Mercedes-Benz Outlines Model Year 2012 Plans

News I By Brandon Turkus I May 12, 2011

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)

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.
Exterior updates include new headlights, LED DRL’s and taillights, bumpers and grille.
A completely redesigned interior features a color instrument cluster display, new headunit (described above) w/fixed 5.8” screen, avail. PARKTRONIC w/Parking Assist
New safety features includes standard ATTENTION ASSIST, ADAPTIVE BRAKE with HOLD function and available Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist.
C250 Sport/Luxury: new direct-injection 1.8-liter 4-cylinder turbo (201 hp, 229 lb.-ft.)
C300 4MATIC Sport/Luxury: continues with existing 3.0-liter V6 (228 hp, 221 lb-ft) and standard all-wheel drive.
C350 Sport: new direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 (302 hp, 273 lb.-ft.)
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)

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.
C250 Sport: new direct-injection 1.8-liter 4-cylinder turbo (201 hp, 229 lb.-ft.) and 17inch 5-spoke alloy wheels
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
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)

CL550 4MATIC continues with 4.6-liter direct-injection biturbo V8 (429 hp, 516 lb-ft.)
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.
CL600 5.5-liter biturbo V12 model (510 hp, 612 lb-ft) continues
CL65 AMG High-performance 6.0-liter biturbo V12 model (621hp, 738 lb-ft) continues
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)

New-generation four-door coupe debuts with dramatic styling, two new V8 engines, electromechanical steering, aluminum doors and world-first active LED headlights.
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).
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.
Other new technology includes a color instrument cluster display, multicolor ambient lighting and central controller
LED taillamps and PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist
Safety technology includes available Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, 10 standard airbags and standard ATTENTION ASSIST

E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet

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
E550 Coupe and Cabriolet (Oct.) new 4.6-liter direct-injection V8 engine (402 hp, 443 lb-ft) and electromechanical steering.
New available assistance systems include both active and passive Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist.
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)

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.
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,
E350 BlueTEC 50-State V6 turbodiesel (210 hp, 400 lb-ft) continues.
E350 Sport/Luxury new direct-injection V6 engine (302 hp, 273 lb-ft) and available 4MATIC all-wheel-drive.
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.
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.
E63 AMG Wagon debuts with drivetrain mentioned above and standard panorama roof
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

5-door, 4-passenger hydrogen-electric car (134 hp, 214 lb-ft) continues, available for lease in southern California.
Powered by fuel cell technology with an EPA estimated range of 190 miles (European driving cycle: 240 miles)

G-Class SUV (October)

G550 5.5-liter V8-powered model (382 hp, 391 lb-ft) continues
"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)

GL350 BlueTEC 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel (210 hp, 400 lb-ft) model continues
GL450 4.6-liter V8-powered (335 hp, 339 lb-ft) model continues
GL550 5.5-liter V8-powered (382 hp, 391 lb-ft) model continues
Minor updates to the interior, rearview camera now includes directional lines, all models now feature standard LED DRLs

GLK-Class SUV (July)

GLK350 3.5-liter V6-powered (268 hp, 258 lb-ft) model continues w/available 4MATIC all-wheel-drive.
Media interface relocated to center console.

R-Class Crossover (August)

R350 4MATIC new direct-injection V6 engine (302 hp, 273 lb-ft), more fuel-efficient 7speed automatic transmission & standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive.
R350 BlueTEC 50-state V6 turbodiesel (210 hp, 400 lb-ft) continues
Model line features standard LED DRLs, directional lines on rearview camera and minor interior updates.
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)

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)
S350 BlueTEC 4MATIC new model features standard all-wheel-drive and 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine (240 hp, 455 lb-ft)
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.
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.
S600 flagship 5.5-liter biturbo V12 model (510 hp, 612 lb-ft) continues.
S65 AMG high-performance 6.0-liter biturbo V12 model (621hp, 738lb-ft) continues.
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)

SL550 5.5-liter V8 model (382hp, 391 lb-ft) continues
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

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.
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
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
New interior highlights include sun-reflecting leather, Direct Ambient Lighting, COMAND control knob and AIRGUIDE.
New safety highlights include Adaptive Brake, NECK-PRO head restraints, PARKTRONIC with Parking Assist, 8 airbags and standard ATTENTION ASSIST
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.
New headunit (described above)

SLS AMG

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.
New equipment includes standard Blind Spot Assist, optional 3-mode AMG Adaptive Suspension and AMG Performance Media including driving telemetry and G-Force measurement
SLS AMG Coupe (July) continues with new paint offerings
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

Cargo Van, Crew Van, Passenger Van, MiniBus and Cab Chassis models continue with 50-state BlueTEC clean diesel engine
Available in 3 GVWRs, 3 lengths and 2 roof heights.

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