Review: Mercedes-Benz W212 E-Class sedan (2009-16)

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• Willing direct-injection petrol engines
• Fuel-efficient turbo diesel engines
• Impressive ride/handling balance
• High standard of fit and finish
• Quiet, well-insulated cabin
• Steering is precise…

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• … but lacks feel
• Four-cylinder diesel engines lack refinement
• Foot-operated park brake

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Review: Mercedes-Benz W212.I E-Class sedan (2009-13)

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Overview

Released in Australia in July 2009, the Mercedes-Benz W212 Series I (W212.I) E-Class was an executive sedan. Manufactured in Germany, the rear-wheel drive W212 E-Class sedan range initially consisted of the E 350 and E 500 models, with the E 220 CDI, E 250 CGI and E 350 CDI following in September. Please note that the Mercedes W212 E 63 AMG has been reviewed separately.

From July 2011, the E 220 CDI and E 250 CDI were fitted with seven-speed automatic transmissions and featured idle-stop (engine shutdown when stationary), a self-regulating turbo compressor, optimised oil pressure control and engine belt drive. Furthermore, the E 250 CGI was also fitted with a seven-speed automatic transmission, the E 350 models were fitted with more powerful engines and the 5.5-litre V8 engine in the E 500 was replaced with a 4.7-litre twin-turbocharged V8 unit. In May 2012, the E 220 BlueEfficiency was released. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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Dimensions and body

Compared to the Mercedes-Benz W211 E-Class , the W212 E-Class was 16 mm longer (at 4868 mm), 10 mm wider (1854 mm), 32 mm lower (1464 mm) and had a 20 mm longer wheelbase (2874 mm). Furthermore, increased use of high-strength steel contributed to a 30 per cent increase in body rigidity. Fuel economy was also improved due to the introduction of new and upgraded engines, on-demand power steering and fuel pumps, lower rolling resistance tyres and improved aerodynamics (including variable fan louvres which controlled airflow to the engine compartment). As a result, the W212 E-Class sedan had a drag coefficient of 0.25 Cd.

Suspension

The Mercedes-Benz W212 E-Class sedan had three-link front suspension with MacPherson struts and multi-link rear suspension. The suspension also included adaptive shock absorbers (Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Direct Control’ suspension) which would automatically adapt to the prevailing driving situation by reducing damping forces when driving normally (for greater ride comfort) and providing maximum damping effect when cornering at speed or during rapid evasive actions. The E 500 also fitted with Mercedes-Benz’s ‘AIRMATIC’ air suspension – combined with an electronically-controlled damping system – which could control each wheel independently and featured selectable ‘Comfort’ and ‘Sport’ modes.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz W212 E-Class included dual front airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, front row pelvis airbags, front and rear side airbags, curtain airbags for the front and second row occupants, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints, front and outer rear seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, driver fatigue monitoring (‘Attention Assist’) and an ‘active’ bonnet which would automatically rise in the event of a collision to cushion a pedestrian’s impact.

The Mercedes-Benz W212 E 350 and E 350 CDI were further equipped with lane departure warning (‘Lane Keeping Assist’) and blind spot monitoring (‘Blind Spot Assist’).

As standard, Mercedes-Benz W212 the E-Class was fitted with ‘PRE-SAFE’, which anticipated and prepared for collisions by tensioning the seatbelts, adjusting the seat positions for optimal airbag deployment and closing the sunroof (if open).

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , a 2010 Mercedes-Benz W212 E 220 CDI sedan received a five star safety rating which included an 86 per cent adult occupant protection rating and a 77 per child occupant protection rating. In the frontal offset impact test, there was a slight risk of serious chest and leg injury for the front occupants; maximum points were awarded in the side and pole impact tests. Under ANCAP’s methodology , this testing resulted in an adult occupant protection rating of 34.88 out of 37.

