Mercedes-Benz W212
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212) | |
|---|---|
_Avantgarde_sedan_(2010-07-05).jpg)
Pre-facelift W212 Avantgarde
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Daimler AG |
| Also called | Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| Production | January 2009–2016 |
| Model years | 2010–2016 |
| Assembly |
Sindelfingen, Germany Toluca, Mexico 6th of October City, Egypt (EGA) Istanbul, Turkey Pekan, Malaysia (DRB-HICOM) Pune, India Beijing, China Bangkok, Thailand Indonesia: Wanaherang, Bogor |
| Designer | Thomas Stopka (Original: 2005) Michael Frei (Facelift: 2011) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size luxury / Executive car (E) |
| Body style | 4-door saloon 5-door estate |
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive (4Matic) |
| Related | Mercedes-Benz W218 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
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| Transmission | 5-speed 5G-Tronic automatic 7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic 6-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,874 mm (113.15 in) (2010/2014: Saloon/Estate) 3,012 mm (118.6 in) (LWB) |
| Length |
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| Width | 1,854 mm (72.99 in) (2010/2014: Saloon/Estate) |
| Height |
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| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W211) |
| Successor | Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W213) |
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212 and S212) series represent the fourth-generation of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class range of executive cars, including sedan (W212) and station wagon (S212) configurations. Sold since 2009 (as a 2010 model), it is the successor to the W211/S211 E-Class models. Coupe and convertible models of the E-Class of the same vintage are W204 C-Class derived and known as the C207 and A207. A high-performance E63 AMG version of the W212 and S212 are available as well since 2009. In 2013 (for the 2014 model year), the W212 was comprehensively facelifted, likely the most expensive mid-life facelift in the history of the automobile.
After being unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show to invited members of the press and put on public display at 2009 Geneva Motor Show, it was introduced in March 2009 for Europe and in July 2009 for North America in the sedan body style. In 2010, an estate body style became available to all markets, though the estate body style was available in Europe since August 2009. Global cumulative E-Class sales reached the milestone 550,000 vehicle mark in July 2011. Production achieved the milestone 500,000 sedan unit mark in March 2012.
The E-Class image suffered a downturn in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Things started to improve but it wasn't until the introduction of the W212 series that things really picked up. The W212 series took the E-Class's original reputation for solid build quality and refined elegance and established it once again. It is also praised for having a differentiated design from the contemporary C-Class and S-Class models. Although the mid-cycle refresh was overwhelmingly praised; the design received mixed opinions as Mercedes decided to take a more streamlined direction with the redesign, replacing the twin headlamp design with a single lens design, which brought the E-Class design up to date with the contemporary Mercedes-Benz design language.
Design work began in 2004 after the development program commenced in 2003, with the design by Thomas Stopka being selected in 2005. After refinements and engineering considerations being made, the final design specifications were frozen in 2006. Certain elements of the exterior styling are taken from the preceding W204 C-Class and W221 S-Class each designed in 2002 and 2003. The bulging rear wheel arches are meant to be reminiscent of the fender flares of historic "Ponton" Mercedes models of the 1950s. The design of the W212 and C207 E-Class was previewed by the ConceptFASCINATION design study in September 2008.
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