“The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S350 4MATIC BlueTEC is the best long-distance cruiser money can buy in America. Period.”

“So why is the S350 4MATIC BlueTEC such a compelling car? Because it feels so much like a Mercedes-Benz S-Class used to feel — effortlessly relaxed and comfortable, and utterly bulletproof. It has the languid majesty that’s been missing from some of the more frenetically powerful S-Class models of recent years.”

“We averaged 72 mph for a 500-mile stint out of L.A. and got 29.2 mpg, and over a total of 913 miles that included about 120 miles of urban running and a fast 50-mile blast along one of our favorite backroads, where at times we cruised at 100 mph, the big Benz returned 26.1 mpg.”

“While an AMG S-class would be all sturm und drang through the twisties, staccato bursts of brute thrust and savage braking accompanied by a bellowing V-8 soundtrack, the S-class diesel flows down the tarmac with studied nonchalance. Which, when you think about it, is exactly what a large luxury limousine should do.”

Read the full article at Motor Trend Online and learn more about the S350 at Mercedes-Benz Online.

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!

I have posted about the Mercedes-Benz Impact videos before – people whose lives were saved by Mercedes-Benz safety and technology. This new video explains how Distronic Plus with Pre-Safe Brake was able to prevent a collision without driver intervention. Amazing! Use this link to view the video at MBUSA.com.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class will begin production shortly for release this summer. There will be very few changes from the 2011 since we had a major refresh for 2010. We are expecting the S550, S550 4matic, S63, S600, S65, S400 Hybrid and the new-to-the-US S350 Bluetec. As usual, the S600 and S65 will have nearly all options as standard equipment. These details will apply mostly to the S550, S400 Hybrid and S350 Bluetec.

Standard Equipment

• S350 Bluetec – 241 hp, 429 lb/ft torque
• S400 Hybrid – 295 hp, 284 lb/ft torque
• S550 / S550 4matic – 382 hp, 391 lb/ft torque
• S600 – 510 hp. 612 lb/ft torque
• S63 – 536 hp, 590 lb/ft torque
• S65 – 624 hp, 738 lb/ft torque
• LED Daytime Running Lamps
• Adaptive Highbeam Assist
• Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination
• Cornering lamps
• Mercedes-Benz mbrace™ – in-vehicle services
• Heated and active ventilated front seats
• SIRIUS® satellite radio
• HD Radio®
• iPod/MP3 media interface
• COMAND with HD navigation
• ATTENTION ASSIST
• Power rear window sunshade
• Infrared reflecting glass
• harman/kardon LOGIC7® surround-sound system
• 6-disc DVD changer
• Ambient lighting
• Electronic trunk closer
• Soft close doors

Exterior Colors

• Black
• Jade Green
• Barolo Red
• Iridium Silver
• Palladium Silver
• Diamond White
• Magnetite Black
• Andorite Grey
• Lunar Blue
• Verde Brook (Special Order)
• Dolomite Brown (Special Order)
• designo Mystic Blue
• designo Mocha Black
• designo Mystic Red
• designo Mauritius Blue
• designo Graphite
• designo Platinum Black
• designo Mystic Brown
• designo Magno Alanite Grey
• designo Magno Cashmere
• designo Magno Platinum

Interior Colors

• Black – Leather, Exclusive Leather, Premium Leather
• Cashmere/Savanna – Leather, Premium Leather
• Ash/Grey – Leather, Premium Leather
• Chestnut Brown/Black – Leather, Premium Leather (both special order)
• Sahara Beige/Black – Leather, Premium Leather

Trims

• Burl Walnut
• Matte Natural Oak Wood
• Natural Maple
• Black Ash (special order)
• Star Galaxy Stone
• designo Black Piano Lacquer
• designo Champaign White Piano Lacquer
• designo Labrador Blue Pearl Stone Trim
• designo trims require designo packages or leathers

designo Interior Packages

• All Interior Pacakges Include: Rear Seat Package, Rear Side Roller Blinds
• designo Espresso
• designo Graphite
• designo Porcelain
• designo Saffron Beige
• designo Mystic Red
• designo Auburn
• designo Light Brown
• designo Armagnac
• designo Jet Black
• designo Deep White

Option Packages

Premium 2 Package – $3630

• Rear View Camera
• Parktronic with Parking Guidance
• Drive Dynamic Multi-Contour Seat with Message
• Comfort Headrests front
• Keyless Go

Sport Package – $5900

• Sport Body Styling and 19″ Wheels

Sport Package Plus One – $6650

• Sport Body Styling and 20″ Wheels

Driver Assitance Package – $2950  - Not “Active” in S400 Hybrid

• Distronic Plus
• Active Blind Spot Assist
• Active Lane Keep Assist

Rear Seat Package - $3040

• 8-Way power adjustable rear seats with memory
• Heated and Ventilated Rear Seats
• Four Zone Climate Control

Rear Seat Entertainment Package - $2450

• 2 Headrest mounted screens with remote and headphones

Rear Seat Comfort Package – $TBD

• Multi-contour rear seats
• Comfort headrests rear

Stand-Alone Options

• SPLITVIEW – $710
• Bang & Olufsen Sound System – $6400
• Night View Assist PLUS – $1780
• Active Body Control with cross wind stabilization – S550 only $4090
• Heated Steering Wheel – $490
• Panoramic Roof – $1090
• Power Rear Side Windo Sunblinds – $750
• Chrome Door Handle Inserts – $90
• Wheel Locking Bolts
• Illuminated Door Sills – $950
• Accessory Rear Entertainment System – $1910

Wheels – Hover over Image for description

All of this information and pricing is still preliminary can can change before the vehicle is released. I don’t even have a picture of the 2012 yet! The top image is the 2011. We expect all of the 2012 S-Classes to be available in July/August.

