The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has long been considered by many to be the pinnacle of automotive excellence, and the 2012 model year was no exception. This flagship sedan continued to set benchmarks in luxury, performance, and technological innovation. For 2012, Mercedes-Benz introduced enhancements and new models to the S-Class lineup, catering to a wider range of preferences from fuel efficiency to high-performance thrills.
One of the most notable additions for the 2012 Mercedes S Class was the S350 BlueTEC. This model marked the return of diesel power to the U.S. S-Class market after a hiatus since 1996. The S350 BlueTEC featured a fuel-efficient 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine producing 240 horsepower and a robust 455 lb.-ft. of torque. Paired with standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive, it offered a compelling blend of performance and economy.
Alt text: Side view of a silver Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC (V 221) Elegance sedan, showcasing its sleek profile and luxurious design.
Alongside the diesel innovation, the S550 received a significant upgrade with a new 4.6-liter twin-turbo direct-injection V8 engine. This powerplant delivered 429 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque, representing a substantial increase in power over its predecessor while simultaneously improving fuel economy. Mercedes-Benz estimated fuel consumption at 15 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, impressive figures for a car of this size and performance.
For those seeking even greater fuel efficiency, the 2012 line-up included the S400 HYBRID. This innovative model combined a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with a 20-horsepower electric motor, resulting in a total output of 295 horsepower and 284 lb.-ft. of torque. The S400 HYBRID showcased Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to environmentally conscious luxury without compromising on the S-Class experience.
At the other end of the spectrum, the 2012 Mercedes S Class catered to performance enthusiasts with a range of high-powered V8 and V12 models. The S63 AMG was equipped with a potent 5.5-liter biturbo V8 engine, churning out 536 horsepower and 590 lb.-ft. of torque. For even more exhilarating performance, the S65 AMG boasted a magnificent 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine, producing a staggering 621 horsepower and 738 lb.-ft. of torque. The S600, while slightly less powerful than the AMG models, still offered a commanding 510 horsepower and 612 lb.-ft. of torque from its V12 engine, emphasizing smooth and refined power delivery.
Most 2012 S-Class models came equipped with a new, more fuel-efficient seven-speed automatic transmission. This advanced transmission contributed to improved fuel economy and smoother gear shifts across the range.
Uncompromising Comfort and Space
Mercedes-Benz ensured that fuel efficiency in models like the S350 BlueTEC and S400 HYBRID did not come at the expense of the S-Class’s renowned luxury and spaciousness. These models offered the same opulent interior, convenience features, and generous passenger space as their conventionally powered counterparts. The S-Class maintained its reputation as a comfortable and refined sanctuary, regardless of the engine choice.
The S400 HYBRID distinguished itself subtly with HYBRID logos on the trunk lid and dashboard, along with BlueEfficency badging on the front fenders. Inside, a special hybrid pictogram integrated into the speedometer provided real-time information on energy flow, energy recovery, and battery charge status, keeping the driver informed about the hybrid system’s operation.
Alt text: Interior view of a Mercedes-Benz S 400 Hybrid cockpit, highlighting the luxurious dashboard, steering wheel, and the integrated hybrid system display in the instrument cluster.
BlueTEC Diesel Technology: Setting Standards for Clean Diesel
The introduction of the S350 BlueTEC 4MATIC marked a significant step forward in diesel technology for Mercedes-Benz in the U.S. market. This model was powered by a purpose-built 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine designed to minimize emissions while delivering impressive performance. The engine produced 240 horsepower and an exceptional 455 lb.-ft. of torque, achieving an estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.
Mercedes-Benz employed a suite of advanced technologies in the S350 BlueTEC to reduce diesel exhaust emissions. This began with the engine itself, featuring four-valve-per-cylinder design, centrally located piezo-electric injectors, CDI direct injection, a variable-nozzle turbocharger, and exhaust gas recirculation.
Building upon this advanced engine design, the S350 BlueTEC incorporated a modular exhaust after-treatment system. This system included an oxidizing catalytic converter, a maintenance-free particulate filter, a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) converter, and a NOx storage converter. The NOx storage converter temporarily absorbed nitrogen oxides, releasing them during brief regeneration pulses with a richer fuel-air mixture. These released nitrogen oxides reacted with other exhaust gases to form harmless nitrogen. The regeneration pulses also increased temperatures in the particulate filter, automatically burning off accumulated deposits.
