“…all staffers who drove it made note not only of the car’s amazing return on the gallon but also how much they enjoyed the performance along the way.”

“If you need further proof that a turbodiesel is the ideal powerplant for a big luxury car, look no further than the E350 Bluetec”

“Still, one might question whether that real-world mpg is good enough to eclipse a $1,200 price premium and, arguably, the incrementally higher maintenance fees associated with keeping the diesel-combustion process relatively clean…If you consistently achieved as high an average as we did during our time in the diesel E-class, the break-even point shrinks to just 3.2 years.”

“When two tons of luxury sedan can get more than 30 mpg indicated in mixed driving with no extension cords, weird clunks or CVTs needed,” one editor explained, “I have to ask why so many manufacturers (and so many Americans) are wedded to the idea of hybrid/electric propulsion.”

Read the full review at Autoweek.com.

Mercedes-Benz Product Management has just announced that the 2012 E-Class sedan and wagon can now be built with mix-and-match designo paint, leather and trim.

Click on thumnails to enlarge!

designo Paint: $2300

designo Magno Matte Paint: $3950

designo Interiors: $4500 for all E350s, $3800 for E550, $3100 for E63 AMG sedan and wagon

designo Trim:

Mindy Green, proprietor of Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro in Highlands, North Carolina, wanted to share her good experience with Atlanta Classic Cars, the European Delivery Program and her wagon named Lizzie!

I bought my first Mercedes from another dealership.  My husband bought his from Atlanta Classic so I started to bring my in for service there.  They did such an incredible job that when I got my new Mercedes I bought from Atlanta Classic.  We did not even go to any other dealership to look.  My husband did a European delivery and we liked it so much we did it with my car.  Jesse is our sales rep and she has been incredible to work with.  Not only did she keep us up to date while buying, I can still call her with questions and she helps me.  My service rep Kim is also incredible.  She knows what she is doing!!!!  I highly recommend this dealership for all you car needs!!!

-Mindy Green

The 2012 E350, E350 4matic, E350 Bluetec, E550, E63 AMG. E350 4matic wagon, E63 AMG wagon, E550 Cabriolet and E550 Coupe have been released for sale! These vehicles should start to ship from the port to the dealerships immediately.

It is an exctiting time for Mercedes-Benz! We have lots of new engines, technology and vehicles for the 2012 model year. Here is a quick rundown.

2012 C-Class Sedan – C350/C300/C63 August/C250 October

• Facelifted – more than 2000 new parts!
• C250 with 1.8L inline 4-cylinder direct injected, turbocharged engine with 201 horsepower
• C350 with 3.5L direct injected V6 with 302 horsepower
• New standard equipment including automatic transmission, rain sensing wipers, auto dimming mirrors, garage door opener, compass, HD radio, Bluetooth audio streaming, ATTENTION ASSIST amd adaptive brakes with HOLD function
• New paint and upholstery options
• Parktronic available
• New Lane tracking Package
• LED daytime running lights standard fro both sport and luxury models
• Color instrument cluster
• Media Interface relocated to center console
• Updated version of 7-speed transmission which provides better fuel economy

2012 C-Class Coupe – C350/C63 September/C250 October

• Same redesigned interior and improved standard features as the C-Class Sedan
• Standard Panoramic Sunroof
• Steering Wheel Shift Paddles
• 10-way power driver seat with memory
• Split folding rear seats
• Unique wheel 

2012 CL-Class – August

• New colors – Lunar Blue and Andorite Grey
• New 19″ AMG triple 5-spoke wheel

2012 CLS-Class – CLS550/CLS63 June/ CLS550 4matic August

• All-New bi-turbo engines with direct injection 402 or 518 hp
• World’s first fully-active all LED headlamps
• Electromechanical steering system
• Standard sport body styling
• Standard Navigation, Pemium sound and SiriusXM

2012 E-Class Sedan – October

• New direct injected engines – V6 with 302 hp and V8 with 402 hp
• New wheels and steering wheels for some models
• Wood/Leather steering wheel now availabel for both sport and luxury models
• New Lane Tracking package
• LED running lights for both sport and luxury
• Color instrument cluster
• Media Interface relocated to center console
• Updated version of 7-speed transmission which provides better fuel economy

2012 E-Class Wagon – October

• The E63 AMG wagon is coming!

2012 E-Class Coupe – E350 July/E550 October

• New direct injected engines – V6 with 302 hp and V8 with 402 hp
• LED daytime running lights standard
• New wheel for E350
• New interior colors – Red/Black and Natural Beige/Black leathers
• New Lane Tracking Package
• Standard shift paddles
• Color instrument cluster
• Media Interface relocated to center console
• Electromechanical steering on V8

2012 E-Class Cabriolet – E350 July/E550 October

• New direct injected engines – V6 with 302 hp and V8 with 402 hp
• LED daytime running lights standard
• New wheel for E350
• New interior colors – Red/Black and Natural Beige/Black leathers
• New Lane Tracking Package
• Standard shift paddles
• Color instrument cluster
• Media Interface relocated to center console
• Electromechanical steering on V8
• New Red soft top option

2012 GL-Class – GL450/GL 550 August/ GL350 October

• Acoustic Signal when locking/unlocking
• Improved Rearview camera software
• New ESP off icon
• New garage-door opener concept (multicolor LEDs)
• New paint colors – Dakota Brown & Pearl Beige
• New rear chrome trim for rear control panels

2012 GLK-Class – July

• Acoustic Signal when locking/unlocking
• Improved Rearview camera software
• new ESP off icon
• New garage-door opener concept (multicolor LEDs)
• Media Interfact port moves to center console
• New 20″ 5-spoke wheel with Appearance Package
• New Colors – Lunar Blue, Sapphire Grey, Diamond White & Cuprite Brown
• Keyless-Go is reduced to $640 