Features: Mercedes-Benz E 220 and E 220 CDI

Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz W212 E 200 and E 220 CDI included an eight speaker Audio 20 sound system with a 5.8-inch colour monitor, six-disc CD player, auxiliary inputs (3.5mm/USB/iPod) and MP3 compatibility, dual-zone climate control air conditioning (‘Thermatic’), ‘Artico’ synthetic leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats, cruise control with variable limiter (‘Speedtronic’), rear fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors with park guidance display (‘Parktronic’), 1/3 to 2/3 split and folding rear seats, multi-function steering wheel finished in Nappa leather, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, ambient lighting, 12 volt power outlet, green-tinted thermal insulation glass, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

Features: Mercedes-Benz E 250 CGI and E 250 CDI

The Mercedes-Benz W212 E 250 CGI and E 250 CDI were further equipped with Mercedes-Benz’s COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Data Auto Pilot System) with a seven-inch colour display, HDD satellite navigation, CD/DVD player, 6GB HDD music register, MP3/WMA/AAC compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity and voice recognition (‘Linguatronic’), leather upholstery, directional bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, column shift gear lever (‘Direct Select’) and steering wheel gearshift paddles.

Features: Mercedes-Benz E 350, E 350 CDI and E 500

Beyond this, the Mercedes-Benz E 350 and E 350 CDI added three-zone climate control air conditioning (‘Thermotronic’), multi-contour front seats, reversing camera, power adjustable steering wheel, front seat memory settings, UHI (Universal Handy Interface) convenience telephony and automatically dimming rear view and door mirrors.

The range-topping Mercedes-Benz E 500 was distinguished by its fifteen speaker Harman Kardon Logic7 surround sound system, TV tuner (analogue and digital), ‘Luxury’ front seats with ventilation and heating, a combination wood/leather steering wheel, keyless go, power-operated glass sunroof, a power-operated rear blind and manual rear door blinds and a motion-sensing alarm with tow-away protection.

W212 E-Class Sedan: Avantgarde and Elegance

With the exception of the E 63 AMG, the W212 E-Class was available in either Elegance or Avantgarde variants. The Elegance variants had leather upholstery (optional for E 220 CDI) with ‘longitudinal design’ seat piping, burr walnut wood trim, radiator grille with four silver-painted louvres. Furthermore, the Elegance variants were fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels for E 220 CDI, 17-inch alloy wheels for the intermediate models and 18-inch alloy wheels for the E 500.

The Avantgarde variants were fitted with sports-oriented suspension, leather upholstery, black ash wood trim and a high-gloss black radiator grille with three chrome-tipped louvres. The Avantgarde variants were fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels at a minimum, with 18-inch wheels for the E 350, E 350 CDI and E 500.

Mercedes-Benz W212 E-Class Sport Edition

From October 2012, the Elegance and Avantgarde variants were also available as Sport Editions. These Sport Editions featured 19-inch five twin-spoke alloy wheels, sports suspension, perforated front brake discs and AMG body styling.

Related links

• Press Kit: Mercedes-Benz W212.I E-Class (March 2009)
• Press Kit: Mercedes-Benz W212.I E-Class – new engines (May 2011)

Review: Mercedes-Benz W212.II E-Class sedan (2013-16)

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Overview

Released in June 2013, the Mercedes-Benz W212 Series II (W212.II) E-Class range initially consisted of the E 200, E 220 CDI, E 250, E 250 CDI and E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid, with the E 400 following in September 2013. In addition to the revised range, the W212.II E-Class introduced updated styling, an upgraded interior and a range of ‘intelligent drive’ technologies which would be shared with the W222 S-Class . Furthermore, all petrol and diesel engines had an ECO start/stop function which enabled the engine to shut down when the vehicle was stationary in traffic. The W212.II E-Class also introduced a new electromechanical Direct-Steer system which combined the speed-dependent power assistance with variable ratios across the steering angle range.

Visually, the W212.II E-Class could be identified by its new headlights with partial LED lights and a single headlamp lens (full LED headlights were available as an option), redesigned bonnet, new bumpers, a ‘feature line’ which extended from the rear door to the tail light and new tail-lights with horizontally structured LEDs.

