The 2012 E350 Mercedes Benz stands as a testament to luxury and versatility, offering a range of configurations to suit discerning drivers. From the sleek sedan to the spacious wagon, sporty coupe, and elegant cabriolet, the E350 provides a foundation of premium features and customizable options. Let’s delve into the specifics of what makes the 2012 E350 Mercedes Benz a compelling choice in the luxury vehicle market.
The core E350 models – sedan and Bluetec sedan – are generously equipped right from the start. Rolling on 17-inch wheels and featuring automatic headlights and LED running lights for enhanced visibility, the exterior makes a sophisticated statement. A sunroof, automatic wipers, and cruise control add to the convenience, while inside, dual-zone automatic climate control ensures optimal comfort. Both driver and passenger benefit from 10-way power front seats with four-way lumbar adjustment and memory functions, all upholstered in MB Tex premium vinyl. The power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, interior accent lighting, and auto-dimming mirrors further enhance the premium feel. Mercedes-Benz’s COMAND electronics interface is standard, along with Bluetooth connectivity and an eight-speaker sound system complete with a six-CD/DVD changer and auxiliary audio jack for entertainment on the go. For the E350 sedan, further customization is available through Luxury and Sport sub-trims, each bringing distinct suspension tuning, styling nuances, interior trim variations, and wheel designs to cater to different preferences.
Stepping into the E350 wagon configuration of the 2012 E350 Mercedes Benz adds practicality to luxury. Standard all-wheel drive provides enhanced traction, while a power liftgate and rearview camera increase convenience for everyday tasks. Unique to the wagon is a rear-facing third-row seat, expanding passenger capacity. The E350 coupe, on the other hand, emphasizes sporty elegance with standard sport seats, leather upholstery, and a versatile 60/40 split-folding backseat. A console-mounted transmission lever with paddle shifters further underscores its sporting intentions. For those desiring open-air driving, the E350 Cabriolet includes a power-operated roof, a rear center pass-through for longer items, and the AirCap pop-up air deflector, designed to reduce cabin turbulence when the top is down.
Moving up the range, every E550 model of the 2012 Mercedes Benz elevates the experience with enhanced performance and luxury features. Larger brakes and 18-inch wheels contribute to a more commanding presence and improved driving dynamics. Leather upholstery, optional on the E350, becomes standard on the E550, further enriching the interior ambiance. The E550 4Matic sedan includes standard all-wheel drive and incorporates the Sport sub-trim elements for a more dynamic appearance and feel. The E550 coupe distinguishes itself with a sport-tuned suspension and a sport body kit, emphasizing its performance-oriented nature.
To further personalize the 2012 E350 Mercedes Benz, Mercedes-Benz offered a range of option packages. The Premium 1 package adds notable features like a navigation system and rearview camera (if not already standard on certain trims), heated seats, and ventilated seats for the E550. It also includes a power rear window shade for sedan and coupe models, satellite radio, a premium sound system, and an iPod interface for enhanced connectivity and entertainment. For the Cabriolet, the Premium 1 package uniquely incorporates the AirScarf neck-heating system for added comfort during open-top drives in cooler weather. The Premium 2 package expands upon Premium 1, adding adaptive bi-xenon headlights with washers and automatic high beams for superior visibility, a power trunk lid for ease of access, and keyless ignition/entry for added convenience. For enhanced safety, the Lane Tracking package includes a blind-spot warning system and a lane departure warning/keeping system. The Driver Assistance package builds upon this with adaptive cruise control and more advanced versions of the lane tracking features.
Beyond packages, stand-alone options for the sedan and wagon versions of the 2012 E350 Mercedes Benz offered even greater customization. These included front and rear parking sensors, split-folding rear seats for increased cargo flexibility, heated and ventilated front seats for the E350, a panoramic sunroof for an open and airy cabin, enhanced front seats with adjustable bolsters for personalized comfort, a heated steering wheel, an infrared night vision warning system for enhanced nighttime driving safety, and a rear-seat entertainment system. The coupe and Cabriolet models could also be specified with heated front seats and parking sensors as stand-alone options.
At the pinnacle of the 2012 E-Class range is the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. This high-performance variant includes most of the E550’s equipment but significantly elevates performance with a larger V8 engine and numerous AMG-engineered and tuned components. These enhancements span the transmission, suspension, steering, brakes, and exhaust system, resulting in a dramatically more dynamic driving experience. Additional standard features on the E63 AMG include headlight washers, a sport steering wheel, sport seats with adjustable bolsters, unique AMG styling elements inside and out, and the premium sound system with satellite radio and iPod interface. The sedan version of the E63 AMG includes a standard power rear sunshade and split-folding rear seat, while the wagon gets a standard panoramic roof. The Premium 1 and 2 packages, along with the Lane Tracking and Driver Assistance packages, remained optional on the E63 AMG. A range of stand-alone options were also available, including a limited-slip differential, 19-inch forged alloy wheels, and carbon fiber trim. For the ultimate performance enthusiasts, the AMG Performance package further boosted power, added more aggressive suspension tuning (sedan only), a sportier steering wheel, increased the top speed, and included red brake calipers and a carbon-fiber engine cover.
In conclusion, the 2012 E350 Mercedes Benz provides a luxurious and versatile platform with a wide array of trims, packages, and individual options. Whether prioritizing comfort, sportiness, practicality, or high-performance, the 2012 E-Class lineup, particularly the E350 and its related models, offers a compelling option in the luxury automotive segment.