Mercedes-Benz · 2008–2016

Mercedes-Benz W212

The W212 and S212 Mercedes-Benz E-Class series is the fourth generation of the E-Class range of executive cars which was produced by Mercedes-Benz between 2009 and 2016 as the successor to the W211 E-Class. The body styles of the range are either four-door sedan/saloon (W212) or a five-door estate/wagon (S212). Coupé and convertible models of the E-Class of the same generation are W204 C-Class based and known as the C207 and A207, replacing the CLK-Class (C209 and A209) coupé and cabriolet. A high-performance E 63 AMG version of the W212 and S212 were available as well since 2009. In 2013, a facelift was introduced for the E-Class range, featuring significant styling changes, fuel economy improvements and updated safety features. After being unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show to invited members of the press and put on public display at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, it was introduced in March 2009 for Europe and in July 2009 for North America in the saloon body style. In 2010, an estate body style became available to all markets, though the estate body style was available in Europe since August 2009. Global cumulative E-Class sales reached the milestone 550,000 vehicle mark in July 2011. Production achieved the milestone 500,000 saloon unit mark in March 2012. The W212 E-Class was succeeded by the W213 E-Class in 2016 for the 2017 model year.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

All Mercedes-Benz W212 data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →

Development

Design work began in 2004 after the development programme commenced in 2003, with the exterior design by Winifredo Camacho and interior design by Thomas Stopka being selected in 2005. After refinements and engineering considerations were 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.

Body styles

=== 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 three trim levels of equipment and equipment levels: Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde. 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. Coupé and convertible. The coupé (C207) was first shown at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, while the convertible (A207) was unveiled at the 2010 North American International Auto Show. Both models replaced the previous C209/A209 CLK-Class models. The C207/A207 E-Class is based on the W204 C-Class platform, and are produced alongside each other in the Bremen plant.

Styling

The 2009 E-Class’ design was inspired by the new design language Mercedes adopted at that time for the C-Class, S-Class, and CLS-Class. The design was considerably more angular and aggressive than its predecessors and Mercedes gave the rear haunch a bulge that they named the "Ponton flare" inspired by that of the Ponton cars from the 1950s and early '60s. Many of the changes made to give the E-Class a sportier appearance took design cues from a number of existing models, including the CLS-Class and the S-Class. The rising character line of the 2009 E-Class was inspired by the S-Class, as were the wheel-arch extensions, the door handles, and the enlarged bumpers. Meanwhile, the CLS-Class inspiration came in the form of the re-shaped headlights, featuring an edgier squared teardrop design as opposed to the previous ovoid shape. Other changes made on the 2009 model included a wider-framed grille, new air intakes, and an overall wedge-shaped profile. The 2009 E-Class has a drag coefficient of 0.25 to improve aerodynamic efficiency. Mercedes gave the interior a subtle facelift, one that features a more spacious cockpit with height adjustable bucket front seats, remote power door locks, power mirrors, heated mirrors, four one-touch power windows, and remote window operation. There are also wood trims on the doors, dashboard, and centre console, front and rear reading lights, a leather steering wheel, an electrochromatic inside rearview mirror, and front and rear floor mats. The entertainment aspect comes from the plethora of electronically enhanced goodies like an AM/FM in-dash six-CD/DVD, CD-controller with CD MP3 playback stereo, Harman Kardon audio system a TeleAid telecommunications service, and Bluetooth wireless data link for hands-free phone capabilities.

W212 facelift (2013–2016)

=== Development and launch === The fourth generation E-Class (W212) facelift was unveiled to media in December 2012 ahead of its public debut at the 2013 North American International Auto Show, it was made available for sale in early/mid 2013 as the 2014 model year. Compared to typically subtle Mercedes-Benz minor model updates, the changes to the W212 were relatively extensive. With the sales the E-Class had lost to SUVs and crossovers in Europe and America more than compensated for by demand in emerging markets, it received the "most significant model revision" Mercedes-Benz had ever undertaken, reported close to €1 billion into the development of the mid-cycle refresh. 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 facelift brings significant styling changes, improved engines, more standard equipment and several extra hi-tech features. Depending on the market, the 2014 E-Class is available in the following versions. The lineup starts with the E 200 that has a turbocharged 2.0-litre producing 181 hp (135 kW) or 208 hp (155 kW) in the E 250. The more frugal E 200 CDI has a four-cylinder, 2.1-litre turbodiesel unit with 134 hp (100 kW). The same engine powers the E 220 CDI where it's tuned to output 168 hp (125 kW), while in the E 250 CDI it churns 201 hp (150 kW). There are also BlueTec versions of the E 250, E 300 Hybrid and E 350. The regular E 350 gets a V6 3.5-litre engine generating 302 hp (225 kW), while the E 400 Hybrid has the same V6 engine but with an electric motor developing an additional 27 hp (20 kW). The E 550 makes use of a 4.7-litre turbo charged V8 engine developing 402 hp (300 kW). Styling. The front was completely restyled, giving it a more aggressive look compared

Specifications

=== Engines === E 500 is sold as the E 550 in the US and Canada. Badged as E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY and E 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY before 2011. Badged as E 300 BlueEFFICIENCY, E 300 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY, E 350 BlueEFFICIENCY, E 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY, E 500 BlueEFFICIENCY, E 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY, E 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Edition, E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and E 250 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY before 2013. The designation "BlueTEC" replaced the "CDI" from 2013 to 2017, as Euro 6 emissions standard effectively mandates SCR and AdBlue injection. E 180 models were sold in Turkey and Greece and Tunisia with a 1.6L 156HP 250NM derived from the M270 petrol engine. Transmission.

Safety

=== 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. ANCAP.

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name: Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212)
Manufacturer: Daimler AG
Production: March 2008 – January 2016 (sedan), December 2008 – May 2016 (station wagon)
Model years: 2009–2016
Assembly: Germany: Sindelfingen, Mexico: Toluca, Egypt: 6th of October City (EGA), Malaysia: Pekan (DRB-HICOM), India: Pune (Mercedes-Benz India), China: Beijing (Beijing Benz), Thailand: Bangkok (TAAP), Indonesia: Bogor, West Java (MBDI) Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City (MBV)
Class: Executive car (E)
Body style: 4-door sedan, 5-door station wagon
Designer: Thomas Stopka (Original: 2005), Michael Frei (Facelift: 2011)
Layout: Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive (4Matic)
Related: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé/Cabriolet (C207/A207), Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (C218)
Transmission: 6-speed manual, 5-speed 5G-Tronic automatic, 7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic, 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic (BlueTEC, Facelift)
Wheelbase: 2874 mm (Saloon/Estate), 3014 mm (V 212 LWB)
Length: 4868 mm (Saloon), 5019 mm (LWB), 4895 mm (Estate)
Width: 1854 mm (Saloon/Estate)
Height: 1470 mm (Saloon), 1474 mm (Estate)
Kerb weight: 1540 -
Predecessor: Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W211)
Successor: Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W213)
sp: uk