The 2012 ML350 4matic was released for sale today! The new MLs are at the factory being prepped to ship to all of the dealers in the US. I have 3 that are all set to go and awaiting transport! I should have them available for test drive before the weekend!

Skip ahead to the 2 minute mark to see the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 being test driven. The most interesting part to me is that it is featured in Dakota Brown!

The 2012 ML350 4matic, 2012 C250 Coupe and 2012 C250 Sedan stopped by the dealership yesterday for salesperson training. It was great to see the cars in person and get some hands-on experience! Thanks to Curtis, Dennis and team for spending the day with us!

The 2012 ML350 4matic looks fantastic. It is still an M-Class – it has just about the same overall size a capabilities – but it is certainly new and improved! The lines look very moden and all of the lights are bright and distinctive. The interior is fantastic. It might just be worth springing for the Full-Leather Package to get the contrast stitching and piping. This particular vehicle is a pre-production model so there may be some slight changes to what you see on the car when it arrives at the dealership.

The 2012 C250s looked great too! The coupe is stylish and loaded with tons of standard equipment. None of our competitors have standard split folding rear seats or the panoramic roof! The new interior on the sedan is a big improvement. The new NTG 4.5 on all of these vehicles (that is the nav system) is awesome! When I have one handy I’ll post a video of some of the new features.

When we finished with our training they packed the whole set-up into the back of the ML350! That is about 30 folding chairs, 4 big totes and a folding table. Great cargo capacity!

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!

 For those of you who are waiting eagerly for more details about the 2012 ML350, due to arrive this fall, you might want to check out the Interactive Owner’s Manual on the Mercedes-Benz International site. These are European specification images, options and descriptions. What we get in the US might be slightly (or drastically) different. Enjoy!

Thanks for the tip Lloyd!

The 2012 ML350 has been priced and is scheduled for release this fall. Recently automotive journalists were able to test drive it for the first time Montana. Here are a few excerpts:

From Motor Authority:

“Now the third generation is here, and to put it simply, it’s even better. With top notch safety and tech features to complement its rich cabin, it not only performs better but is a safer, more responsible choice and one that might make getting there easier as well as more comfortable—a true luxury good for the 21st century.”

“But by far, our favorite 2012 M-Class model is the ML350 BlueTec. If ‘wafting’ up to speed easily (without downshifts) on the highway, cruising effortlessly near triple digits, and getting gas mileage that won’t place a frown on the faces of your more earth conscious friends are all priorities, you’ll find this model the best fit, too.”

From AutoWeek:

“The sport setting on the M-class chassis does a fantastic job of keeping the vehicle flat through corners and seems to all but eliminate dive under hard braking. At the same time, the ride remains reasonably supple, not losing its smoothness at the expense of body stability.”

“As the latest and greatest of the suburban utility vehicles on the market, the 2012 Mercedes M-class is certainly worth a look. Whether you choose gasoline or diesel is really a matter of personal preference–both perform well in this model.”

From MotorTrend:

“Usually a raft of upgrades to a vehicle engenders a price increase, but not so for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350. Even though it was significantly redesigned for the new model year, the 2012 ML350 still starts at $49,865 (including an $875 destination charge), while the ML350 BlueTec diesel starts at $51,365.”

The pricing for the 2012 M-Class has been released and there are no changes!

• 2012 ML350 4Matic Base MSRP: $48,990
• 2012 ML350 Bluetec Base MSRP: $50,490

When you account for the new standard features this is actually a 3.2% price/value improvement! You can see the option pacakges and options pricing in my previous post.

Following the release of the official pictures, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class Dealer Ordering Guide has been released! This is the latest information that I have. As always, it is subject to change before vehicle launch. Pricing is not yet available.

