Mercedes Benz E Class (W212)

Development and body types

Design work began in 2004 after the development program commenced in 2003, with the design by Thomas Stopka being selected in 2005. After refinements and engineering considerations being made, the final design specifications were frozen in 2006. Certain elements of the exterior styling are taken from the preceding W204 C-Class and W221 S-Class each designed in 2002 and 2003. The bulging rear wheel arches are meant to be reminiscent of the fender flares of historic "Ponton" Mercedes models of the 1950s. The design of the W212 and C207 E-Class was previewed by the ConceptFASCINATION design study in September 2008.

W212's predecessor W211 had a rocky start marred by quality issues and was perceived by the Mercedes-Benz faithful as a poor product resulting from the controversial DaimlerChrysler merger. A few years after its breakup with Chrysler in 2007, Mercedes promised that the W212 series E-Class would showcase the automaker's return to its roots of building solid, high-quality, German-engineered vehicles. It was welcome news among Mercedes loyalists who longed for a car reminiscent to the iconic and successful W124 series E-Class, which was thoroughly modern while maintaining the vault-like feel long associated with the brand.

Saloon

The W212 E-Class saloon was unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. The saloon went on sale in Europe in March 2009 as a 2010 model year automobile. The W212 E-Class has 4 trim levels of equipment and equipment levels: Classic, Elegance, Avantgarde, and AMG.

The E-Class features several new safety technologies including driver drowsiness detection, lane departure warning, and traffic sign recognition. It also includes features that improve performance, efficiency, and comfort, such as "Direct Control" adaptive suspension, active seats (which change shape to support the passengers in corners), and movable radiator louvers which improve the vehicle's aerodynamics. Standard Mercedes-Benz safety and convenience features, such as the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), airbags, and automatic climate control, are included as well.

Estate

The estate version (chassis code S212) was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show and was released for sale in Europe on 5 August. Early models include the four-cylinder-powered E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, the V6-powered E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY, and the V8-powered E 500. US models began sales in June 2010 for the 2011 model year.

Coupe and convertible

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class (C207 and A207) are the respective coupe and convertible versions of the fourth generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class automobile. Sold since 2009, the C207 and A207 replaced the previous C209/A209 CLK-Class models. Like the CLK-Class predecessor, the C207/A207 E-Class are derived from the C-Class. The coupé and convertible share a more aggressive, swifter look than the sedan and saloon, with a more svelte front and a sleeker bonnet.

E 63 AMG (2010–2017)

The E 63 AMG sedan was unveiled at the 2009 New York International Auto Show. The new performance version of the E-Class is fitted with the same powertrain as the SL63 AMG, including AMG's 6.2-liter V8 and the SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports automatic transmission with four driver-selectable modes including a fully manual mode. Similar to the C63 AMG, the new E63 is more extensively modified than before, with a new, wider front axle, heavily revised suspension, and more distinct body panels.

The optional AMG Performance Package includes lightweight, forged 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with 255/35R19 front and 285/30R19 rear tires, stiffer suspension, a limited-slip differential, a special three-spoke sport steering wheel, and a reprogramming of the electronic top speed limiter to 300 km/h (190 mph) from 250 km/h (155 mph). The 6.2 L V8 has 525 PS (386 kW; 518 hp) 465 lb·ft (630 N·m) and will go from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.3 seconds.

In 2011, the 6.2-litre V8 was replaced by a twin-turbo version of the 5.5-litre V8 available in the E500/E550; power remained the same as for the earlier, naturally aspirated 6.2-litre engine. There was also a 557 PS (410 kW; 549 hp) Performance Package version. In October 2013, the AMG S-model of the E63 was introduced; this version packs no less than 585 PS (430 kW; 577 hp) and replaces the earlier Performance Package model. In the United States, the E63 station wagon is only available as an "S-model", and all E63s sold in North America now receive the 4Matic system as standard. Meanwhile, power of the "regular" E63 AMG increased to the same level as the previous Performance Package model.

With a 518 hp (386 kW) engine, the E63 can achieve a top speed of around 200 mph (320 km/h) (electronic limiter off), and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.3 seconds. Unlike its C-class cousin, the E63 doesn't have a black series, it only has an S variant.

The styling has been altered for both aesthetic and practical purposes: AMG side skirts and rear apron give the E63 more aggressive styling, and the larger air apertures on the front of the car allow for more air intake to the naturally aspirated 6.2 litre V8. Another styling change on the E63 is the wider, flared front wheel arches which accommodate the AMG front axle with a 2.2-inch-wider (56 mm) track.

