Mercedes-Benz Outlines Model Year 2012 Plans
Mercedes-Benz has released a wealth of details about the changes to the brand’s model year 2012 offerings. While some aren’t terrifically exciting, there are a few good nuggets of information pertaining to new engine options and body styles.
For a start, the C-Class is seeing a rather large restyling. Changes will be made to the headlights, taillights, bumpers, and grille. A Coupe will be available in September of 2011, and the big news there, is the inclusion of a C63 AMG Coupe, so be on the lookout for a fairly ludicrous comparison test later this year. We’ll also be seeing a new turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder in the C-Class. Called the C250, it will be available in either Sport or Luxury trim levels, and will produce 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque.
Going from small to large, the CL-Class grand tourer will remain pretty much identical to the 2011 model, with CL550, CL600, and the AMG-spec CL63 and CL65. The CL is set to be replaced by an S-Class Coupe within the next few years.
American customers will see the arrival of the CLS four-door coupe for 2012. The only engine options will be the CLS550 and its 4.6-liter biturbo V-8 or the quite bonkers CLS63 AMG with a 5.5-liter biturbo V-8 and a stonking 518 horsepower on tap.
All four E-Class body styles (sedan, coupe, convertible, wagon) will see new, direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6s, as well as 4.6-liter biturbo V-8s in the up-level E550. The E63 AMG Sedan will be rejoined by the original stupid-fast grocery getter, the E63 AMG Wagon.
The top-dog S-Class will continue with the S400 Hybrid, while a new, all-wheel-drive S350 Bluetec will arrive in dealerships. The standard S550 will get the same 4.6-liter, biturbocharged V-8 that’s arriving across the rest of the Mercedes range. The biturbocharged V-8-powered S63 AMG continues, as well is its V-12-powered siblings, the S600 and S65 AMG.
In terms of roadsters, the SL-Class will remain unchanged for 2012. We’ll see the arrival of the third-generation SLK in June as the SLK350. A SLK250, powered by the aforementioned 1.8-liter turbo will be available in early 2012. Mercedes’ halo car, the SLS AMG, will be joined by a roadster, that will (thankfully) feature the same 6.3-liter, naturally aspirated V-8.
With the exception of the new direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6 joining the range, the R-Class crossover will remain unchanged, with the R350 Bluetec continuing on.
The SUVs are a bit more of a gray area. There will be a small change to the GLK, with the media interface being relocated, but otherwise, it will soldier on, as will the larger GL- and G-Class. What’s interesting is the lack of an ML-Class in this press release. We’ve been seeing spy shots of a new Mercedes SUV testing, so it’s likely that a third-generation ML will be debuting within the next year.
Please scroll down for the official press release from Mercedes-Benz.
May 12, 2011
Most 2012 models are equipped with a more fuel-efficient 7-speed automatic transmission and more powerful direct-injection gasoline engines, including a new turbo four-cylinder, a normally aspirated V6 and bi-turbo V8s – some with ECO Stop/Start technology.
Many 2012 models now feature a new audio headunit with a 5.8-inch color display, Bluetooth audio streaming, phonebook download, album cover art and USB port. COMAND with Navigation receives a 7-inch screen, SIRIUS weather, display of personal photos, 3D city models, intermediate navigation destinations, area avoidance and a larger 10GB Music Register.
C-Class Sedan (September)
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Restyled four-door sedan with new direct-injection 4- and 6-cylinder engines, more fuel-efficient 7-speed automatic transmission, aluminum hood and increased standard equipment including HD radio, rain-sensing wipers, integrated garage door opener, auto-dimming mirrors, USB interface and integrated compass.
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Exterior updates include new headlights, LED DRL’s and taillights, bumpers and grille.
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A completely redesigned interior features a color instrument cluster display, new headunit (described above) w/fixed 5.8” screen, avail. PARKTRONIC w/Parking Assist
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New safety features includes standard ATTENTION ASSIST, ADAPTIVE BRAKE with HOLD function and available Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist.
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C250 Sport/Luxury: new direct-injection 1.8-liter 4-cylinder turbo (201 hp, 229 lb.-ft.)
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C300 4MATIC Sport/Luxury: continues with existing 3.0-liter V6 (228 hp, 221 lb-ft) and standard all-wheel drive.
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C350 Sport: new direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 (302 hp, 273 lb.-ft.)
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C63 AMG: receives AMG 7-speed Multi-Clutch Transmission (MCT) and continues with naturally-aspirated 6.3-liter V8 (451 hp, 443 lb-ft) and optimized suspension. Optional AMG Development Package yields 481 hp.
C-Class Coupe (September)
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New two-door coupe debuts with bold AMG styling, standard panorama sunroof, steering wheel shift paddles, split-folding rear-seats, front seats with integrated headrests and driver memory plus a fuel-efficient 7-speed automatic transmission as well as the other technology highlights of the sedan.