The New V8 Engine: Enhanced Power and Efficiency
The 2012 S550’s new 4.6-liter V8 engine represented a remarkable achievement in engine design. It delivered a 20 percent improvement in fuel economy (15 mpg city, 23 mpg highway) while simultaneously boosting power by 32 percent compared to its predecessor. This feat of engineering defied the typical trade-off between power and fuel efficiency. The new V8 incorporated direct fuel injection, twin turbochargers, and multi-spark ignition.
Although the new V8 had a smaller displacement compared to the 5.5-liter engine it replaced, the twin turbochargers more than compensated, resulting in 429 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine block, cylinder heads, and pistons were constructed from lightweight aluminum, while critical components like the crankshaft, connecting rods, and valves were made from forged steel for enhanced durability.
Direct Fuel Injection and Multi-Spark Ignition Systems
The 2012 Mercedes S Class S550 utilized state-of-the-art direct fuel injection technology, previously pioneered in Mercedes-Benz diesel engines. Electronic fuel injectors precisely sprayed gasoline directly into the combustion chambers. These piezo injectors, employing piezo-ceramic crystalline elements, allowed for highly sensitive and precise fuel injection, including the ability to perform multiple small injections per piston stroke.
Complementing the direct fuel injection system, a rapid multi-spark ignition system initiated combustion with the first spark and could deliver up to three additional sparks within a millisecond. This multi-spark capability created a gas plasma with greater expansion, improving combustion efficiency and contributing to a two percent fuel economy improvement. In combination with direct fuel injection, the total fuel economy improvement reached four percent.
Refined Cam Chain Drive and Low-Load Cooling System
Further enhancing engine efficiency and refinement, the 2012 V8 engine featured a refined cam chain drive and a three-phase, low-load cooling system. Hydraulic camshaft adjusters, responsible for varying valve timing, were made significantly faster and more compact. A new cam chain drive system reduced tension and friction, contributing to quieter operation and improved efficiency.
The innovative three-phase cooling system optimized engine warm-up and cooling efficiency. It restricted coolant circulation during engine start-up for faster warm-up and employed a two-stage flow circuit through the cylinder head for improved heat dissipation. A variable vane-type oil pump further reduced energy consumption by adjusting oil pressure based on engine speed and load.
Advanced Transmission Technology
The S350 BlueTEC, S400 HYBRID, and S550 models featured a new transmission with an advanced torque converter lock-up clutch. This new transmission contributed to improved fuel economy, more responsive driving characteristics, and quieter operation. It was designed to work with a new low-viscosity ATF transmission fluid, further reducing friction and enhancing fuel efficiency.
AMG Performance and MCT Sports Transmission
The S63 AMG was powered by a high-performance 5.5-liter biturbo V8 engine incorporating twin turbochargers, direct fuel injection, multi-spark ignition, and an ECO Stop/Start function. This engine produced 536 horsepower and 590 lb.-ft. of torque, enabling the S63 AMG to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. An optional AMG Performance Package further boosted output to 563 hp and 664 lb.-ft., reducing the 0-60 mph time to 4.3 seconds. Despite its high performance, the S63 AMG achieved improved fuel economy thanks to the ECO Stop/Start system, which automatically shut off the engine during brief stops to save fuel.
Alt text: Front three-quarter view of a powerful Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG (V 221), showcasing its aggressive styling and AMG-specific design elements.
The S63 AMG also featured the award-winning MCT sports transmission. This innovative seven-speed transmission utilized a start-up clutch instead of a traditional torque converter, providing the direct feedback of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic. The MCT transmission offered impressive versatility and faster shift times, enhancing the S63 AMG’s sporty driving experience.
SPLITVIEW Dual-Content Viewscreen
The 2012 S-Class offered an innovative SPLITVIEW dual-content viewscreen as an option. This technology allowed the driver and front passenger to view different content simultaneously on the same central display screen. For example, the driver could use the navigation system while the passenger watched a movie, enhancing both convenience and entertainment.