• ML350 4matic – 302 hp, 273 lb/ft torque – launch September 2011
• ML350 Bleutec – 240 hp, 455 lb/ft torque! - launch September 2011
• ML350 2WD – launch Model Year 2013
• ML550 4matic – launch 1st quarter 2012
• ML63 AMG – launch 1st quarter 2012

Standard Equipment Highlights

• Heated Front Seats
• Power Liftgate
• Agility Control Suspension
• Adaptive Brake Technology
• Exterior Chrome Accents including Roof Rails
• LED Daytime Running Lamps and Tail lamps

• Attention Assist
• Central COMAND Controller with NTG 4.5
• 19″ Wheels

• New Generation Engines

Exterior Colors

• Black
• Arctic White
• Dakota Brown Metallic
• Obsidian Black Metallic
• Steel Grey Metallic
• Pearl Beige Metallic
• Iridium Metallic
• Palladium Silber Metallic
• Capri Blue Metallic
• Diamond White Metallic – delayed launch

Interior Colors

• Black MB-Tex or Leather
• Almond Beige MB-Tex or Leather
• Grey MB-Tex or Leather
• Almond Beige/Black Leather – special order
• Grey/Black Leather – special order
• Auburn Brown/Black Leather – special order

Trim

• Eucalyptus Wood – Standard

• Burl Walnut Wood – Available with leather package

• Anthracite Poplar Wood – special order

• Aluminum Trim – special order with interior sport package

• Brown Satin Ash Wood – special order

Optional Equipment

S01 – Premium 1 Launch Package – $3200

• COMAND with Navigation and single CD slot
• iPod/MP3 Media Interface Cable
• Rearview Camera
• Driver Seat Memory with Power Steering Column
• SIRIUS
• Double Sun Visors
• Autodimming Mirrors
• Power Folding Mirrors
• 115V Outlet in 2nd Row

S02 – Premium 2 Launch Package – $5050

• All of Premium 1 Launch Package
• Heated and Cooled Cupholders – New!
• harman/kardon LOGIC7 Premium Sound
• Milti-Color Ambient Lighting
• Keyless-Go

Leather Package – $1620

• Full Leather Seating
• Burl Walnut Wood Trim

Lighting Package – $1290 - delayed until January 2012 production

• Bi-Xenon Headlamps with Active Curve Illumination
• Adaptive Highbeam Assist
• Headlamp Cleaning System

Lane Tracking Package – $850

• Blind Spot Assist
• Lane Keeping Assist

Driver Assistance Package – $2950

• Active Blind Spot Assist
• Active Lane Keeping Assist
• Distronic Plus with Pre-Safe Brake

Dynamic Handling Package – $5150 – delayed launch

• Adaptive Damping System
• Active Curve System
• Airmatic
• 20″ Twin 5-spoke wheel

Stand Alone Options

• Parktronic with Active Parking Assist – $970
• Wood/Leather Mulit-Function Steering Wheel – $590

• Panorama Sunroof – $1090
• Heated Multi-Function Steering Wheel – $225
• Trailer Hitch – $550
• Stainless Steel Running Boards – $670
• Rear Seat Entertainment – $1970
• Rear Seat Entertainment Pre-Wiring – $240
• Heated Rear Seats – $620
• Keyless-Go – $650
• 2nd Row Pass-Through –  Special Order
• Heated / Ventilated Front Seats – Special Order
• 3-Zone Climate Control – Special Order
• Night View Assist Plus – Special Order (delayed until January 2012 production )
• Load Safety Bar Fix Kit – Special Order

Mercedes-Benz USA has also added the 2012 ML-Class to the Future Models section with more pictures and information. This a great time to order a vehicle to your specifications so that it arrives with the first batch!

Mercedes-Benz USA has released an image gallery of the 2012 ML-Class. Expected this fall with the V6 gas and diesel engines for the US market, this will be the third generation ML-Class. As always, some details may change before launch. I do not yet have the final options list or any pricing information. The preliminary ordering information can be found in my earlier post. You can see lots of images at Autoweek, Motor Authority, Autoblog and Inside Line.  

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)