2012 Mercedes Benz Model

C-class: Mercedes’ smallest sedan in the U.S. gets an extensive midcycle refresh that includes a richer interior and new headlights and bumpers. The C250 is new, with a 201-hp, 1.8-liter turbo four-cylinder . The C300 4MATIC returns with a carry-over 228-hp, 3.0-liter V-6. Powering the C350 is Mercedes’ new 302-hp, direct-injection 60-degree V-6 . For those who want even more muscle, the C63 AMG returns with the same 451-hp, 6.2-liter V-8 but ditches its conventional automatic for the seven-speed gearbox from the E63. A 481-hp AMG Performance package is optional. A new C-class coupe can be had with the same engines as the C-class sedan except for the C300’s V-6.

Unchanged: CL-class, E350 BlueTec, F-cell, GL-class, GLK-class, G550, R350 BlueTec, SL-class, SLS AMG coupe, S63 AMG, S65 AMG, S400 hybrid, S600, Sprinter

E-class: Most of the E-class’s changes exist under the hood. The E350 lineup (sedan, convertible, coupe, and wagon) now features a 302-hp 3.5-liter; it replaces the 268-hp 3.5-liter. E550 sedans, convertibles, and coupes get a dual-turbo 402-hp, 4.7-liter V-8. AMG aficionados will be delighted to know that the E63 AMG sedan and wagon arrive with a 518-hp, twin-turbo 5.5-liter V-8 (a 550-hp version is optional). M-class: A new ML debuts with a new platform shared in part with the Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango. Inside, material quality is improved and the design is updated, but the size remains the same. At launch, the ML will come with either the new 302-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 (273 pound-feet of torque) or the revised 240-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 diesel with a staggering 455 pound-feet. Diesel fuel economy is estimated at 20 mpg city and 25 highway; the gas V-6 should hit 17 and 22. In early 2012, expect to see an ML550 equipped with the new 402-hp, twin-turbo V-8. Hybrid and AMG versions are expected to follow later in the year. Prices should start at just below $50, 000 for an ML350; the diesel should add about $1000 to the total. R-class: Mercedes’ new 302-hp, V-6 finds its way into the R350. S-class: A diesel S-class returns in the form of the new S350 BlueTec 4MATIC. The turbo-diesel makes 240 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque. The S550’s badging stays the same, but it now comes bearing a 429-hp, twin-turbo 4.7-liter V-8; all-wheel drive is optional. SLK-class: [see test] Bolstering the SLK350 tested here, a SLK250 debuts in early 2012 with the same 201-hp, 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder as in the C250. Stick-shift fans may want to wait for the four-cylinder as it’s the only SLK offered with a six-speed manual. SLS-class: Unlike the lesser SL, with its retractable hardtop, the SLS AMG roadster has a cloth top. Also, don’t call the roadster a gullwing: Its doors are conventional.

Mercedes-Benz 3.5-liter V-6

The 3.5-liter 60-degree V-6 engine replacing a heavier, less efficient 90-degree V-6 in Mercedes C, E, ML, R, and SLK models is equipped with a die-cast aluminum block, low-friction aluminum-silicon cylinder liners, direct injection, and an ignition system capable of providing multiple sparks per combustion event to avoid misfiring. A 12.2:1 compression ratio helps boost fuel economy by 10 percent or so. Output rises from 258 horsepower to 302 at 6500 rpm while torque swells from 258 pound-feet to 273 at 3500 rpm.

Mercedes-Benz Turbocharged 1.8-liter Inline-4

Mercedes is offering four-cylinder power for the first time since 2004. The new 1.8-liter four-banger powering base C-class and SLK models features direct injection, one turbo, intercooling, and aluminum block-and-head construction. The rating of 201 horsepower at 5500 rpm is lower than the outgoing 3.0-liter V-6’s, while the new four’s 229-pound-foot torque peak is slightly higher.