The 2012 Mercedes-benz E 350 stands as a testament to luxury and sophisticated engineering, offering a range of configurations to suit diverse preferences. Available in sedan, wagon, coupe, and cabriolet body styles, the E 350 provides a compelling blend of comfort, performance, and technology. This article delves into the standard features, trim variations, and optional packages that define the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 350, providing a comprehensive overview for prospective buyers and automotive enthusiasts.
Standard Features Across the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 350 Range
Regardless of the chosen body style, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 350 boasts a robust set of standard features designed to enhance both driving pleasure and passenger comfort. Common across the E 350 sedan and E 350 Bluetec sedan models are 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, and distinctive LED running lights that contribute to the vehicle’s modern aesthetic. Convenience features include a sunroof, automatic wipers, and cruise control, while dual-zone automatic climate control ensures a comfortable cabin environment for all occupants.
Inside, the E 350 prioritizes driver and passenger well-being with 10-way power front seats incorporating four-way lumbar adjustment and memory functions. MB Tex premium vinyl upholstery provides a luxurious feel, complemented by a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. Interior accent lighting sets an elegant ambiance, and auto-dimming inside and driver-side mirrors enhance safety and convenience. The COMAND electronics interface serves as the central hub for vehicle controls, integrating seamlessly with Bluetooth connectivity and an eight-speaker sound system featuring a six-CD/DVD changer and auxiliary audio jack for entertainment.
However, subtle differences in standard equipment arise when considering the specific body styles:
- E 350 Sedan: Further delineated into Luxury and Sport sub-trims, the sedan offers variations in suspension tuning, styling cues, interior trim details, and wheel designs, allowing for a personalized driving experience.
- E 350 Wagon: Catering to practicality without compromising luxury, the wagon variant uniquely includes standard all-wheel drive (4Matic), a power liftgate for ease of cargo access, a rearview camera to aid in parking and maneuvering, and a rear-facing third-row seat, increasing passenger capacity.
- E 350 Coupe: Emphasizing a sportier persona, the coupe is equipped with sport seats for enhanced lateral support, rich leather upholstery, a versatile 60/40 split-folding backseat to expand cargo space, and a console-mounted transmission lever with paddle shifters for a more engaging driving experience.
- E 350 Cabriolet: Designed for open-air enjoyment, the Cabriolet features a power-operated roof, a rear center pass-through for longer items, and the innovative AirCap pop-up air deflector system, reducing cabin turbulence when the top is down.
Upgrading to the E550 and AMG Enhancements
Stepping up to the E550 model brings further enhancements, building upon the already comprehensive feature set of the E 350. Every E550 incorporates larger brakes for improved stopping power, substantial 18-inch wheels, and luxurious leather upholstery as standard (an option on the E 350). The E550 4Matic sedan includes standard all-wheel drive and the Sport sub-trim elements, mirroring the sporty aesthetic. The E550 coupe further refines performance with a sport-tuned suspension and a distinctive sport body kit.
For those seeking ultimate performance, the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG represents the pinnacle of the E-Class range. It encompasses most of the E550’s equipment and significantly elevates performance with a larger, more potent V8 engine. AMG-engineered and tuned components are prevalent throughout, including the transmission, suspension, steering, brakes, and exhaust system, resulting in a truly dynamic driving experience. Additional performance and aesthetic enhancements include headlight washers, a sport steering wheel, sport seats with adjustable bolsters, unique styling elements both inside and out, and the premium sound system with satellite radio and iPod interface. The E63 AMG sedan further includes a standard power rear sunshade and split-folding rear seat, while the wagon version features a standard panoramic roof.
Optional Packages and Stand-Alone Features
To further personalize the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 350, a range of optional packages and stand-alone features were available. The Premium 1 package is a popular choice, adding a navigation system, rearview camera, heated seats (ventilated in 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 includes the AirScarf neck-heating system, extending open-top driving comfort into cooler weather. The Premium 2 package encompasses all features of Premium 1 and adds adaptive bi-xenon headlights with washers and automatic high beams, a power trunk lid, and keyless ignition/entry for enhanced convenience and technology.
Safety and driver assistance are further augmented by the Lane Tracking package, incorporating 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, providing a more automated and secure driving experience.
Stand-alone options for the sedan and wagon models include front and rear parking sensors, split-folding rear seats (if not already standard), heated and ventilated front seats (for 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 specified with heated front seats and parking sensors as individual options. For the E63 AMG, beyond the packages, stand-alone options included a limited-slip differential, 19-inch forged alloy wheels, and carbon fiber trim, along with the availability of Premium 1 and 2, Lane Tracking, and Driver Assistance packages. The AMG Performance package offered for the E63 AMG further increased power, provided more aggressive suspension tuning (sedan only), a sportier steering wheel, a higher top speed, red brake calipers, and a carbon-fiber engine cover for the ultimate performance-oriented configuration.
In conclusion, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 350 offers a compelling luxury experience with a wide array of standard features and extensive customization possibilities through trim levels, optional packages, and stand-alone features. Whether prioritizing comfort, performance, or practicality, the 2012 E 350 range presents a sophisticated option in the luxury vehicle market.