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C250 Sport: new direct-injection 1.8-liter 4-cylinder turbo (201 hp, 229 lb.-ft.) and 17inch 5-spoke alloy wheels
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C350 Sport: new direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 (302 hp, 273 lb.-ft.) and 17-inch AMG twin 5-spoke alloy wheels, rear trunk spoiler
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C63 AMG: features hand-built naturally-aspirated 6.3-liter V8 (451 hp, 443 lb-ft), AMG 7-speed MCT and 18-inch twin 5-spoke alloy wheels. Optional AMG Development Package yields 481 hp.
CL-Class Coupe (July)
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CL550 4MATIC continues with 4.6-liter direct-injection biturbo V8 (429 hp, 516 lb-ft.)
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CL63 AMG continues with 5.5-liter direct-injection biturbo AMG V8 (536 hp, 590 lb-ft) with ECO Stop/Start and AMG 7-speed MCT.
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CL600 5.5-liter biturbo V12 model (510 hp, 612 lb-ft) continues
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CL65 AMG High-performance 6.0-liter biturbo V12 model (621hp, 738 lb-ft) continues
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Model line continues to showcase advanced driver assistance systems such as Distronic Plus with PRE-SAFE Brake, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist with automatic brake intervention and Nightview Assist PLUS with pedestrian detection.
CLS-Class Four-Door Coupe (June)
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New-generation four-door coupe debuts with dramatic styling, two new V8 engines, electromechanical steering, aluminum doors and world-first active LED headlights.
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CLS550 new direct-injection 4.6-liter biturbo V8 (402 hp, 443 lb.-ft) with more fuel-efficient 7-speed automatic transmission, AIRMATIC suspension and available with 4MATIC all-wheel-drive (Sept).
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CLS63 AMG new direct-injection 5.5-liter biturbo AMG V8 (518 hp, 516 lb-ft) with ECO Stop/Start technology, AMG 7-speed MCT and AIRMATIC rear suspension. Optional Performance Package yields 550 hp/590 lb-ft.
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Other new technology includes a color instrument cluster display, multicolor ambient lighting and central controller
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LED taillamps and PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist
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Safety technology includes available Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, 10 standard airbags and standard ATTENTION ASSIST
E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet
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E350 Coupe and Cabriolet (July) new 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 engine (302 hp, 273 lb-ft) and new 17-inch twin 5-spoke wheels
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E550 Coupe and Cabriolet (Oct.) new 4.6-liter direct-injection V8 engine (402 hp, 443 lb-ft) and electromechanical steering.
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New available assistance systems include both active and passive Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist.
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Other highlights include new steering wheels with standard shift paddles, color instrument cluster display, standard LED DRLs, more fuel-efficient 7-speed transmission and media interface moved to the center console.
E-Class Sedan and Wagon (October)
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Model line features more fuel-efficient 7-speed automatic transmission, new steering wheels, color instrument cluster display and standard LED DRL’s, media interface moved to center console.
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E350 4MATIC Wagon continues with sport or luxury models, new direct-injection 3.5liter V6 engine (302hp, 273 lb-ft) and standard all-wheel drive, 3rd-row rear-facing seat, power tailgate, rear air suspension and electromechanical steering,
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E350 BlueTEC 50-State V6 turbodiesel (210 hp, 400 lb-ft) continues.
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E350 Sport/Luxury new direct-injection V6 engine (302 hp, 273 lb-ft) and available 4MATIC all-wheel-drive.
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E550 4MATIC Sport new 4.6-liter twin-turbo direct-injectionV8-engine (402 hp, 443 lb-ft), electromechanical steering and standard 4MATIC all-wheel-drive.
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E63 AMG Sedan new 5.5-liter twin-turbo direct-injection V8 engine (518 hp, 516 lb-ft) and ECO Stop/Start technology mated to the AMG 7-speed MCT plus new 19-inch AMG 10-spoke wheels. Optional Performance Packages yields 550hp/590lb-ft.
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E63 AMG Wagon debuts with drivetrain mentioned above and standard panorama roof
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Model line continues to showcase advanced new driver assistance systems such as ATTENTION ASSIST, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist with automatic brake intervention, PRE-SAFE Brake with Automatic Emergency Braking, Adaptive Highbeam Assist and Nightview Assist PLUS with pedestrian detection.
F-Cell
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5-door, 4-passenger hydrogen-electric car (134 hp, 214 lb-ft) continues, available for lease in southern California.
