The 2012 Mercedes-benz E-class E350 stands as a testament to luxury and performance in the sedan category. This model year offered a variety of configurations and a wealth of standard features, making it a compelling choice for discerning drivers. Let’s delve into the specifics of what the 2012 E-Class E350 brought to the table.
Standard Features of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350 Sedan
The E350 and E350 Bluetec sedans were generously equipped right from the base model. Rolling on 17-inch wheels, they featured automatic headlights and distinctive LED running lights, enhancing both style and visibility. A sunroof came standard, adding an open-air feel to the cabin. Automatic wipers, cruise control, and dual-zone automatic climate control prioritized comfort and convenience.
Inside, the 2012 E350 offered 10-way power front seats with four-way lumbar adjustment and memory functions, ensuring a personalized driving position. MB Tex premium vinyl upholstery provided a luxurious feel while being durable. A power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel further enhanced driver comfort. Interior accent lighting set a sophisticated ambiance. Auto-dimming inside and driver-side mirrors added a touch of modern convenience.
Technology was also well-represented with the COMAND electronics interface, Bluetooth connectivity, and an eight-speaker sound system complete with a six-CD/DVD changer and an auxiliary audio jack for diverse entertainment options.
It’s important to note that the E350 sedan was further divided into Luxury and Sport sub-trims. These variations primarily affected suspension tuning, styling elements, interior trim, and wheel designs, allowing buyers to tailor the E350 to their specific preferences.
Exploring Other 2012 E-Class E350 Body Styles: Wagon, Coupe, and Cabriolet
Beyond the sedan, the 2012 E-Class E350 was available in wagon, coupe, and cabriolet body styles, each with unique features:
- E350 Wagon: This practical variant included standard all-wheel drive (4Matic), a power liftgate for easy cargo access, a rearview camera for enhanced safety, and a rear-facing third-row seat, increasing passenger capacity.
- E350 Coupe: The sportier coupe version came with sport seats for added support, leather upholstery elevating the interior, a 60/40 split-folding backseat for versatility, and a console-mounted transmission lever with paddle shifters for a more engaging driving experience.
- E350 Cabriolet: The open-top Cabriolet was equipped with a power-operated roof for effortless top-down driving, a rear center pass-through for longer items, and the AirCap pop-up air deflector, designed to reduce wind turbulence in the cabin when the top is down.
Stepping Up to the E550 and E63 AMG
For those seeking more power and enhanced features, the 2012 E-Class range offered the E550 and the high-performance E63 AMG models.
Every E550 built upon the E350’s foundation, adding larger brakes and 18-inch wheels for improved performance and aesthetics. Leather upholstery, optional on the E350, became standard on the E550. The E550 4Matic sedan came standard with all-wheel drive and incorporated the Sport sub-trim features. The E550 coupe received a sport-tuned suspension and a sport body kit, further emphasizing its performance-oriented nature.
The Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG represented the pinnacle of performance in the 2012 E-Class lineup. It included most of the E550’s equipment but boasted a larger, more powerful V8 engine. AMG-engineered and tuned components were prevalent throughout, including the transmission, suspension, steering, brakes, and exhaust system, resulting in a significantly enhanced driving experience. Additional features included headlight washers, a sport steering wheel, sport seats with adjustable bolsters, and unique AMG styling elements inside and out. The premium sound system with satellite radio and iPod interface was also standard. The E63 AMG sedan added a power rear sunshade and a split-folding rear seat, while the wagon version featured a standard panoramic roof.
Optional Packages and Standalone Features for Personalization
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350 and other models offered a range of optional packages and standalone features allowing for significant personalization:
- Premium 1 Package: This popular package added a navigation system, a rearview camera (if not already standard on certain body styles like the wagon), heated seats (with ventilation added for the E550), a power rear window shade (sedan and coupe), satellite radio, a premium sound system, and an iPod interface. For the Cabriolet, this package also included the AirScarf neck-heating system.
- Premium 2 Package: Building upon Premium 1, the Premium 2 package added adaptive bi-xenon headlights with washers and automatic high beams, a power trunk lid, and keyless ignition/entry for added convenience and advanced lighting technology.
- Lane Tracking Package: Focused on safety, this package included a blind-spot warning system and a lane departure warning/keeping system.
- Driver Assistance Package: Further enhancing safety and convenience, this package added adaptive cruise control and more advanced versions of the Lane Tracking features.
Standalone options for the sedan and wagon included front and rear parking sensors, split-folding rear seats, heated and ventilated front seats (for the E350), a panoramic sunroof, enhanced front seats with adjustable bolsters, a heated steering wheel, an infrared night vision warning system, and a rear seat entertainment system. The coupe and Cabriolet could also be equipped with heated front seats and parking sensors as standalone options.
Conclusion: The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350 – A Blend of Luxury and Choice
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350 delivered a compelling combination of luxury, performance, and a wide array of features. Whether opting for the sedan, wagon, coupe, or cabriolet, buyers could find an E350 configuration to meet their needs and preferences. With available option packages and standalone features, the 2012 E-Class E350 offered a truly customizable luxury car experience.
