The 2012 Mercedes-Benz models will be more fuel efficient and powerful

In the 2012 model-year most Mercedes-Benz vehicles will be 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. Yesterday we covered the C-Class through E-Class lineup and continue today starting with the E-Class sedan and wagon.

Those models will reach the market in October with the 7-speed automatic, new steering wheels, color instrument cluster display and standard LED daytime running lights and the center console media interface.

The E350 4MATIC Wagon retains the sport and luxury models, while adding the new direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 engine (302hp, 273 lb-ft) and standard all-wheel drive, 3rd-row rear-facing seat, power tailgate, rear air suspension and electromechanical steering,

The optional E350 BlueTEC V6 turbodiesel (210 hp, 400 lb-ft) will still be available
Further, the E550 4MATIC Sport features the new 4.6-liter twin-turbo direct-injection V8 engine (402 hp, 443 lb-ft), electromechanical steering and standard 4MATIC all-wheel-drive.

The E63 AMG Sedan gets the new 5.5-liter twin-turbo direct-injection V8 engine (518 hp, 516 lb-ft) and ECO Stop/Start along with the AMG 7-speed MCT plus new 19-inch 10-spoke wheels. An optional Performance Packages wrings 550horsepower and 590 lb-ft. of torque out of the power plant.

The E63 AMG Wagon debuts with the same drivetrain and a standard panoramic roof
The E-Class line will also feature new systems such as Attention Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist with automatic brake intervention, Pre-Safe Braking with Automatic Emergency Braking, Adaptive Highbeam headlamps and Nightview Assist with pedestrian detection.

The GLK-Class SUV will come out in July largely unchanged except for the media controls now in the center console as with the rest of 2012 lineup.

The GL-Class SUV will reach showrooms in August with unchanged motor options and only minor updates to the interior, though the rearview camera now includes directional lines, all models now feature standard LED running lights.

G-Class SUV returns in October largely unchanged except for an Edition Select package offering a choice of 3 paints, AMG fenders, exhaust sidepipes, silver-painted wheels and other highlights including designo upholstery.

The 2012 R-Class Crossover will be available in August with the R350 4MATIC new direct-injection V6 engine (302 hp, 273 lb-ft), new transmission and standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

It receives the same insignificant interior updates as the E-Class vehicles. New standard equipment includes Comand with hard-drive navigation, enhanced voice control or audio, telephone and navigation, Gracenote media database, HD Radio, Sirius satellite radio with real-time traffic, Zagat Survey restaurant guide and a 4GB hard-drive with Music Register

S-Class Sedans for 2012, available in July, include the S400 HYBRID with a lithium-ion battery and a 3.5-liter V6 mild hybrid powertrain producing 295 hp and 284 lb-ft. and the new S350 BlueTEC 4MATIC featuring standard all-wheel-drive and 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine evolving 240 hp, and 455 lb-ft. or pulling power.

The S550 gets the new 4.6-liter direct-injectionV8 engine (429 hp, 516 lb-ft) and transmission, coming with available 4MATIC all wheel drive.

The S63 AMG High-performance model still has the 5.5-liter direct-injection bi-turbo V8 engine (536 hp, 590 lb-ft) and ECO Stop/Start as well as the AMG 7-speed MCT. An optional Performance Package elevates output to 563hp/664 lb-ft.

The S600 flagship continues with the 5.5-liter bi-turbo V12 model (510 hp, 612 lb-ft).
The SL-Class Coupe/Roadster returns largely unchanged in June.

The SLK-Class Coupe/Roadster reveals a new-generation SLK with SLS AMG styling, new powertrains and a retractable hardtop that opens/closes within 20 seconds and offers Panorama roof and Magic Sky Control (not to be confused with the Star Wars space-based laser project). Standard LED running lamps and an electronic parking brake are added.

The SLK350 debuts in June with the new direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 (302 hp, 273 lb.-ft.), transmission and 18-inch 5-spoke wheels.

The SLK250 comes out early next year with the new direct-injection 1.8-liter 4-cylinder turbo (201 hp, 229 lb.-ft.) and available with 6-speed manual or 7-speed 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 Attention Assist standard.

Also now standard are rain-sensing wipers, power-folding auto-dimming mirrors, memory seats with lumbar support, integrated compass and HD Radio.

The SLS AMG supercar with its aluminum body and high-performance powertrain will feature 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.

Fresh equipment includes standard Blind Spot Assist, optional 3-mode AMG Adaptive Suspension and AMG Performance Media including driving telemetry and G-Force measurement.

The SLS AMG Coupe will come out in July with new paint choices.

The SLS AMG Roadster will debut in late 2011) with a power soft top in three colors that opens or closes in an astonishing 11 seconds up to 30 mph, conventionally hinged doors, standard Airscarf and removable wind deflector.

The S65 AMG high-performance 6.0-liter bi-turbo V12 model (621hp, 738lb-ft) is still available and the line get the same tech updates as the other high-end models.
The Sprinter Van returns with its varied vehicle weights, lengths and roof heights.