2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The compact C-Class sedan is the smallest and most inexpensive Mercedes sedan sold in the United States. Numerous models are offered with alphanumeric names that are tied to the powertrain. The C250 equips a 1.8l four-cylinder turbocharged engine. The C300 equips a smaller 3.0l V6 engine and the C350 upgrades to 3.5l V6. The high-performance AMG variant is the C63 AMG which has a 451-bhp, 6.2l V8 under the hood. All C-Class sedans have an automated seven-speed transmission. The C300 model is offered exclusively with 4MATIC all-wheel-drive. The other models are rear-wheel-drive only. The C-Class carries a high level of standard equipment, but like other Mercedes models, the base price does not include leather upholstery.
2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class lineup has grown to include a handsome two-door. Unsurprisingly, the C-Class coupe is almost identical in size to its German rivals, the BMW 3-Series and Audi A5. The C250 coupe equips a turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated at 201-bhp. The C350 coupe includes a more powerful V6. The most powerful model is the C63 AMG with a large V8 under the hood. All models are rear-wheel-drive and include seven-speed transmissions. The standard equipment list includes a panoramic sunroof and power equipment, but like other Mercedes models, heated leather are an upgrade.
2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
Mercedes-Benz has a long history in luxury coupes that dates back to the early 1950's. Each generation of coupes have been on the cutting edge of luxury, technology, and performance. The V-8 powered CL 550 has an ample 429-bhp, while the V-12 CL 600 has an even more generous 510-bhp. As the flagship luxury coupe from Mercedes, the CL offers a dizzying variety of trim options. There is no denying the understated power and grace of this stunning coupe. In the stratospheric $100K+ coupe market, the CL retains its status as the benchmark in its class.
2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
The CLS-Class is a mid-sized car with four full side doors and seating for four passengers. The CLS is a stylish and pricey alternative to the conservatively styled E-Class sedan upon which it is based. Mercedes refers to the CLS as a coupe due to its four passenger seating and sleek styling. The model range includes the V8 powered CLS550 and the high-performance CLS63 AMG model. Both models include seven-speed automatic transmissions and rear-wheel-drive, although the CLS550 is offered with an optional all-wheel-drive setup (CLS550 4MATIC). Recent Mercedes-Benz models have touted high output engines and the latest engines in the CLS are no exception. The standard 4.7l V8 (CLS550) is rated at 402-bhp and the optional 5.5l V8 (CLS63 AMG) produces an impressive 518-bhp. There is a long list of standard and optional features befitting a luxury car. With a base price exceeding $71,000, the CLS is aimed a well-heeled niche.
2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
The E-Class is Mercedes-Benz mid-sized product range. With the introduction of the latest generation of products, the E-Class now includes a coupe and convertible. The E-Class Cabriolet replaces the long running CLK convertible. Although Mercedes-Benz offers two other convertibles, the E-Class Cabriolet is the only one that has seating for more than two passengers. Like other MB products, the product names correspond to the powertrains: the E350 has a 3.5l V6 under the hood, whereas the E550 equips a V8. A seven-speed automatic and RWD are standard on both models. Unlike other MB products, no AMG performance model is offered. The convertible top is a power operated cloth top that operates in 20 seconds. When the top is down, a diffuser (called AIRCAP) extends from the top of the windshield to cut down on drafts. An optional AIRSCARF system provides heat through the headrest for top down driving on chilly days. Prices start at around $60,000.
2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe
The E-Class is Mercedes-Benz mid-sized product range. With the introduction of the latest generation of products, the E-Class now includes a coupe and convertible. Although the E Class is technically mid-sized, the coupe is close in size to the BMW 3-Series, Infiniti G, and Audi A5. Two alphanumeric models indicate the powertrains within. A 302-bhp 3.5 L V6 powers the E350, whereas a 402-bhp V8 powers the E550. Both models are rear-wheel-drive only and only offer a seven-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the sedan, there is no AMG model. The interior is finished with seating for four. The rear seat has two large seats similar to bucket seats separated by a fixed center console.
