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!

As the 2012 models begin production, Mercedes-Benz has announced some Special Value Packages to enhance the launch of these models! This information applies to the July production schedule and will continue until further notice.

2012 C-Class Sedan and Coupe

All vehicles will be equipped with the  S32 COMAND Launch Package. During this launch period the Audio 20 system and the 320 Multimedia Package are not orderable. The Rearview Camera has been made available as a stand-alone option.

S32 COMAND Launch Package – $930

• COMAND Navigation with single CD/DVD
• Voice Control

2012 GLK-Class

Two launch packages are available on the GLK-Class. S32 COMAND Launch Package or the new S33 Multimedia Launch Package. During this launch period the 320 Multimedia Package is not orderable but the Audio 20 is available.

S32 COMAND Launch Package – $930

• COMAND Navigation with single CD/DVD
• Voice Control

S33 Multimedia Launch Package – $2600

• COMAND Navigation with single CD/DVD
• Voice Control
• Universal Customer Interface
• Multimedia Interface Cable
• Rearview Camera

2012 SLK-Class

All vehicles will be equipped with the  S32 COMAND Launch Package which, requires Premium 1 Package. During this launch period the Audio 20 system and the 320 Multimedia Package are not orderable.

S32 COMAND Launch Package – $1150

• COMAND Navigation with single CD/DVD
• Voice Control

2012 E-Class Coupes and Cabriolets

All vehicles will be equipped with Premium 1 Launch Package or Premium 2 Launch Package.

S01 Premium 1 Launch Package – $3600

• Multimedia Interface Cable
• Rearview Camera
• COMAND with single CD/DVD
• Universal Customer Interface
• SIRIUS Satellite Radio
• Premium Sound
• Heated Seats
• Power Rear Sun Shade (coupes)
• Airscarf  (cabriolets)

S02 Premium 2 Launch Package – $6050

• S01 Package
• Heated & Ventilated Seats
• Headlamp Cleaning System
• Adaptive Highbeam Assist
• Bi-Xenon Headlamps with Active Curve Illumination
• Corner Illuminating Lamps
• Heated Windshield Washer Reservoir
• Keyless GO

2012 ML-Class

All vehicles will be equipped with Premium 1 Launch Package or Premium 2 Launch Package.

S01 Premium 1 Launch Package – $3200

• Autodimming Mirrors
• Multimedia Interface Cable
• Rearview Camera
• COMAND with single CD/DVD
• Universal Customer Interface
• SIRIUS Satellite Radio
• Memory Package for Driver Seat
• Power Folding Mirrors

S02 Premium 2 Launch Package – $5050

• S01 Package
• Keyless GO
• Climate Controlled Cupholder
• harmon/kardon LOGIC7 Surround System
• Multi-Color Ambient Lighting
• Rear Compartment (n/a with 315 pkg)

Mercedes-Benz has just released these 18″ two-tone wheels for the new E-Class coupe and cabriolet. If you have been looking to dress up your new E-Class with a factory approved wheel, this might be a great option. You can get more details about pricing, tires and install from your local dealership. The part numbers are  A207 401 1602 7X23 for the front axle and A207 401 1702 7X23 for the rear axle.

These are the official photos of the 2011 E-Class Cabriolet. It is expected to be available for sale in May of 2010 as the E350 and E550. The specifications, options and pricing are not yet available but I am taking deposits to be on the Atlanta Classic Cars order list. In 2003, when the last cabriolet was launched, there was a significant waiting list. So far the list is short, but now that the pictures are out there more and more people will be ready to order.

The AIRCAP system on the 2011 E-Class Cabriolet will continue to increase the amount of time you can enjoy your Mercedes with the top down. Building on the AIRSCARF system currently available on the SLK and SL, AIRCAP will create a calm air zone in the passenger compartment making it both more comfortable at higher speeds and easier to heat or cool. A front deflector raises up from the top of the windshield to both redirect air higher over the passenger cabin and allow air slowed down by its screen to enter the cabin and maintain a pocket of calmer air.

Current CLK Cabriolet owners will enjoy not having to install and uninstall a wind deflector anymore. Additionally, you will be able to raise and lower the top at speeds below 25mph.

The DVD of my presentation that won me the 2010 E-Class Walk Around National Championship has finally arrived. This is a 15 minute presentation, tailored to a client interested in Technology, and my goal was to get the maximum points on the scoresheet. This isn’t how I would normally present to a new client in the showroom but it is a great way to pack in a lot of information! I hope you enjoy it!

If you enjoy this video, check out my presentation from 2007 when I won the 2008 C-Class Walk Around.

Jesse,

Thanks for helping me acquire my second Mercedes-Benz! Since I had to order the E550 coupe, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. You were very helpful in guiding my decision process around the right options in the car and my expectations were exceeded. Also, during the process of waiting for the car to arrive you were very good about communicating the steps in the process and thus keeping me informed.