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Powered by fuel cell technology with an EPA estimated range of 190 miles (European driving cycle: 240 miles)
G-Class SUV (October)
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G550 5.5-liter V8-powered model (382 hp, 391 lb-ft) continues
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"Edition Select" package offered in choice of 3 paints, AMG fenders, exhaust sidepipes, silver-painted wheels and other interior highlights including designo upholstery
GL-Class SUV (August)
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GL350 BlueTEC 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel (210 hp, 400 lb-ft) model continues
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GL450 4.6-liter V8-powered (335 hp, 339 lb-ft) model continues
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GL550 5.5-liter V8-powered (382 hp, 391 lb-ft) model continues
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Minor updates to the interior, rearview camera now includes directional lines, all models now feature standard LED DRLs
GLK-Class SUV (July)
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GLK350 3.5-liter V6-powered (268 hp, 258 lb-ft) model continues w/available 4MATIC all-wheel-drive.
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Media interface relocated to center console.
R-Class Crossover (August)
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R350 4MATIC new direct-injection V6 engine (302 hp, 273 lb-ft), more fuel-efficient 7speed automatic transmission & standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive.
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R350 BlueTEC 50-state V6 turbodiesel (210 hp, 400 lb-ft) continues
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Model line features standard LED DRLs, directional lines on rearview camera and minor interior updates.
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New standard equipment includes COMAND system with hard-drive navigation, enhanced voice control for audio, telephone and navigation, Gracenote® media database, HD Radio®, SIRIUS® satellite radio with SIRIUS real-time traffic service, Zagat® Survey restaurant guide, 4GB hard-drive with Music Register
S-Class Sedan (July)
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S400 HYBRID continues with the first lithium-ion battery designed exclusively for automotive use and 3.5-liter V6 mild hybrid powertrain (295 hp, 284 lb-ft)
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S350 BlueTEC 4MATIC new model features standard all-wheel-drive and 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine (240 hp, 455 lb-ft)
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S550 new 4.6-liter direct-injectionV8 engine (429 hp, 516 lb-ft) and more fuel-efficient 7-speed automatic transmission. Available with 4MATIC all wheel drive.
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S63 AMG High-performance model continues with 5.5-liter direct-injection biturbo V8 engine (536 hp, 590 lb-ft) and ECO Stop/Start functionality as well as AMG 7-speed MCT. Optional Performance Package yields 563hp/664 lb-ft.
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S600 flagship 5.5-liter biturbo V12 model (510 hp, 612 lb-ft) continues.
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S65 AMG high-performance 6.0-liter biturbo V12 model (621hp, 738lb-ft) continues.
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Model line continues to showcase advanced driver assistance systems such as Distronic Plus with PRE-SAFE Brake, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist with automatic brake intervention and Nightview Assist PLUS with pedestrian detection.
SL-Class Coupe/Roadster (June)
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SL550 5.5-liter V8 model (382hp, 391 lb-ft) continues
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SL63 AMG high-performance 6.3-liter V8-powered model (518 hp, 465 lb-ft) with AMG 7-speed MCT continues
SLK-Class Coupe/Roadster
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New-generation SLK debuts with SLS AMG styling cues, new powertrains and retractable hardtop that opens/closes within 20 seconds and offers Panorama roof and MAGIC SKY CONTROL. Standard LED daytime running lamps and electronic parking brake.
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SLK350 (June): new direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 (302 hp, 273 lb.-ft.) with 7-speed automatic transmission and 18-inch 5-spoke wheels
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SLK250 (Early 2012): new direct-injection 1.8-liter 4-cylinder turbo (201 hp, 229 lb.-ft.) available with 6-spd manual or 7-spd automatic and 17-inch 5-spoke wheels
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New interior highlights include sun-reflecting leather, Direct Ambient Lighting, COMAND control knob and AIRGUIDE.
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New safety highlights include Adaptive Brake, NECK-PRO head restraints, PARKTRONIC with Parking Assist, 8 airbags and standard ATTENTION ASSIST
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New standard equipment includes rain-sensing wipers, power-folding auto-dimming mirrors, power memory seats with lumbar support, integrated garage door opener, rearview mirror with integrated compass and HD Radio.
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New headunit (described above)
SLS AMG
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AMG-developed super sports car with aluminum body and high-performance powertrain featuring a hand-built V8 engine (563hp, 479 lb-ft) with front-mid layout and dry sump lubrication mated to a carbon fiber driveshaft and advanced dual-clutch transaxle transmission with 4 driving modes.
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New equipment includes standard Blind Spot Assist, optional 3-mode AMG Adaptive Suspension and AMG Performance Media including driving telemetry and G-Force measurement
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SLS AMG Coupe (July) continues with new paint offerings
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SLS AMG Roadster (late 2011) debuts with power soft top in choice of three colors that opens/closes in 11 seconds up to 30 mph, conventionally hinged doors, standard AIRSCARF and removable wind deflector.
Sprinter Van
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Cargo Van, Crew Van, Passenger Van, MiniBus and Cab Chassis models continue with 50-state BlueTEC clean diesel engine
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Available in 3 GVWRs, 3 lengths and 2 roof heights.
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