AMG-Developed V12 Power in the S65 AMG
The S65 AMG represented the pinnacle of performance in the 2012 S-Class lineup, blending flagship sedan refinement with the immense power of AMG’s 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine. With a 0-60 mph acceleration time of approximately 4.2 seconds, the S65 AMG was among the quickest four-door sedans in the world. AMG, Mercedes-Benz’s high-performance division, meticulously engineered the S65 AMG to deliver unparalleled power and handling.
AMG designers subtly enhanced the S65 AMG’s exterior, adding an AMG front apron with large cooling air intakes and LED daytime running lights, AMG side skirts, and a chromed “V12 Biturbo” badge on the front fenders. The rear featured an AMG rear apron with chrome twin tailpipes, and the car rode on eye-catching 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, marking the first time 20-inch wheels were offered as original equipment on a Mercedes-Benz.
Inside, the S65 AMG featured a specially contoured AMG sport steering wheel, an “AMG” start screen in the instrument cluster, and AMG leather sport seats with a diamond pattern. The dashboard and door panels were also trimmed in luxurious leather.
S400 HYBRID: Efficiency without Compromise
The S400 HYBRID stood out for its use of the world’s first lithium-ion battery designed specifically for automotive applications. This lightweight, high-capacity battery worked in conjunction with a 20-horsepower electric motor and a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine. The combined system delivered 295 horsepower and 284 lb.-ft. of torque while achieving a remarkable 30 percent improvement in fuel economy compared to a comparable S550 model.
The S400 HYBRID’s sophisticated hybrid system seamlessly integrated the electric motor and gasoline engine, optimizing for both fuel efficiency and performance. A powerful computer managed the hybrid system, constantly recalculating the optimal operating mode. The lithium-ion battery’s compact size and high energy density allowed it to be placed in the engine compartment without compromising interior or trunk space.
The S400 HYBRID operated as a “mild hybrid,” with the electric motor and gasoline engine working together for responsive performance. The hybrid system included a start-stop function that automatically shut off the gasoline engine below nine mph when braking to a stop, further enhancing fuel efficiency in city driving. During braking, the electric motor acted as a generator, recovering kinetic energy and storing it in the lithium-ion battery.
ATTENTION ASSIST and Innovative Safety Technologies
The 2012 Mercedes S Class prioritized driver safety and awareness with features like ATTENTION ASSIST, standard on most models. This system monitored driver behavior and could detect signs of drowsiness, alerting the driver with an audible warning and a “Time for a rest?” message.
The S-Class also offered a suite of innovative safety options, including Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist. These systems used sensors and cameras to monitor lane markings and blind spots, warning the driver of potential hazards. Furthermore, they incorporated automatic ESP brake intervention to help correct the car’s course if the driver did not respond to initial warnings.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist automatically adjusted headlight beams to avoid dazzling other drivers, while Night View Assist PLUS enhanced visibility in low-light conditions, detecting pedestrians earlier and displaying them clearly in the instrument cluster.
PRE-SAFE Brake and DISTRONIC PLUS
Models equipped with the optional DISTRONIC PLUS system benefited from PRE-SAFE Brake, a revolutionary safety feature that could automatically apply full braking in emergencies to mitigate or prevent collisions. PRE-SAFE Brake built upon the standard PRE-SAFE system, which automatically tightened seatbelts, adjusted seats, and closed windows in anticipation of a potential impact.
DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control used radar sensors to maintain a pre-set following distance and could even bring the car to a complete stop and resume acceleration in stop-and-go traffic, enhancing driving comfort and safety in congested conditions.
Crosswind Stabilization and Torque-Vectoring Brake
S-Class models with ABC active suspension included a crosswind stabilization feature, which used the ABC system to counteract the effects of crosswinds and enhance stability. A Torque Vectoring Brake system, standard on most models, improved steering response during spirited driving by applying brief braking pulses to the inside rear wheel during aggressive cornering.
Conclusion: The 2012 Mercedes S Class – A Legacy of Excellence
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class solidified its position as a leader in the luxury automotive segment. With a diverse range of models, from the fuel-efficient S350 BlueTEC and S400 HYBRID to the high-performance S63 AMG and S65 AMG, the 2012 S-Class offered something for every discerning buyer. Its blend of cutting-edge technology, opulent comfort, and exceptional performance ensured its continued reign as “the finest automobile in the world” for many. For those seeking the ultimate in automotive luxury and innovation, the Mercedes S Class 2012 remained an unparalleled choice.