You won my business away from Audi and BMW, as I had considered the S5 and the 335i. Besides the fact that the E550 coupe is an incredible car, I feel confident knowing that Atlanta Classic Cars stands confidently behind it. The car represents a huge technological leap and excellence in performance and luxury. Two of my favorite things about the car (and my friends have noted this as well) is how smooth and quiet the car is. The technology is incredible – I’m really impressed with the automatic brights, the backup camera, and the seamless audio/phone integration and the navigation/COMAND system. I love the pillarless design and the panoramic roof (in addition to the power and technology) – passengers have commented that they really enjoy the back seats which is unusual for a coupe. From someone who has had an M3 coupe as well, I can say this is a unique comment for a coupe!

I hope to be a repeat customer. P.S. Thanks for the Pirelli P-zero tires!

Chris M.
Duluth, GA

So…Dieter Zetsche wasn’t actually there, but MBUSA President and CEO Ernst Lieb was one of the judges for my presentation!

This week I had the honor of representing the Southern Region and Atlanta Classic Cars in the 2010 E-Class Walk-Around National Finals in Denver. Two years ago I won the C-Class Walk-Around Competition for the Southern Region but they didn’t have a national competition. This time I had to compete against every salesperson in the whole country. I won at the dealership, market, and regional levels on my way to the finals in Denver. My 15 minute presentation was tailored to a hypothetical client and highlighted many of the amazing innovations found in the 2010 E-Class Sedan. My 3 competitors and I were judged by the MBUSA Executive Management team and I was declared the National Champion!

I’ll post some pictures and the video once I get them from the training department. Thank you to everyone who helped me prepare!

The competition was part of the National Dealer Meeting, so I was able to see (no cameras allowed) the new E-Class Cabriolet scheduled for release this spring and the SLS AMG! Both were spectacular and will be very successful!

If you want to learn all about the 2010 E-Class from the most knowledgeable salesperson in the whole United States please stop by Atlanta Classic Cars and pay me a visit.

I think they like it!

“Because once you actually go some place and spend all day on the road and maybe even a bit longer than you’d like, then you’ll figure out just how good the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 Coupe really is.”

“Luxury is the place where efficiency meets pleasure, and that’s where you’ll find the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 Coupe. It’s a serious motorcar.”

“If you think everybody should pack into one car for dinner…then you should wait for the shuttle bus, because the grown-ups are leaving.”

“It all adds up in acceleration, because the combination of the right kind of power and a right-size, 3,883-pound package (400 pounds lighter than an E-Class sedan) delivers 60 mph in 5.3 seconds (5.0 seconds with 1 foot of rollout like on a drag strip). Check out the E550 coupe’s quarter-mile run of 13.4 seconds at 105.2 mph and you’ll see what kind of muscle it has.”

“The thing that we really care about, though, is the simple presence of the E-Class suspension. In addition to the configuration of the front suspension struts, this E550 coupe has standard adaptive damping based on inputs from seven sensors, plus the availability of both manually selected normal and Sport mode. “

Read the whole article at Edmunds.com

The 2010 GLK, E sedan and E coupe are already here and the rest of the 2010 models will be arriving soon. Mercedes-Benz has just given us the official pricing and release dates.

Model	Release Date	Base Price
C300 Sport/Luxury	July	$33,600/$35,300
C300 Sport/Luxury – 4MATIC	July	$37,100/$37,300
C350 Sport	August	$39,750
C63 AMG	August	$57,350
CL550 4MATIC	August	$110,400
CL600	August	$154,400
CL63AMG	August	$145,200
CL65 AMG	August	$207,170
CLS550	September	$72,400
CLS63 AMG	September	$97,950
E350 BlueTEC	March 2010	TBA
E350 4MATIC Sport/Luxury	Late August	$51,100
E550 4MATIC Sport/Luxury	Late August	$58,800
GL350 BlueTEC	September	$59,950
GL450 4MATIC	July	$60,950
GL550 4MATIC	August	$82,850
ML350 BlueTEC	September	$49,700
ML350 4MATIC	July	$48,200
ML350 2WD	July	$45,700
ML450 HYBRID	December	TBA
ML550 4MATIC	August	$56,750
ML63 AMG 4MATIC	August	$91,050
R350 BlueTEC	September	$50,800
R350 4MATIC	September	$49,300
S400 HYBRID	August	$87,950
S550	August	$91,600
S550 4MATIC	August	$94,600
S600	August	$149,700
S63AMG	August	$133,550
S65 AMG	August	$201,150
SLK300	October	$46,900
SLK350	October	$51,900
SLK55 AMG	October	$66,650

For those of you who have been trying to decide between a 2009 and a 2010 this should help.