The 2011 S-Class and CL-Class models are scheduled for release in November.

2011 S-Class Sedans:

• S400 Hybrid  MSRP $91,000
• S550 MSRP $93,650
• S550 4MATIC MSRP $96,659
• S600 MSRP $158,050
• S63 AMG  MSRP $138,000
• S65 AMG MSRP $209,000

2011 CL-Class Coupes:

• CL550 4MATIC MSRP $113,150
• CL600 MSRP $157,000
• CL63 AMG MSRP $150,250
• CL65 AMG MSRP $209,300

The S63 and CL63 have been updated to include AMG’s newest motor, the direct-injected 5.5 liter twin turbo. Along with the engine stop start system found in the S400 these new models provide more horsepower with increased fuel economy. It will be interesting to see if the addition of the stop start system will eliminate the wonderful rumble the current cars produce at start-up or if everyone around will now hear this every time an AMG fires up to leave a stop light. Another great benefit of going to a twin turbo setup is that it will be much easier to increase power output over the coming years or much sooner for with a quick visit to Kleemann or Renntech. The new motor’s increase to 571hp and 663 lb-ft of torque should keep you entertained for a while but it’s good to know that there is more power available when you’re ready.

Here are some of the changes that are coming to the 2011 models.

C-Class

• Sport sedans now feature LED Daytime Running Lamps and black headlamp inlays
• Enhanced P1 package includes split folding rear seat and rear sunshade
• Heated Seats removed from Premium 1 Package
• New Lighting Package with Bi-Xenons and active curve illumination
• New standard 17” wheel for C350 sport

CL-Class

• Refresh! New bumpers, hood, fenders, grille, headlamps, and taillights
• LED daytime running lights standard
• Driver Assist Package updated with Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist
• New standard 18” wheel
• Magnetite Black exterior color added (black base with metallic flake)
• Sahara Beige/Black interior color added

CLS-Class

• Sport body styling, sport steering wheel and 18” AMG wheels now standard

E-Class

• Bluetec arrives in late summer with 17” run-flats, sport or luxury
• Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist added to Driver Assist Package in E350/E550 sedans
• E63 gets alcantara headliner and stitched dash as standard
• Diamond White available starting in October production
• Wagon is standard with rear view camera and power liftgate
• Coupe gets new 18” AMG wheel in Appearance Package
• Cabriolet introduced with AIRCAP, AIRSCARF and trunk pass through

SUV Family

• New Mirror Design
• Blind Spot Assist Available (not on GLK)
• New Rear View Monitor reduces fish-eye effect
• Compass in rear view mirror – M/GL/R
• Diamond White paint available in October (not GLK)
• Barolo Red and Sand Beige discontinued (M/GL/R)

GL-Class

• GL550 gets a facelift
• New head restraints in 2^nd and 3^rd row
• Passenger seat memory added to P1

GLK-Class

• Driver Knee and front passenger airbags added as standard (9 total)
• LED daytime running lamps in lighting package
• Eco mode replaces Comfort mode
• Pearl Beige paint replaces Sand Beige paint

G-Class

• New wheel design
• Night Black paint added (matte)
• Tail lamp covers and turn signal covers deleted

M-Class

• LED daytime running lamps with bi-xenon headlamps
• ML63 gets new hood and headlights

R-Class

• Refresh!
• New from the A-pillar forward – fenders, grille, hood, bumpers, LEDs
• New 19” wheel
• New LED tail lamps
• New Rear bumper
• New seat design

S-Class

• S63 gets all-new 5.5 litre direct injection bi-turbo V8
• Contrast stitching with Premium and Exclusive upholstery
• Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist added to Driver Assist Package
• Optional Bang & Olufsen BeoSound surround-souns system with 15 speakers, 1200 watts and 16-channel digital signal processing
• Magnetite Black exterior color added (black base with metallic flake)
• Sahara Beige/Black interior color added

SLK-Class

• Sport Body Cladding added as standard
• Quartz Blue paint added
• No SLK55 AMG

Mercedes-Benz European Delivery is always a popular option for taking delivery of a new vehicle! There are so many benefits!

The European Delivery Program Spring Special Promotion has begun. For a limited time customers who take delivery between May 1 and June 30, 2010 will receive a 2nd night hotel accommodation, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz. There is also available 2-for-1 airfare from Lufthansa through the Mercedes-Benz travel department.

Model Year 2011 European Delivery Launch Dates:*

E350 & E550 Cabriolet   May 17, 2010

CLS and SLK-Class   June 21, 2010

C, GLK and E-Class   July 19, 2010

SL550, SL63 AMG   February 22, 2010

S-Class   November 15, 2010

*Launch dates are subject to change should there be a delay in the US retail release dates.

The European Delivery Program would like 90-120 days notice but there are ways to speed up the process! Please get in touch if you are interested in the program. You should also read my European Delivery customer testimonial to get another take on the benefits of this program.

Mercedes debuted the “Tree of Innovation” commercial during the Oscar presentation on Sunday. You may have seen it a few times since! It is just a small sample of all the green technology that Mercedes has brought to the marketplace!

2010 S550
Diamond White
AMG Exclusive Leather
264 designo Porcelain Edition Interior
P02 Premium 2 Package
321 Sport Package
413 Panoramic Roof
MSRP $116,210