2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the new S 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, which brings a diesel engine and standard all-wheel drive to the lineup. The S 550 models also receive a stronger, more efficient twin-turbo V8, while the rest of the range is largely unchanged.

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About the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

5th generation W221 S-Class (2007-2013 U.S.), post-facelift late-cycle year and last full model year before the 2014 redesign.

Mercedes-Benz positions the S-Class as its flagship full-size luxury sedan and the benchmark for comfort, safety, engineering depth, and long-distance ease. In 2012, it stands out not just for prestige but for how many personalities it offers under one model line: diesel efficiency, hybrid thrift, classic V8 luxury, V12 opulence, and AMG performance. For most shoppers, the S-Class is the Mercedes sedan chosen for a serene ride, a rich cabin, advanced safety features, and a strong sense of occasion every time it is driven.

The 2012 lineup stretches from the long-distance-focused S 350 diesel and efficiency-minded S 400 Hybrid to the core S 550 V8, the richly finished S 600 V12, and the high-performance S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG. Core versions feature an adaptive air suspension, heated and ventilated leather front seats, navigation, Bluetooth, and Harman Kardon surround sound, while the V12 and AMG models add more power and specialized suspension hardware.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

Mercedes adds the S 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC with a 240-hp 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, 455 lb-ft of torque, and standard all-wheel drive. The S 550 and S 550 4MATIC switch to a 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 429 hp and 516 lb-ft, up from 382 hp and 391 lb-ft, along with a revised 7-speed automatic and better fuel economy.

2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class specs and features by trim

Feature	2012 Mercedes-Benz S-ClassS 5500 in stock	2012 Mercedes-Benz S-ClassS 6000 in stock	2012 Mercedes-Benz S-ClassS 63 AMG0 in stock	2012 Mercedes-Benz S-ClassS 65 AMG0 in stock	2012 Mercedes-Benz S-ClassS 400 Hybrid0 in stock	2012 Mercedes-Benz S-ClassS 550 4MATIC1 in stock	2012 Mercedes-Benz S-ClassS 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC1 in stock
Engine	V8, Twin Turbo, 4.6 Liter	V12, Twin Turbo, 5.5 Liter	V8, Twin Turbo, 5.5 Liter	V12, Twin Turbo, 6.0 Liter	V6, Hybrid, 3.5 Liter	V8, Twin Turbo, 4.6 Liter	V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter
Transmission	Auto, 7-Spd Spt & Comfort	Auto, 5-Spd Spt & Comfort	Auto 7-Spd SPEEDSHIFT MCT	Auto 5-Spd AMG SPEEDSHIFT	Auto, 7-Spd Spt & Comfort	Auto, 7-Spd Spt & Comfort	Auto, 7-Spd Spt & Comfort
Drivetrain	RWD	RWD	RWD	RWD	RWD	AWD	AWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Hybrid	Gas	Diesel
MPG City	15 mpg	12 mpg	15 mpg	12 mpg	19 mpg	15 mpg	21 mpg
MPG Highway	25 mpg	19 mpg	23 mpg	19 mpg	25 mpg	24 mpg	31 mpg
Horsepower	429 hp	510 hp	536 hp	621 hp		429 hp	240 hp
Torque	516 lb-ft	612 lb-ft	590 lb-ft	738 lb-ft	284 lb-ft	516 lb-ft	455 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	16.4 cu-ft	16.4 cu-ft	16.4 cu-ft	16.4 cu-ft	16.4 cu-ft	16.4 cu-ft	16.4 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	42.3 in	42.3 in	42.3 in	42.3 in	42.3 in	42.3 in	42.3 in
Seats	5	5	5	5	5	5	5
Doors	4	4	4	4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Adaptive Cruise Control
Alarm System
Automatic High Beams
Blindspot Sensors
Blindspot Sensors with Auto Brake
Driver Attention Assist Monitor
Lane Departure Warning
Active Lane Keep Assistance
Night Vision System
Park Assist
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Power Moonroof
Panorama Moon Roof
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Rear DVD Entertainment System
Video Input
Comfort & Convenience
4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning
Dual Power Rear Seats
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Leather Seats
Massage Front Seat
Massage Rear Seat
Memory Rear Seats
Proximity Keyless Entry
Remote Start
Ventilated Front Seats
Ventilated Rear Seats

How the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class compares

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class gets a light equipment update rather than a redesign. Its main change is that the former Premium 2 package is standard across the lineup.

See the full 2013 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest change to the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

The biggest 2012 change is the new S 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC. It adds a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 and standard all-wheel drive to the S-Class lineup.

How is the 2012 S 550 different from the 2011 model?

The 2012 S 550 has a new 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8 and a revised 7-speed automatic. Output rises from 382 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque to 429 hp and 516 lb-ft, and fuel economy also improves.

Does the 2012 S 350 BlueTEC have all-wheel drive?

Yes. The 2012 S 350 BlueTEC comes standard with Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC all-wheel drive and uses a 240-hp diesel V6 with 455 lb-ft of torque.

Was the Mercedes-Benz S-Class redesigned for 2012?

No. The 2012 S-Class remains part of the W221 generation and is not a full redesign. Its main updates are the new diesel model and the revised S 550 powertrain.

Did every 2012 S-Class receive a new engine?

No. The new diesel engine is specific to the added S 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, while the new 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8 goes into the S 550 and S 550 4MATIC. The S 400 Hybrid, S 600, S 63 AMG, and S 65 AMG are largely unchanged.