For 2012, Mercedes-Benz started offering a bi-turbo V8 version. It is the M157, 5.5L twin-turbo V8, that is rated at 518 hp (386 kW), which is mated to a 7-speed AMG Speedshift MCT transmission Portland Speed Industries, a performance shop in Hillsboro, OR, have tested a 2012 E63 AMG biturbo on their Dynojet dynamometer and it produced 479 whp and 561 lb·ft (761 N·m) of torque.

In 2013, the facelifted E63 AMG was launched almost immediately after the facelifted standard E-Class. It has a more sporty, singular front air intakes, sideskirts, rear diffuser and black detailings in the side mirrors, front grille, wheels, and rear apron. Also for the first time it can also be had in 4Matic four-wheel drive system. It has the same W157 5.5L engine, with increased power of up to 550 bhp to last-generation's 525 bhp (Mercedes also offered an optional AMG "S" Performance Package for it, adding 27 bhp in power, and delimiting the car's top speed to 186 mph). The car can do 0–60 mph in 3.6 seconds and an other 0.1 decrease with the optional AMG "S" Performance Package.

E-Guard

The E-Guard armoured version, which features VR4 (formerly B4) level protection, went on sale in April 2009. The vehicles are equipped with steel and aramid fiber (Kevlar) armour and bullet-resistant windows, as well as run-flat tyres rated for a top speed of 240 kilometres per hour (150 mph) (50 kilometres (31 mi) at 80 kilometres per hour (50 mph) when deflated), a special Level II version of the Airmatic air suspension system, emergency alarm system, intercom system, and underbody armour. As of 2011 it has an MSRP (in the Mexican market) of $1,954,900MXN Mexican Pesos, or approximately US$143,000 US Dollars.

E 250 BlueTEC concept (2009)

The E 250 BlueTEC is a concept vehicle based on the E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY sedan, but with BlueTEC selective catalytic reduction and the 7G-Tronic Plus transmission. The vehicle was unveiled at the 2009 New York Auto Show. The E 250 BlueTEC is capable of 28 MPG city/39 MPG highway.

Edition 125 (2011)

A version commemorating Karl Benz inventing the first automobile powered by an internal combustion engine 125 years prior, for Hong Kong and Mexican markets. It is available for E 250, E 300 and E 350 models.

W212 facelift (2013–2016)

In December 2012, Mercedes-Benz revealed the fourth generation E-Class (W212) facelift which included modest style and equipment changes. Unveiled at the 2013 North American International Auto Show, this was made available for sale in early/mid 2013 as the 2014 model year. Compared to typically subtle Mercedes-Benz minor model updates, the change to the W212 were relatively extensive. According to Mercedes-Benz, the mid-cycle facelift is the "most significant model revision" it had ever undertaken. Mercedes-Benz is reported to have pumped close to €1 billion into the development of the mid-cycle refresh of W212, with the amount of new features on the facelifted model is about the same that's expected from the release of an entirely new model. The mid-cycle facelift brings significant styling changes, improved engines, more standard equipment and several extra hi-tech features.

The front was completely restyled, giving it a more aggressive look compared to the pre-facelift model. The twin headlamp design was replaced with a singular front light (marking the end of Mercedes's dual headlamps use) with LED DRLs lights as standard, while full LED technology was available as an option for the first time for the E-Class. One thing new was the option of a front grille with a Mercedes-Benz star on it, an option previously unavailable on the E-Class and only used on smaller models like the C-Class (W204). The front bumper was made more sharp with bigger air intakes much like the newer C-Class (W205). In the rear, the car was given a rear LED taillights, while Sport models feature exposed dual exhaust pipes. The rear doors and rear fenders were re-shaped, eliminating the wheel arch bulge and replacing it with a more traditional character line in the sheet metal.

Inside the car's cabin had been minimally restyled, with new aircon vents and a new analogue clock in the center console between the central air vents, like the CLS-Class (W218). There was also a redesigned centre console without a selector lever, as well as a new multi-function steering wheel with DIRECT SELECT lever and shift paddles in conjunction with the automatic transmission. If the driver had shifted up or down manually, after a set period of time the transmission independently switches back to automatic mode which saves fuel.

The W212 facelift can be ordered with two distinct design variants: the Sport Line and Luxury Line, which features different exterior and interior design elements for each line. The Luxury version comes with the classic sedan grille with 3-louver look and star on the hood. The Sport version features the sports grille with integrated star, forming a visual link to the high performance sports car models. Sport models receive a more confident front design, using the AMG styling package that features larger air intakes and a distinct aluminum trim line along the entire lower rim of the front bumper.

