of standalone options allowed buyers to tailor their 2012 E-Class to their specific needs and desires. For the sedan and wagon, these included front and rear parking sensors to simplify parking in tight spaces, split-folding rear seats for increased cargo versatility, and heated and ventilated front seats (for the E 350) for ultimate comfort in any climate. A panoramic sunroof expanded the open-air feel, while enhanced front seats with adjustable bolsters offered customized support. A heated steering wheel added warmth in colder climates, and an infrared night vision warning system enhanced safety in low-visibility conditions. A rear seat entertainment system kept rear passengers entertained on long journeys. The coupe and Cabriolet models could also be equipped with heated front seats and parking sensors.
The High-Performance 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG
At the pinnacle of the 2012 E-Class range sat the Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG, a high-performance variant that combined luxury with exhilarating power. The E 63 AMG included most of the E 550’s equipment and added a larger, more powerful V8 engine. It also featured various AMG-engineered and tuned components, including the transmission, suspension, steering, brakes, and exhaust system, for track-ready performance. Headlight washers, a sport steering wheel, sport seats with adjustable bolsters, and special styling elements inside and out further distinguished the AMG model. The premium sound system with satellite radio and iPod interface was also standard. The E 63 AMG sedan included a standard power rear sunshade and split-folding rear seat, while the wagon featured a standard panoramic roof.
The E 63 AMG was also eligible for the Premium 1 and 2 packages, as well as the Lane Tracking and Driver Assistance packages. Standalone options mirrored many of those available on other E-Class models, along with performance-oriented options such as a limited-slip differential, 19-inch forged alloy wheels, and carbon fiber trim. The ultimate performance upgrade was the AMG Performance package, which boosted engine power further, added more aggressive suspension tuning (sedan only), a sportier steering wheel, increased top speed, red brake calipers, and a carbon-fiber engine cover.
Conclusion
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 350 offered a compelling blend of luxury, performance, and versatility in its various body styles. With a comprehensive list of standard features, a wide array of option packages, and standalone enhancements, buyers could tailor an E 350 to perfectly match their needs and preferences. Whether prioritizing comfort, sporty driving dynamics, or open-air enjoyment, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 350 provided a sophisticated and rewarding ownership experience.
