Mercedes-Benz releases updates for 2012 models

In the 2012 model-year most Mercedes-Benz vehicles are equipped with a more fuel-efficient 7-speed automatic transmission and increased power from direct-injection gasoline engines. That includes a new turbo four-cylinder, a normally aspirated V6 and bi-turbo V8s – some with ECO Stop/Start technology.

Many 2012 models also feature a new viewscreen 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.

The C-Class sedan is restyled with direct-injection 4 and 6-cylinder engines, aluminum hood and standard equipment including HD radio, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming mirrors, USB interface and an integrated compass.

New headlights compliment the exterior with LED daylight running lights and taillights, plus new designed bumpers and grille.

An all-new interior features a color instrument cluster with a fixed 5.8-inch display screen and available ParkTronic parking assistance.

Safety is enhanced with the indispensible Blind Spot Alert, Attention Assist, adaptive brakes with a Hold function, plus available adaptive headlamps and lane keeper.
The C250 Sport or Luxury models have a new direct-injection 1.8-liter 4-cylinder turbo producing 201 horsepower and 229 lb.-ft. of torque.

The C350 Sport gets a new direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 producing 302 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque.

The C63 AMG sedan and coupe both step up to a 7-speed Multi-Clutch Transmission (MCT) and keeps its naturally-aspirated 6.3-liter V8 (451 hp, 443 lb-ft) and righteous suspension. An optional AMG Development Package boosts output to 481 hp.

The new C-Class coupe debuts with bold styling borrowed from the AMG, a panoramic sunroof standard, shift paddles, integrated front seat headrests plus a 7-speed automatic transmission as well as the other technical highlights of the sedan.

The C250 Sport coupe gets the new direct-injection 1.8-liter 4-cylinder turbo and 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels

C350 Sport coupe also gets the new direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 mentioned above and 17-inch AMG twin 5-spoke alloy wheels with a rear trunk-mounted spoiler.

All the above models will reach dealers this coming September.

In June, the new-generation of the CLS-Class Four-Door debuts with fresh styling, two new V8 engines, electromechanical steering, aluminum doors and the world’s first active LED headlights.

Despite four doors, Mercedes-Benz refers to this as a coupe – though the Aston Martin Rapide looks like a coupe, four doors still qualify it as a sedan. We suspect a similar tactic is in use here.

The CLS550 features a new direct-injection 4.6-liter bi-turbo V8 evolving an impressive 402 horsepower and 443 lb.-ft of torque with the more efficient 7-speed transmission, Airmatic suspension and optional 4MATIC all-wheel-drive by Sept.

The CLS63 AMG steps it up with a direct-injection 5.5-liter bi-turbo AMG V8 delivering a staggering 518 horses and 516 lb-ft towing power with ECO Stop/Start technology, the AMG 7-speed MCT and Airmatic rear suspension. An optional performance package boosts output to 550 hp/590 lb-ft. for those with a need for speed and high-powered lawyers to match.

The same tech and safety features in the C-Class coupe and sedan are added to the CL line-up.

The CL550 (two-door coupe) 4MATIC will follow in July with the same 4.6-liter direct-injection bi-turbo V8 as the CLS550.

The CL63 AMG keeps its 5.5-liter direct-injection bi-turbo AMG V8 (536 hp, 590 lb-ft) with ECO Stop/Start and the 7-speed MCT.

The remaining models in the class remain unchanged, though this level includes tech features such as Distronic Plus with Pre-Safe Braking, automatic brake intervention and Nightview Assist with pedestrian detection.

The E350 Coupe and Cabriolet debut in July with a new 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 engine boasting 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque plus new 17-inch twin 5-spoke wheels.

In October models with a new 4.6-liter direct-injection V8 engine (402 hp, 443 lb-ft) and electromechanical steering will be brought out.

Both have available active and passive Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, new steering wheels, shift paddles, standard LED daytime running lights, 7-speed transmission and the media interface moves to the center console.

We will follow up shortly with info on the new models of the E-Class sedan and wagon; G, GL and GLK SUVs; R-Class crossover, S-Class sedan, SL and SLK-Class coupes and roadsters, the SLS AMG and Sprinter Van.