2012 ML-Class – ML350s September/ ML550/ML63 2012

• All New! Same Price! See previous posts for details

2012 R-Class – R350 gas August/R350 Bluetec October

• New direct injected V6 with 302 hp
• Acoustic Signal when locking/unlocking
• Improved Rearview camera software
• new ESP off icon
• New garage-door opener concept (multicolor LEDs)

2012 G-Class – October

• Edition Select Package available. See previous post for details

2012 S-Class – July/S350 September

• New direct injected V8 with 402 hp means no Gas Guzzler tax
• The S350 Bluetec arrives with an estimated 20 city/ 31 highway MPG
• New colors – Lunar Blue and Andorite Grey
• The Sport Package gets a new 19″ AMG triple 5-spoke wheel

2012 SL-Class – July

• Premium 1 Package now standard
• Limited production in anticipation for the all-new 2013

2012 SLK-Class – SLK350 July/SLK250 2012

• All new for 2012
• New direct injected V6 with 302 hp
• Updated NTG 4.5 is amazing technology for nav and music
• See previous posts for more details

2012 AMG

• C63 AMG coupe arrives
• E63 returnes with 5.5 litre biturbo with 518 hp and 25% better fuel economy
• CLS63 AMG debuted in the spring
• SLS AMG roadster arrives

This is a great time to be a Mercedes-Benz enthusiast!

“Out goes the familiar, naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine that has powered the E63 AMG since 2009. In comes the same twin-turbocharged, 5.5-liter V8 mill found in the CLS63, the S63 and the CL63 AMG.”

“The E63 was already among the fastest production sedans on sale in the U.S. market. With the switch to AMG’s latest engine, it not only gains a solid dose of added torque, but a further dimension in performance, with improved off-the-line acceleration, greater in-gear shove, more refined cruising traits and–as far as turbocharged powerplants go–a terrific baritone blare at full tilt.”

“With all of that torque concentrated so low in the range, you’re pretty much on top of it the moment you step away from the line. From there on, the performance builds in one linear surge all the way to redline. There’s no apparent turbo lag, and at pretty much any revs, in any gear, there is vast thrust. Speed builds quickly and, owing to the smoothness of the delivery, rather deceptively. “

“Those in the market for a rapid sedan will no doubt be tempted by the reworked E63. The changes AMG brought to its latest model make it a better everyday proposition while extending its haughty performance potential and providing it with impressive fuel economy when driven at posted limits.”

You can read the full review at the AutoWeek website.

I have had a lot of questions about the 2012 E-Class engines. This is the information that I currently have from MBUSA.

Available in October 2011

• E350 BlueTEC - 3.0L V6 (Diesel) with 210 hp / 400 lb-ft
• E350 - New 3.5L V6 for E350 with 302 hp / 273 lb-ft
• E350 4MATIC – New 3.5L V6 with 302 hp / 273 lb-ft
• E550 4MATIC - New 4.6L bi-turbo V8 with 402 hp / 443 lb-ft
• E63 AMG – New hand-built 5.5L bi-turbo V8 (w/ ECO Stop/Start) with 518 hp/516 lb-ft

Standard Equipment Highlights

I hope you got them when you could! Five of the designo colors for the E-Class Coupe, Cabriolet, sedan and wagon have been discontinued as of now.

• Mystic Blue
• Mystic Red
• Mauritius Blue
• Platinum Black
• Magno Platinum

The Mercedes-Benz designo program gives Mercedes-Benz owners the opportunity to choose interior and exterior colors that are quite special! For 2011 the E-Class sedan and wagon have been given a wide selection of paint and leather choices as well as a few recommended designo editions. These vehicles will be built between April and June of this year. If you are looking for something special…now is the time to order!

Click on thumbnail images to enlarge!

10 designo Paints: $2300 / $3950 for Magno colors

• Mystic Blue
• Mocha Black
• Mystic Red
• Mauritius Blue
• Graphite
• Magno Alanite Grey
• Platinum Black
• Magno Cashmere White
• Magno Platinum
• Mystic Brown

7 designo Leathers: $4500 (V6) / $3800 (V8)

• Sand
• Platinum White
• Saffron Beige
• Mystic Red
• Auburn Brown
• Black
• Light Brown

3 designo Trims:

• Natural Curly Maple
• Natural Bamboo
• Black Piano Lacquer

All of these finishes can be mixed and matched to create a Mercedes-Benz exclusive to you. Mercedes-Benz has also created 5 recommended designo Editions if you would like a starting point.

5 designo Editions:

• Espresso Edition – Mocha Black/Sand Leather/Natural Curly Maple
• Magno Alanite Edition – Magno Alanite Grey/Auburn Brown Leather/Black Piano Lacquer
• Mystic Blue Edition – Mystic Blue/Black Leather/Natural Bamboo
• Mystic Brown Edition – Mystic Brown/Light Brown Leather/Natural Curly Maple
• Platinum White Edition – Magno Cashmere White/Platinum White Leather/Black Piano Lacquer (My favorite!)

My 2011 E350 and I took a roadtrip to Illinois this weekend. It was an extremely comfortable ride and I was very impressed with the fuel economy. Officially rated at 24 miles per gallon on the highway, my E-Class far exceeded that!

This is my trip odometer on the way up (sorry for the blur): 28.0 MPG @ average speed of 68 for 588 miles.and this is on the way home:The final total was 1456 miles at 26.1 MPG! That includes 1300 miles of highway and 156 miles of in town driving. I got close to 500 miles on a single tank before the low fuel indicator lamp was illuminated. I also experienced the Attention Assist notification for the first time. I highly recommend the E-Class for all of you long distance drivers!