Most of the engines remained unchanged from the previous model. The E200 CGI and E250 CGI gets revised engines while the previous 1.8-litre (1796 cc) CGI engine was replaced by a 2.0 litre (1991 cc) BlueDIRECT engine. The lineup starts with the E200 that has a turbocharged 2.0-liter producing 181 hp (135 kW) or 208 hp (155 kW) in the E250. The more frugal E200 CDI has a 4-cylinder, 2.1-liter turbodiesel unit with 134 hp (100 kW). The same engine powers the E220 CDI where it's tuned to output 168 hp (125 kW) while in the E250 CDI it churns 201 hp (150 kW). There are also BlueTec versions of the E250, E300 Hybrid and E350. The regular E350 gets a V6 3.5-liter engine generating 302 hp (225 kW), while the E400 Hybrid has the same V6 engine but with an electric motor developing an additional 27 hp (20 kW). The E550 makes use of a V8 5.5-liter engine developing 402 hp (300 kW).

Technology

As standard, both Saloon and Estate models are fitted with COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive brake assist systems. It helps to significantly reduce the risk of a rear-end collision. Also forming part of the standard equipment is ATTENTION ASSIST, which is now able to warn of inattentiveness and drowsiness across a wider speed range, and also inform the driver about his level of fatigue and the amount of driving time which has elapsed since the last break. It also offers an adjustable sensitivity level.

DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist can help to keep the vehicle centered in its lane and track traffic in tailbacks automatically. For the first time, the Brake Assist system BAS PLUS with Junction Assist is able to detect crossing traffic and pedestrians too, and boost the braking power applied by the driver accordingly.

The PRE-SAFE Brake can detect pedestrians and initiate autonomous braking to avoid a collision at speeds up to 30 mph. PRE-SAFE PLUS can recognise an imminent rear-end collision, prompting the PRE-SAFE system to trigger occupant protection measures to reduce the forces to which occupants are subjected. It can also firmly apply the stationary vehicle's brakes in the event of a rear-end collision to prevent secondary accidents. With PRE-SAFE Impulse, the front occupants are pulled away from the direction of impact by their seat belts at an early phase of the crash before the resulting occupant deceleration sets in. This can substantially reduce the risk and severity of injuries in a frontal collision.

Active Lane Keeping Assist can detect oncoming traffic and when the adjacent lane is not clear, and prevent the vehicle from leaving its lane unintentionally by applying the brakes on one side. Intelligent Light System with Adaptive Highbeam Assist PLUS allows the main-beam headlamps to be kept on permanently without dazzling traffic by masking out other vehicles in the beams' cone of light. The mid-cycle refresh features both low-beam headlamps and daytime running lamps which make use of LED technology as standard.

Active Parking Assist enables automated parking with active steering and brake control in both parallel and end-on spaces Active Blind Spot Assist warns the driver before a lane-change if it detects another vehicle in the blind spot area. If the driver fails to react to the warning, Active Blind Spot Assist triggers corrective braking intervention. In addition to speed limits, Traffic Sign Assist is now able to provide warnings of overtaking and entry restrictions, and can also detect the respective signs indicating the end of restrictions.

The Surround View Camera gives a 360-degree camera overview of the vehicle and its surroundings, which help with entering and exiting from parking spaces as well as maneuvering.

Engines

E 500 is sold as the E 550 in the US and Canada.

Euro NCAP

The 2010 E-Class earned five stars out of five for occupant protection, pedestrian protection and assistance systems in the Euro NCAP test. It came standard with a number of safety systems like Collision Prevention Assist, Attention Assist, Adaptive braking technology, Daytime Running Lamps and Rain-sensing windshield wipers. The E-Class also received two "Euro NCAP Advanced" rewards for the optional PRE-SAFE and PRE-SAFE Brake safety system.

IIHS

The 2010 E-Class was the first E-Class to earn IIHS's reputable Top Safety Pick+ award. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety score the E-Class Good overall in the moderate overlap front crash test, but did not pass the small front overlap. It also received Good overall in side-impact collisions, the roof strength and seat/head restraint evaluations.

The redesigned 2014 E-Class received IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ award, which also passed the small front overlap crash test. Apart from the aforementioned test, the W212 facelift also scored the Good mark in the moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and seat/head restraint evaluations.

NHTSA

U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash testing of the 2014 US model year E-Class yielded a four-star driver and four-star passenger rating in the frontal-collision test (out of five stars). Side crash results were five out of five stars for both front and rear seats. The car scored five stars in rollover testing.

Motorsport

Erebus Motorsport competed in the Australian V8 Supercars Championship with E63 AMGs between 2013 and 2015.