Inside, the dashboard had full-width two-part trim and could be specified in a wood or aluminium look, while new elements included a three-tube instrument cluster, a trapezoidal framed display in the head unit and an analogue clock between the two central air vents. The centre console was also redesigned and, for automatic models, omitted a gear lever as the multifunction steering wheel had a ‘Direct Select’ lever and gearshift paddles. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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Safety equipment

Compared to its W212.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the W212.II E-Class was extended to include:

• Collision Prevention Assist (radar-based collision warning with adaptive Brake Assist): operated at speeds between 7 km/h and 250 km/h, and could detect stationary objects when driving at speeds of up to 70 km/h. Collision Prevention Assist monitored the distance to the vehicle ahead, would provide visual and audible warning to the driver if there was a collision risk and would optimise braking power (adaptive Brake Assist) for when the driver depressed the brake pedal. At initial speeds of less than 20 km/h, Collision Prevention Assist could prevent rear-end collisions; and,
• Blind Spot Assist: at speeds above 30 km/h, two radar sensors in the rear bumper would monitor the driver’s blind spot and warn the driver against dangerous lane changes.

The Mercedes-Benz W212.II E 250, E 250 CDI, E 300 BlueTec Hybrid and E 400 were further equipped with Mercedes-Benz’s ‘intelligent drive’ assistance systems which utilised a ‘Stereo Multi-Purpose Camera’ positioned in front of the rear-view mirror. The stereo camera had two lenses set at an angle of 45 degrees and with an overall range of 500 metres, providing a three-dimensional view of the area up to 50 metres ahead of the vehicle. For these models, the standard-fit ‘Driving Assistance Package Plus’ included:

• Distronic Plus (adaptive cruise control with brake warning): an ‘adaptive’ cruise control system which used two short-range radar sensors positioned behind the front bumper to monitor the road up to 30 metres ahead, and a long-range radar located behind the radiator grille which had a range of 200 metres. Operating at speeds up to 200 km/h, Distronic Plus used an electronic control unit to analyse the information from both radar systems to calculate the engine, automatic transmission and braking parameters required for proximity control. As such, Distronic Plus could automatically apply the brakes to prevent the vehicle from becoming too close to traffic ahead (the time interval could be specified) and accelerate back to the set speed when traffic allowed. To accelerate from rest, the driver only needed to operate the Distronic stalk on the steering column or briefly depress the accelerator pedal. With Distronic Plus, automatic deceleration of up to four (4) m/s²was possible. If Distronic Plus detected that heavier braking was required, a warning light would illuminate in the instrument cluster and be accompanied by an audible warning. Furthermore, the electronic proximity control system could be activated independently of Distronic Plus at speeds over 30 km/h to alert the driver if they were approaching another vehicle too rapidly;
• Steering Assist: operating in conjunction with Distronic Plus and at speeds up to 130 km/h, Steering Assist used the stereo camera located behind the windscreen to detect road markings. If the vehicle was detected to be drifting out of its lane, Steering Assist would warn the driver and provide steering intervention to keep the vehicle in its lane;
• Pre-Safe Brake (autonomous emergency braking): using two 24 GHz sensors behind the front bumper which had a range of 30 metres and a 77 GHz radar which had a range of 200 metres, Pre-Safe Brake operated at speeds between 30 km/h and 200 km/h, and at speeds below 70 km/h if the vehicle was approaching a stationary queue of traffic. Around 2.6 seconds before the anticipated moment of impact, an audible warning would sound and a red warning would appear in the tachometer. Around 1.6 before the calculated impact, the first stage of Pre-Safe Brake would initiate partial braking autonomously with around 40 per cent of the maximum braking power (approximately four (4) m/s²); the Pre-Safe occupant protections system would also be activated. If the driver then applied the brakes, maximum braking force would be made available. If the driver failed to react, Pre-Safe Brake would – in its second stage – initiate autonomous emergency braking (i.e. maximum braking power) around 0.6 seconds before the unavoidable collision to reduce the severity of the impact;
• Pre-Safe Plus: could anticipate an imminent rear-end collision and warn the vehicle behind by flashing the tail-lights. The Pre-Safe system would then deploy occupant protection measures and apply the vehicle’s brakes to prevent secondary accidents;
• BAS Plus with Cross-Traffic Assist: used a 24 GHz radar sensor with a range of 30 metres and a 77 GHz radar sensor with a range of 200 metres to monitor the distance to the vehicle ahead and would warn the driver if there was a risk of a collision. Brake Assist Plus could detect vehicles when travelling at speeds up to 200 km/h, and stationary objects when the driver was travelling at 7 km/h to 72 km/h. Significantly, Brake Assist Plus could calculate the necessary brake force assistance to prevent a rear-end collision, build up that pressure in the braking system and provide it as soon as the brake pedal was depressed for ‘the best possible deceleration’. The Cross-Traffic Assist function could operate at speeds up to 72 km/h and used the stereo camera and radar sensors to detect traffic that was crossing in front of or behind the vehicle. If detected, the driver would receive visual and audible alerts;
• Active Lane Keeping Assist: could detect when the adjacent lane was occupied (including oncoming traffic) and prevent the driver from inadvertently exiting from the lane when it was not safe to do so by applying a corrective braking force to the wheels on one side of the vehicle; and,
• Active Blind Spot Assistance: active at speeds above 60 km/h, a corrective braking force would be applied to the wheels on one side of the vehicle if the driver attempted to change lanes when a vehicle was detected in the driver’s blind spot.

