The 2012 Mercedes-benz E-class E350 stands as a testament to luxury and performance, offering a range of body styles and customization options to suit diverse preferences. As a cornerstone of the E-Class lineup, the E350 provides a compelling blend of standard features and available enhancements.
The E350 sedan, forming the core of the range, is equipped with 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, and LED running lights for a distinguished exterior. Functionality is enhanced by a sunroof, automatic wipers, and cruise control. Inside, dual-zone automatic climate control ensures comfort, while 10-way power front seats with lumbar adjustment and memory, upholstered in MB Tex premium vinyl, provide a luxurious seating experience. The power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and interior accent lighting further refine the cabin ambiance. Technology features include auto-dimming mirrors, the COMAND electronics interface, Bluetooth connectivity, and an eight-speaker sound system with a CD/DVD changer and auxiliary audio jack.
Within the sedan range, the E350 distinguishes itself further with Luxury and Sport sub-trims. These variations encompass differences in suspension tuning, aesthetic styling cues, interior trim elements, and distinct wheel designs, allowing buyers to tailor the vehicle to their specific taste.
Expanding beyond the sedan, the E350 model line offers additional body styles, each with unique features. The wagon version includes standard all-wheel drive for enhanced traction, a power liftgate for convenience, a rearview camera for improved visibility, and a rear-facing third-row seat, increasing passenger capacity. The E350 coupe emphasizes a sporty character with sport seats, leather upholstery, a 60/40 split-folding backseat for cargo flexibility, and a console-mounted transmission lever accompanied by paddle shifters for a more engaging driving experience. Lastly, the E350 Cabriolet offers open-air enjoyment with a power-operated roof and adds practical features like a rear center pass-through and the AirCap pop-up air deflector to minimize cabin turbulence.
Stepping up in performance, the E550 models build upon the E-Class foundation with enhanced equipment. Every E550 incorporates larger brakes and 18-inch wheels. Leather upholstery, an optional upgrade on the E350, becomes standard on the E550. The E550 4Matic sedan further includes standard all-wheel drive and adopts the Sport sub-trim elements, emphasizing both performance and all-weather capability. The E550 coupe distinguishes itself with a sport-tuned suspension and a sport body kit, reinforcing its dynamic intentions.
For those seeking even more comprehensive features, optional packages were available. The Premium 1 package added a navigation system, a rearview camera, heated seats (upgraded to ventilated seats in the E550), a power rear window shade (for sedan and coupe), satellite radio, a premium sound system, and an iPod interface. The Cabriolet version of this package uniquely included the AirScarf neck-heating system for enhanced top-down comfort in cooler weather. Building upon this, the Premium 2 package incorporated all the Premium 1 features plus adaptive bi-xenon headlights with washers and automatic high beams for superior nighttime visibility, a power trunk lid for added convenience, and keyless ignition/entry for ease of use. Safety-conscious buyers could opt for the Lane Tracking package, which included a blind-spot warning system and a lane departure warning/keeping system. The Driver Assistance package further enhanced safety with adaptive cruise control and more advanced iterations of the Lane Tracking features.
Beyond packages, a range of stand-alone options allowed for further customization of the sedan and wagon models. These included front and rear parking sensors to aid maneuvering, split-folding rear seats for increased cargo versatility, heated and ventilated front seats (for E350), a panoramic sunroof for an open and airy cabin feel, enhanced front seats with adjustable bolsters for personalized comfort, 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 for passenger enjoyment. The coupe and Cabriolet versions also offered heated front seats and parking sensors as stand-alone options.
At the pinnacle of the 2012 E-Class performance range was the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. This model included most of the E550’s equipment and significantly elevated performance with a larger V8 engine. It also featured numerous AMG-engineered and tuned components, including the transmission, suspension, steering, brakes, and exhaust, resulting in a dramatically enhanced driving experience. Additional features included headlight washers, a sport steering wheel, sport seats with adjustable bolsters, unique AMG 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 seat, while the wagon version included a standard panoramic roof. Options for the E63 AMG mirrored those of other models, including Premium 1 and 2 packages, Lane Tracking and Driver Assistance packages, along with stand-alone items. Unique AMG options included a limited-slip differential for enhanced traction, 19-inch forged alloy wheels, and carbon fiber trim for weight reduction and aesthetic appeal. The AMG Performance package further boosted power, provided more aggressive suspension tuning (sedan only), a sportier steering wheel, increased the top speed, added red brake calipers, and included a carbon-fiber engine cover for visual distinction.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350 offered a compelling entry point into the E-Class family, providing a rich set of standard features and a wide array of options and trim levels to cater to a variety of luxury and performance needs.
