The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 350 stands as a testament to luxury and refinement, offering a range of body styles and features to cater to diverse preferences. Whether you’re considering a pre-owned model or simply researching its specifications, understanding the standard and optional equipment is crucial. This overview delves into the details of the 2012 E 350, highlighting what makes it a compelling choice in the luxury car segment.
The E 350 sedan and E 350 Bluetec sedan, while sharing a name, offer distinct powertrains but are similarly appointed in terms of features. Both models come equipped with 17-inch wheels, ensuring a balanced ride and aesthetic. Automatic headlights and LED running lights provide enhanced visibility and a modern touch. The inclusion of a sunroof brings in natural light, while automatic wipers add convenience in inclement weather. Cruise control is standard for comfortable highway driving, and dual-zone automatic climate control ensures personalized comfort for both driver and passenger.
Inside, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 350 prioritizes comfort and adjustability. 10-way power front seats with four-way lumbar adjustment and memory functions allow for finding the perfect driving position. MB Tex premium vinyl upholstery offers a refined feel and durability. A power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel further enhances driver comfort. Interior accent lighting sets a sophisticated ambiance, and auto-dimming inside and driver-side mirrors increase safety and convenience. The COMAND electronics interface manages 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 entertainment options.
The E 350 sedan is further differentiated by Luxury and Sport sub-trims. These trims vary in suspension tuning, catering to different driving styles. Styling elements, interior trim choices, and wheel designs also distinguish these sub-trims, allowing for a degree of personalization within the sedan model.
Moving beyond the sedan, the E 350 wagon offers increased practicality with standard all-wheel drive (4Matic), a power liftgate for easy cargo access, a rearview camera enhancing parking and maneuvering, and a rear-facing third-row seat, expanding passenger capacity. The E 350 coupe takes a sportier turn, featuring sport seats for enhanced lateral support, leather upholstery adding a touch of luxury, a 60/40 split-folding backseat for cargo versatility, and a console-mounted transmission lever with paddle shifters for a more engaging driving experience. The E 350 Cabriolet is designed for open-air enjoyment, equipped with 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.
Stepping up to the more powerful models, every E 550 builds upon the E 350’s foundation by adding bigger brakes for enhanced stopping power, 18-inch wheels for a more assertive stance, and leather upholstery as standard (optional on E 350). The E 550 4Matic sedan includes standard all-wheel drive and the Sport sub-trim items, further emphasizing its performance orientation. The E 550 coupe receives a sport-tuned suspension and a sport body kit, visually and dynamically distinguishing it.
For those seeking even more features, the Premium 1 package enhances the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 350 experience with a navigation system for route guidance, a rearview camera (also standard on E 350 Wagon), heated seats (with ventilation added on E 550), a power rear window shade (sedan and coupe), satellite radio for expanded entertainment, a premium sound system for audiophiles, and an iPod interface for seamless device integration. For the Cabriolet, this package also includes the AirScarf neck-heating system for added comfort in cooler open-top driving. The Premium 2 package further expands on this, including all items from Premium 1 plus adaptive bi-xenon headlights with washers and automatic high beams for improved nighttime visibility, a power trunk lid for hands-free access, and keyless ignition/entry for added convenience.
Safety and driver assistance are also addressed through optional packages. The Lane Tracking package includes a blind-spot warning system and a lane departure warning/keeping system, enhancing driver awareness. The Driver Assistance package builds on this with adaptive cruise control and more advanced versions of the Lane Tracking features, offering a semi-autonomous driving experience in certain conditions.
Beyond packages, a range of stand-alone options were available for the sedan and wagon models. These include front and rear parking sensors for easier maneuvering in tight spaces, split-folding rear seats for increased cargo flexibility, heated and ventilated front seats (for E 350), a panoramic sunroof for an even airier cabin feel, enhanced front seats with adjustable bolsters for personalized support, a heated steering wheel for cold climates, an infrared night vision warning system for enhanced visibility in darkness, and a rear seat entertainment system for passenger enjoyment. The coupe and Cabriolet models could also be equipped with heated front seats and parking sensors as standalone options.
At the pinnacle of the 2012 E-Class range is the Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG. This high-performance variant includes most of the E 550’s equipment but significantly elevates performance with a larger V8 engine. It also features various AMG-engineered and tuned components including transmission, suspension, steering, brakes, and exhaust, resulting in a dramatically enhanced driving experience. Additional standard features on the E 63 AMG include headlight washers, a sport steering wheel, sport seats with adjustable bolsters, special styling elements inside and out, and the premium sound system with satellite radio and iPod interface. The E 63 AMG sedan includes a standard power rear sunshade and split-folding rear seat, while the wagon version gets a standard panoramic roof. Options for the E 63 AMG include the Premium 1 and 2 packages, Lane Tracking and Driver Assistance packages, as well as stand-alone options like a limited-slip differential, 19-inch forged alloy wheels, and carbon fiber trim. The AMG Performance package takes performance even further with additional power, more aggressive suspension tuning (sedan only), a sportier steering wheel, a higher top speed, red brake calipers, and a carbon-fiber engine cover.
In conclusion, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 350 offers a compelling blend of luxury, performance, and versatility. Its range of body styles, trim levels, and extensive list of standard and optional features ensures that there’s a configuration to suit a wide spectrum of drivers seeking a premium driving experience. Whether prioritizing comfort, sportiness, or practicality, the 2012 E 350 provides a solid foundation within the esteemed E-Class lineage.