2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan
The long-running E-Class slots between the entry-level C-Class sedan and the flagship S-Class sedan in the US model range. There are several models with alphanumeric model names to indicate the powertrains within. A 302-bhp 3.5 L V6 powers the E350, whereas a 402-bhp V8 powers the E550. Both are fitted with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Customers can choose to add 4MATIC all-wheel-drive for all-weather traction. A sport appearance package adds body cladding and more aggressive wheels and tires. The ultimate E-Class sedan is the E65 AMG, a factory tuned beast with over 500 horsepower under the hood.
2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagon is a pricey luxury wagon that appeals to a select few. Unlike the E-Class sedan, the wagon line includes just two models. The E350 4MATIC has a 3.5l V6 under the hood, and the 4Matic system provides traction via all four wheels. The ultimate sleeper car is the E63 AMG wagon which has a hand-built 5.5l V8 rated at 518-bhp. Leatherette upholstery is standard, but heated leather seats are available as options. Like the station wagons of years past, the five-passenger E350 has a rear facing jump seat that can seat two additional children in the cargo area.
2012 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
As one of the most expensive sport utility vehicles on the planet, the G-Class is surprisingly innocuous. Originally designed for the Germany military in the 1970's, the G-Class has been transformed into a rugged SUV for civilians. Aimed at the well-heeled customer who wants no-excuses off-road capability, the G-Class offers luxury and power in a boxy, utilitarian package.
2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
The GL-Class is a larger luxury SUV from Mercedes-Benz. With three rows of seating and larger dimensions, the GL slots above the M-Class in the burgeoning Mercedes lineup. The lineup includes three all-wheel-drive models with alphanumeric designations corresponding to their powertrain. The GL450 is powered by a 335-bhp V8 engine. The GL550 equips a larger displacement V8 that adds about 50 horsepower. The GL line also includes a diesel model, the GL350 BlueTec. In terms of legroom and cargo volume, the GL-Class is on par with other vehicles segment. The GL-Class is premium priced from $62,000.
2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
As the SUV market matured, one of the last open niches was for small luxury SUVs. The GLK is Mercedes-Benz entry in this segment and is aimed at buyers that might not have otherwise been shopping the luxury brands. The GLK is smaller than its direct competitors from BMW and Audi. The GLK also offers a RWD in addition to the AWD. A 3.5l V6 is the only available engine and produces 268-bhp. Fuel economy is somewhat low at 16/21 (AWD). Like other Mercedes models, the GLK350 does not include leather upholstery requiring an expensive upgrade away from the standard synthetic leather.
2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
The M-Class was the first mainstream SUV from Mercedes-Benz. Now in its third generation, the M-Class is primarily a road-oriented SUV with car-like ride and handling. Competitors in this segment include the BMW X5, Infiniti FX, Cadillac SRX, Porsche Cayenne, and Lincoln MKX. Mercedes-Benz offers the base ML350 with a 3.5L V-6 rated at 302-bhp. A standard 7-speed automatic is optimized for maximum fuel economy. Buyers looking to further improve their fuel economy can opt for the ML350 BLUETEC diesel model which is rated at 20 MPG City, 27 MPG Highway. The M-Class is also offered with two different V8 engines. The ML550 equips a 4.7l V8 rated at 402-bhp, whereas the AMG performance model of the series equips a 518-bhp hand built 5.5l V8. Pricing starts at about $50,000 and does not include leather upholstery.
