Three years after the launch of the latest generation, Mercedes introduces a restyled version of its E-Class, dubbing it ‘model year 2012′. The large sedan of the three-pointed star house expands its offer aiming at a younger and more dynamic custom-base, promising a more sporty and exciting driving experience. This doesn’t mean that Mercedes is adding more versions to the already large E-Class family, they actually did quite the opposite: in an attempt to simplify things, they have reduced the number of the variants, but those which survived the slashing will get a fairly enriched standard equipment. However, the classic Mercedes-Benz’s partition in three levels of equipment - Executive, Elegance and Avantgarde - is still in place.

The entry level version now comes with ILS bi-xenon lights, LED daylight strips and new 17″ alloys, which join features such as the multifunctional steering wheel and the advanced info-tainment system with Bluetooth connectivity in the standard equipment. All that already makes it quite a rich entry level model. The Elegance trim confirms its more comfort-oriented attitude, while the new Avantgarde variant pushes the boundaries of its sporty feeling even further: the car now includes in its standard equipment the AMG Exterior Sport Package, 18” 5-spoke alloy wheels, an upgraded braking system with bigger discs and Mercedes-branded calipers and also a lowered ride height. All models will come with two trapezoid shaped mufflers.

In the cabin we find some pretty interesting addition too: Mercedes’ own Comand Online - the innovative browser-based app solution that provides users with access to several connected services such as Google POI search, weather, full internet browsing and the likes - is now standard for all E-Class models, as is the three-spoke steering wheel borrowed from the CLS. Besides, in order to emphasize the new-found sporty attitude of the whole range, AMG packages will be made available for both Executive and Elegance trim levels. The package include AMG sports steering wheel, AMG 18″ or 19″ alloys, sporty seats, aluminum pedals and lowered ride height.

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German tuner Prior Design presents its PD500 aerodynamic kit, which represents the perfect solution for those Mercedes E-Class owners who would like the cars to look like the mighty E63 AMG model. The kit includes a front bumper which is almost identical to the one used for the AMG version - hence featuring larger intakes, side vents, black mesh and LED day-time running lights - a pair of new side sills and a new rear bumper with integrated gloss black diffuser. We think the package delivers the sort of aggressive AMG looks it promises, but the lack of AMG badges just prevents it from conveying the same kind of thrill that only the real deal can trigger off.

View the full Mercedes E-Class kit by Prior Design photo gallery

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This might sound like a joke to some, but since it was the influential Autobild to spread the rumor - and we know how reliable the German mag is for all things Mercedes - we better take it seriously. Apparently Mercedes engineers are currently working on a “super-light” version of the E-Class Coupe, with extensive use of carbon fibre. The project got started a few months ago, and the final outcome should be a 1,300 kg new version of the model, meaning 350 kg less than the one currently available. The move will also make it possible to cut down fuel consumption and CO2 emission to unprecedented levels for this category.

The new “super light” E-Class Coupe will probably use a revised bodywork as well, similar to the CLS. Carbon fiber is more rigid than steel, and this will probably lead to the ditching of the B-pillar. The super-light E-Class is expected to surface in 2015, and will probably be equipped with a range of eco-friendly engines as Mercedes is considering both hydrogen fuel-cell and petrol-hybrid powertrains for the model.

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Brabus has released new design and aerodynamic kits for the Mercedes E-Class and S-Class AMG models. The Brabus accessories can be purchased in any Mercedes dealership as options and include a larger front spoiler, rear extractor and a small spoiler on the boot of the car. All the added components are made from polyurethane.

Other Brabus Mercedes parts can be purchased only from Brabus itself and those upgrades include stuff like the B63 kit with Brabus logos and the above aerodynamic parts made from carbonfibre. The Brabus B63 S-Class and E-Class kit also includes a new electronically adjustable exhaust system with ceramic outlets and silencer valve.

A wide choice of alloy wheels is on offer, including Monoblock style up to 20 inches with larger rims. Various AMG engines are on offer and all the upgrades are available both for the E-Class and S-Class.

Continue reading: Brabus Mercedes E-Class and S-Class AMG

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The 2011 Mercedes E-Class is mostly a refresh across the engine range, with added technology and updates to both diesel and petrol units. We’ll see new BlueDIRECT technology (which refers to direct injection) on the E350 V6 and the E500, and the four-cylinder engines are available with the automatic 7G-Tronic Plus tranmission, start&stop (BlueEFFICIENCY), new torque converter, ECO gear change mode and new oil pumps that work with the start&stop technology.

Models available with the fuel saving technology as standard include the: E250, E350, E500, E200 CDI, E220 CDI and E250 CDI. The new Mercedes E-Class has no real changes to its style, but new instrumentation on board has an updated colour screen and new functions. The engine run-down is as follows:

• Mercedes E350 V6 3.5-litre with 306 hp, fuel consumption at 6.8 l/100 km and CO2 emissions from 159 to 164 g/km. Sprint to 100 km/hr in 6.3 seconds, top speed of 250 km/hr.
• Mercedes E500 V8 4.7-litre twin turbo with 408 hp and 600 Nm of torque. Fuel consumption of 8.9 l/100 km, 5.2 seconds to reach 100 km/hr, top speed of 250 km/hr.
• Mercedes E200 BlueEFFICIENCY four-cylinder with 184 hp, 7.1 l/km of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions at 169 g/km, down to 6.5 and 152 respectively with automatic transmission. Comes with manual or automatic shift.
• Mercedes E250 BlueEFFICIENCY four-cylinder with 204 hp. Available only with the automatic transmission, it makes 100 km on 6.6 litres of fuel and CO2 emissions are 154 g/km.

