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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