2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
The R-Class sits somewhere between a traditional station wagon and a traditional mini-van on the automotive spectrum. It's basically the same size as a minivan only giving up a couple inches of overall height in comparison. Three rows of seating on the inside provide comfortable seating for adults in the first two rows, while still leaving room for a decent 3rd row seat and some cargo storage in back. Large rear doors provide access to the second and third rows but their large size makes them harder to work in tight parking spaces than sliding doors. Mercedes has made a number of adjustments to the R-Class since its introduction in 2006. The base R350 is powered by a 3.5l V6 engine and includes all-wheel-drive. Mileage on the R350 is 16/21 which is poor compared to the E-Class Wagon. Selecting the optional diesel model the R350 Bluetec improves mileage to 18/23. The R350 is priced from $53,000 and does not offer leather upholstery.
2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is an icon for the Mercedes brand and serves as a benchmark for all other large luxury sedans. The model range is vast, with models ranging in price from $92,000 to over $210,000. The S-Class is a handsomely styled vehicle with a complex combination of smooth and angular surfaces. Interior trim materials include wood, chrome, leather, and aluminum. The S-Class is packed with technology and safety features including a radar-based cruise control, and active infrared night vision system. In this small but visible segment, buyers can also shop the sporty BMW 7-Series, the understated Audi A8, or the utterly reliable Lexus LS 460. With a huge price spread, the S-Class also competes at the top end with vehicles like the Maserati Quattroporte and Bentley Flying Spur.
2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
The SL is the iconic luxury convertible from Mercedes-Benz. With a lineage that dates back to the SSK and SSKL of the 1930's, SL models have been a consistent and visible part of the Mercedes brand. With power to spare, the retractable hardtop SL convertible is all about indulgence. The AMG models offer straight-line performance that can only be exploited on a racetrack or the autobahn.
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-class
The smallest Mercedes convertible is the SLK roadster. With compact dimensions and seating for two the SLK-Class competes with the BMW Z4 and the smaller Porsche Boxster. Now in its third generation, the SLK has a power-retractable hardtop for year round motoring and security. A variety of models are offered with alphanumeric designation tied to the powertrain. The base model is the SLK250 which is powered by a fuel-efficient four-cylinder turbo. The mid-range SLK350 has a 302-bhp, 3.5l V6 under the hood. The AMG factory performance SLK55 AMG model equips a 415-bhp V8 engine which is a lot of power for a 3500 lb. car. The SLK offers a unique panoramic roof that can be darkened at the touch of a button.
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
Mercedes' latest super car is the SLS AMG. Drawing on their heritage, Mercedes-Benz designers have created a car with gull wing doors evoking the classic 300SL of the 50s. The styling of the SLS is unique in other ways. It has a long straight hood with the greenhouse near the rear of the car and a short stubby trunk. The two passenger interior is tight on room, but includes bubbles in the ceiling to accommodate taller drivers. The SLS AMG is powered by a hand-built 6.2l V8 engine rated at 563-bhp. A seven-speed dual clutch transmission is the only available transmission. With a starting price of under $200,000, the flagship SLS AMG has a modest price tag considering the asking price of other cars in the segment and in Mercedes' own product range.
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster
Mercedes' latest super car is the SLS AMG which is available as a gull-wing coupe or roadster. Drawing on their heritage, Mercedes-Benz designers have created an image vehicle that evokes the the classic 300SL of the 50s. The SLS AMG is powered by a hand-built 6.2l V8 engine rated at 563-bhp. A seven-speed dual clutch transmission is the only available transmission. The power-operated convertible top is made of fabric and can be operated at speeds up to 31 mph. With a starting price of under $200,000, the flagship SLS AMG has a modest price tag considering the asking price of other cars in the segment and in Mercedes' own product range.
2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
The Sprinter van is a large van made by Mercedes-Benz and assembled in the United States. Prior to the 2010 model year, the Sprinter was sold under the Dodge and Freightliner brands. After Chrysler's bankruptcy, Mercedes-Benz chose to continue selling the Sprinter in the US as a Mercedes. The Sprinter lineup includes several body styles including a passenger van, cargo van, and a chassis cab for upfitting. The Sprinters enormous size accommodates up to 12 passengers. The standard 3.0l turbodiesel engine provides higher fuel economy than smaller vans from Ford and GM.
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