RJC

I was told today that the first My 2012's will not have the typical P1-P2 packages but launch packages; I was given the specs and will post later when I get them in writing...I was also told the 12 E550 sedans may not always be all wheel drive as the AWD only may change depening upon the feedback MB receives. I was also told the E550 cabs will remain RWD.

MB-JIM

Something else that is new as of today. I have been trying to get ventilated seats for the 2012 E350. Unfortunately, they had decided to only offer this option with the V8's under option # 401, as shown in the dealer ordering guide.
Today, I was talking to my contact at Montvale and was told that they would agreed to include this option for the E350.

K-A

Interesting. What does this Launch Package consist of?

I'd never buy a 4WD E-Class. The V8 wouldn't even be on my radar without 2WD. Hopefully MBUSA gets negative feedback.

peeta123

does the 4matic have problems

K-A

Not to my knowledge. I just don't like the idea of 4WD if it's not necessary. There is also a lot more going on/lots more parts that can go wrong, and I've heard it lacks the smoothness of the 2WD, etc. Not to mention, diminished HP to the wheels, heavier, and worse Gas Mileage. Also, you can't get the beefier 8.5" wheels in the back.

I understand when it's a must, but it would be a total deal breaker to me. If I was in the market for an E-Class right now, I'd be looking at the 2012 V6 or N/A V8.

K-A

So I got some info on the "Launch Packages" on this Blog.

Looks like it's simply just the regular P1/P2 Packages? Just with the name "Launch" attached?

http://www.benzblogger.com/2011/05/m...-ml-class.html

RJC

As I said above, when I get the details in writing I'll post them.

I don't like the idea of forced AWD either but if I lived in the north I wouldn't mind it as much but I'd still prefer the choice to be left to the consumer. Thankfully the E550 cab's will remain RWD.

Let's hope MBUSA is paying attention to this thread; if we wanted to buy cars that were all wheel drive we'd buy an Audi...

RJC

I should have more info about the launch cars early next week. I've also been told they're lots of 11's still around and normal production for 12's may already be pushed back. First build dates showing for E550 cabs is 2nd week of June.

220S

80% of E Class sales in the USA is the E350. Might be tough to convince them otherwise, but who knows. They only sold two dozen E63 wagons in the US in 2009. And then they stopped exporting them in 2010 (even though it existed in the ROW.) Granted 2008-2009 was a bad time to be selling cars, period. But there was a lot of requests for the E63 wagon and MBUSA wrote up a successful business plan to convince Daimler to export them once again to the USA. If the new E63 wagon fails to sell, they might fail to listen anymore

There are a lot of reasons why a car is no longer available and I'm sure there are plenty of behind-the-scenes reason with the 2012 E550.

I was told too, that inventory is high. MBUSA should be soon sending out some strong incentives to move the existing inventory of 2011s.
Dealers need to be kept happy.

RJC

Thanks for the affirmation.

Yes indeed, the 350s have been the leader due to pricing and I'm sure gas mileage. Maybe with the significantly improved EPA #'s of the new V8's that might change a bit but with the new V6 motor topping 300 HP probably not. I wonder how much weight the 4matic adds to the car, thinking about 300-400lbs which can't be good for mileage.

I am ready to place my order for a new '12 E550A, if I can't get an early June build I may get an 11 but that's not my preference. I may only keep the 12 for a year so I'm still debating on one pay 1 yr lease or cash; car will have less than 5000 miles after one year. Thoughts? Thanks.

Erling

RJC I'm in the same situation as you, I'm also ready to order a MY2012 E550A. Have you been able to find out any pricing yet?

RJC

Not yet but my dealer will discount the 12 well for me. They also have an 11 with all the options I want at the port but I've got to try and hold off for the 12. What colors are you going with? I'm doing the tradition silver/black/black (getting a cab). I know it's boring but irrd silver looks great and doesn't show scratching and the black interior holds up well too; I'm getting black ash wood so special leather is needed from what I've been told. There also a little option for high performance tires apparently above what comes standard on the AMG app pkg, the code is R01.

csquared

Yes, the Iridium Silver looks amazing in the sun and especially at night. Its not your typical boring silver. It looks almost looks like metallic white. Sometimes, it does look dull and boring up close and in poor lighting, but at a good distance and in good lighting it looks better than black IMO. Black cars look good most of the time because it hides everything, including the beautiful details or the bad details of the cars. The new E class has a lot of sleek lines and is better suited to a metallic color which show better than a solid color, like black. I'm not against black cars, they look pretty sexy when clean but terrible when dirty.

RJC

Thanks CS. My 06 E55 was iridium with a black panoramic roof, loved it. I also had a few brilliant silver MB's, the predecessor to iridium. I also agree the cabs in black look amazing when clean and shinny.

K-A

There would have to be a helluva an alluring color on an M-B to convince me to get anything other than White or Silver. That Designo Blue is one.

I did love the Pewter on my W211 though, and I really didn't want that color initially, as I hate anything that resembles Gold.

Black is a no-can-do for me. It emphasizes the cars overall presence over the details, and I'm a detail freak. Almost everything is hid when things are black. That's one reason why I don't love black wheels or black grills (sometimes I do though), as initially they can look awesome, but your eye isn't capturing the actual design elements that are in play. Not to mention, black is a biatch to keep clean.

Erling

I haven't decided on color yet, I'm leaning towards steel gray w almond/mocha and black convertible. I went to a dealer in Phoenix who was nice enough to give me a print-out of all the options from the ordering computer so I read about the performance tires. It's a no cost extra option (special order). I'm also going to go with the black ash wood which also another special order.

wireless200

Looks like the cost of P1 has decreased from $4k to $3.6k. Wonder what this means for overall pricing? A regular '11 e350 can be had for several thousand under invoice right now so I wouldn't expect that kind of pricing, but still if a '12 can be had for decent price it's probably worth it for a few thousand more.

K-A

Wow, I'm surprised they lowered the Package some. However, MSRP will definitely be little up, and maybe they figured that since everybody gets P1 anyway, it might be better to factor that portion of the cost into the MSRP pricing? I dunno.

How much more is P2 then? Still $2,500-ish?

BenzMan369

From further down on that same BenzBlogger page:

"The 2012 CLS550 base price will be $71,300 plus $875 Destination and Delivery. That is nearly $3000 less than the 2011 model!"

Dare we hope they will hold the line or even reduce prices on the E class models? Or shall I attempt to wake up now?

blackbullit

I note the P1 Launch includes a different COMAND system, with a single CD/DVD. The current COMAND has a 6 disc player. Seems like a downgrade.

hyperion667

LOL, might make it even better for trade in huh?
I think they're even ditching the gas guzzler charge too?

BenzMan369

Well, I've done so much reading lately, my brain is in information overload status, but I think you are correct. Perhaps others can confirm.

dbtk

Too bad the E63 Wagon is RWD. It would be incredibel as a 4matic (think new M5 xdrive).

RJC

From what I remember 2011CL550 I drove with the new TT DFI powertrain still had a $1300 gas guzzler tax, but the CL is heavy and it also now totes around the extra +/- 300lbs of all wheel drive. I'll be speaking to my dealership tomorrow regarding my order so I'll ask about the E's and report back here.

I don't believe the 2012 CLS 550 has the g/g tax

BenzMan369

Thanks again, RJC.