Ch-Ch-Changes: Mercedes-Benz 2012 Lineup
Many models also get a new audio head unit, which has a 5.8-inch display, Bluetooth audio streaming, phonebook download functions, album cover art display and a USB port. We’ll denote which models get the new audio system with *new radio unit. There’s also a new 7-inch touch-screen navigation system available on most models, which includes real-time weather updates, three-dimensional city models and a 10-gigabyte music player.
Continue reading below for more details:
C-Class
We’ve already detailed the mid-cycle updates to the C-Class during this year’s auto-show season.
For more information, read our First Looks:
- 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe: First Look
- 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class at 2011 Detroit Auto Show
- 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe: First Look
CL-Class
There are no significant changes for the model year. For 2011, it received two new V-8 engines; one has start-stop technology. Those will carryover to the 2012 model year. The 2012 will go on sale in July.
For more information on the powertrains, continue reading below:
E-Class
The E-Class gets a new steering wheel, new radio unit and standard daytime LED running lamps. Most of the lineup also comes equipped with a new seven-speed automatic transmission. The E350 sedan, coupe, convertible and wagon get a new 302-horsepower V-6 engine. E550 models get a new 402-hp, 4.6-liter V-8 engine. E63 AMG models get a new 518-hp, 5.5-liter V-8 with start/stop technology and a seven-speed automatic transmission. New 19-inch wheels also come with that model.
A high-performance E63 AMG version of the wagon will also be available for 2012. It has the same features as the sedan, but it also includes a panoramic sunroof. For more information on the new V-8s, go here.
Drowsiness detection system, which monitors the attentiveness of the driver, and Mercedes’ Pre-Safe technology, which can autonomously stop the car, are now available.
The 2012 E-Class sedan and wagon go on sale in October. The coupe and convertible will be available in July.
G-Class
No significant changes for the model year. The 2012 goes on sale in October.
GL-Class
The model gets some minor interior updates. The backup camera has updated software features, and all models now have LED daytime running lights. The 2012 goes on sale in August.
GLK-Class
No significant changes for the model year. The 2012 goes on sale in July.
R-Class
The R-Class gets a new 302-hp V-6 engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission with standard all-wheel drive. All models get standard LED daytime running lamps and minor interior updates.
A navigation system with voice controls and a 4-gigabyte music hard drive is also standard. The 2012 goes on sale in August.
S-Class
A new S350 includes a 240-hp, 3.0-liter turbo diesel powertrain and all-wheel drive.
The S550 gets a new 429-hp, 4.6-liter V-8 and a seven-speed automatic transmission. All remaining trims are unchanged. The 2012 S-Class goes on sale in July.
SL-Class
The model is unchanged for the 2012 model year and goes on sale in June.
SLK-Class
SLK has been redesigned for the model year and includes a new four-cylinder engine. You can check out our highlights with this link:
SLS AMG
The 2012 SLS will get a new roadster trim later in 2011 (pictured above), featuring a soft-top in three color choices. The top can open and close in 11 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph.
The SLS now gets blind spot warning system standard. New options include a three-mode AMG adaptive suspension and a driving telemetry and g-force measurement system. The coupe AMG goes on sale in July with new paint colors.
