2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a major engine overhaul: most gasoline models receive stronger direct-injected V6 or twin-turbo V8 engines. Updated transmissions, small cabin-tech changes, and the return of the E63 AMG Wagon round out the year.
About the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
4th-generation E-Class family: pre-facelift W212/S212 sedan and wagon, plus the related C207/A207 coupe and cabriolet. For 2012, this family is in the middle of its first design cycle and gets major engine/transmission updates ahead of the larger 2014 styling refresh.
Mercedes-Benz positions the E-Class as its do-everything midsize luxury car family: a benchmark for safety, long-distance comfort, and engineering depth rather than flashy gimmicks. In 2012 the range covers a wide spread of needs, from a traditional sedan and practical wagon to a clean-diesel highway car, stylish coupe and cabriolet, and a full AMG performance model. What ties them together is quiet confidence, strong safety technology, and an upscale cabin meant to feel solid and lasting.
The E350 remains the heart of the range, pairing a 302-hp V6 with comfort features such as power front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a 7-inch display. The diesel E350 BlueTEC emphasizes relaxed highway travel, while the 402-hp E550 coupe and cabriolet add V8 performance and richer cabins. At the top, the 518-hp E63 AMG combines a handcrafted twin-turbo V8 with serious performance hardware in sedan or wagon form.
What changed, by category
2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.6L | V8, Twin Turbo, 5.5L | V6, 3.5 Liter | V8. Twin Turbo, 4.6L | V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0L |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd Sport Mode | Auto, 7-Spd Sport Mode | Auto 7-Spd AMG SPEEDSHIFT | Auto, 7-Spd Sport Mode | Auto, 7-Spd Sport Mode | Auto, 7-Spd Sport Mode |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | AWD | AWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Diesel |
| MPG City | 19–20 mpg | 16–17 mpg | 15–16 mpg | 19 mpg | 16 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28–30 mpg | 25–27 mpg | 23–24 mpg | 27–29 mpg | 26 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 302 hp | 402 hp | 518 hp | 302 hp | 402 hp | 210 hp |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft | 443 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft | 443 lb-ft | 400 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1654 lb | 1654 lb | 1654 lb | 1654 lb | ||
| Trunk/Cargo | 11.5–15.9 cu-ft | 11.5–13.3 cu-ft | 15.9–57.4 cu-ft | 13.3–57.4 cu-ft | 15.9 cu-ft | 15.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 30.1–35.8 in | 30.1–32.6 in | 35.8–36 in | 32.6–36 in | 35.8 in | 35.8 in |
| Seats | 4–5 | 4 | 5 | 4–7 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 2 | 4 | 2–4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | ||||||
| Night Vision System | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||||
| Power Retractable Soft Top | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Leather Interior Trim | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
The biggest change is the arrival of new gasoline engines across most of the range. The E350 moves from 268 to 302 hp, the E550 gains a 402-hp twin-turbo V8, and the E63 AMG receives a 518-hp twin-turbo V8 along with a new AMG transmission.
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class meaningfully different from the 2011 model?
Yes, especially if you are considering a gasoline model. The 2012 E350, E550, and E63 AMG receive major engine updates, and transmission revisions spread across the range; the exterior design remains largely unchanged.
Did the 2012 E350 BlueTEC diesel get a new engine?
No, the 2012 E350 BlueTEC largely carries over its 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6. Its year-specific updates include a color instrument display, a relocated media interface, and access to a Lane Tracking package.
Was there a 2012 E63 AMG Wagon in the United States?
Yes, the E63 AMG Wagon returned to the U.S. lineup for 2012. It uses the same 518-hp twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 and AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT transmission as the sedan while adding substantially more cargo room.
Was the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class a full redesign?
No, the 2012 E-Class was not a full redesign. It kept the existing body design and focused on engines, transmissions, trim equipment, and smaller technology updates.