Features: Mercedes-Benz W212.II E-Class

Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz W212.II E 200 and E 220 CDI included 18-inch alloy wheels, Mercedes-Benz’s ‘COMAND APS’ (Cockpit Management and Data Auto Pilot System) with a 17.8 cm TFT colour display, CD/DVD player, HDD navigation, 10 GB music storage, auxiliary inputs (USB/SD card), Bluetooth interface for mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, voice activation (‘Linguatronic’) and internet browser, climate control air conditioning (‘Thermatic’), ‘Artico’ synthetic leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats, cruise control with variable limiter (‘Speedtronic’), a reversing camera, rear parking sensors with park guidance display (‘Parktronic’), automated steering for parallel and reverse parking (‘Active Park Assist’), rain-sensing wipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 1/3 to 2/3 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors with folding function, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, electrochromatic rear view and door mirrors, ambient lighting, a 12 volt power outlet, trip computer and an immobiliser.

Beyond this, the W212.II E 250, E 250 CDI and E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid added 19-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, front seat memory settings, full LED headlights with adaptive high beam assist, a proximity key (‘Keyless Go’), a power adjustable steering wheel and remote boot locking.

The Mercees-Benz W212.II E 400 was distinguished by its Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system, digital radio tuner (DAB+), power-operated glass sunroof and a 360-degree camera which could provide a virtual bird’s eye view of the vehicle while dynamic guide lines could assist with parking manoeuvres.

2014 Mercedes-Benz W212.II E 250 and E 250 CDI Special Edition

In August 2014, Special Editions of the Mercedes-Benz E 250 and E 250 CDI were released which featured 19-inch AMG alloy wheels, a Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system with DAB+ digital radio, heated front seats, a 360 degree camera system, a combination wood/leather steering wheel, illuminated front door sills and a panoramic sliding sunroof.

Brochures

• Brochure: Mercedes-Benz W212.II E-Class Sedan and S212.II E-Class Estate (April 2013)
• Brochure: Mercedes-Benz W212.II E-Class Sedan and S212.II E-Class Estate (October 2013)

Related links

• Press Kit: Mercedes-Benz W212.II E-Class (February 2013)
• Specifications: Mercedes-Benz W212.II E-Class Sedan (March 2014)
• Specifications: Mercedes-Benz W212.II E-Class Sedan (September 2014)
• Mercedes-Benz Australia: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan
• Wikipedia.org: Mercedes-Benz W212 E-Class