Continue reading: New Mercedes E-Class pics and details

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The Mercedes E63 AMG is a hot-looking and fast-running new AMG model from the brand that has been revealed at the 2011 New York Auto Show. The E63 AMG is equipped with the new 5.5-litre V8 twin turbo M157 engine which we’ve already seen on the Mercedes CLS 63 AMG. The E-Class AMG will be offered in two powersteps of 525 and 557 hp. The later is the AMG Performance Package, which also takes torque from 700 to 800 Nm.

According to Mercedes, the new V8, which gets Start&Stop technology, consumes 22 percent less fuel that the previous model, down to 9.8 l/100 km with CO2 emissions of 230 g/km. Transmission is the seven-speed Speedshift MCT gearbox with driving modes of Controlled Efficiency, Sport, Sport+ and Manual. Handling is managed by the AMG Ride Control system with seven different suspension settings and a new hydro-electric steering set-up.

New 18-inch wheels get 255/40 tyres up front and 285/35 at the rear. An optional carbon-ceramic braking system is available which reduces the brake weight by 40 percent. The E63 AMG gets to 100 km/hr in 4.3 seconds, and has a top speed of 250 km/hr. That can be raised to 300 km/hr with a new package which also includes a sports driving course. The AMG Performance Package throws in a carbon-fibre engine cover, Alcantara sports steering wheel, red brake callipers and some carbon-fibre trim on the front bumper.

2012 Mercedes E63 AMG V8 Twinturbo

Continue reading: Mercedes E63 AMG pics and details

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The Mercedes SLS AMG has been voted Germany’s car of the year by AutoBild readers, and so would we have done if we were Germans and AutoBild readers. The SLS AMG tops the rankings above the new Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet, finishing second. It’s only the fifth edition of the competition but given some of the contenders over the last few years, we can safely say that the German auto brands are some of the best in the market.

103 cars, both series models and prototypes, were in the running and this year saw Mercedes win a second time: in 2009 the Mercedes E-Class sedan was the winner. In front of Audi, BMW and Volkswagen, this could be a sign that Mercedes, at least in its own market, is enjoying the spotlight.

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These pics of the new Mercedes E-Class cabriolet version have escaped to the net ten days before the official E-Class debut. As we’ve already seen the new E-Class cabrio will be equipped with the new AirCap and AirScarf system in time for the summer months, although a little trial in early spring on the part of customers may have been nice (just think of that first spring sun, driving around with the top down and your air scarf on).

The AirScarf is ’simply’ a system of warm air flow through the car for the occupants, while the AirCar has both a comfort and driving function. It has specific aerodynamic impact, and being raised, the wind can be deflected a full 20 cm higher for the comfort of all passengers, including those in the back seat.

Plenty of comfort features are included in this luxury cabriolet, in addition to the nifty AirCap micro climate tool. The soft top closes within 20 seconds up to speeds of 40 km/hr and has a thickness of 23.5 mm for both sound and temperature proof protection. This makes the E-Class Cabriolet a good mid-season open top, too. The engine range takes on most of the options available with the E-Class coupe with the E 200 CGI 1.8-litre turbo (184 hp) and the E 250 CGI 5.5-litre V8 (388 hp). The diesel line-up includes three options: 2.1-litre E 220 CDI with 170 hp, the 2.1-litre E 250 CDI with 204 hp, and the 3.0-litre V6 E 350 CDI with 231 hp.

Mercedes E-Class cabriolet new pics

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This Lorinser Mercedes E-Class coupe tuning manages to be both aggressive and elegant at the same time. There is a focus on new aerodynamics for the E-Class coupe wtih front bumpers, larger side skirts and a rear spoiler with diffuser. Other features include LED day driving lights and a new exhaust system with four pipes.

Lorinser has also added a small spoiler on the roof of the E-Class coupe, although the most noticeable thing at the front is perhaps the lack of the Mercedes badge on the front. The Lorinser E-Class coupe has wheels that can measure up to 20 inches and a sports suspension lowered by 30 mm. There’s no word on the engine tuning yet, but we think something will turn up.

Continue reading: Lorinser Mercedes E-Class coupe tuning

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The new Mercedes E-Class cabrio would hardly be my vehicle of choice for the winter season, but here are some more pics of the E-Class cabriolet on snow. A situation like this would probably be one in which you would use the Airscarf warm air flow technology, if you want to enjoy the panorama with the roof down.

For more details on the new member of the E-Class family, see the E-Class cabrio videos, and the first E-Class cabrio official gallery. If you want an idea as to some of the best cars for the snow, try the various AWD models out there and remember - it doesn’t have to be an SUV.

Continue reading: Mercedes E-Class cabriolet snow pics

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We get a close look of the Mercedes E-Class cabriolet in these videos, which give us a run-down of the new technology and style of the latest inclusion in the E-Class range. After the jump is another video where we can see the much hyped Aircap system, which might or might not be fully appreciated by the canine passenger. See more pics of the E-Class cabriolet in our gallery.

Continue reading: Mercedes E-Class cabriolet video

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Here are more pics of the lovely Mercedes E-Class cabriolet. The technical details of the E-Class cabrio, including the Aircap and Airscarf features, are interesting, but we think you’ll be especially impressed by its gorgeous style. If you want a hot-looking four seater cabrio, this is just as good as the other members of the Mercedes E-Class family. For the engine range and other details, see our first post on the E-Class cabriolet.

Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet more pics

Continue reading: Mercedes E-Class cabriolet more pics

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