toban

I'm from Canada and with all the announcements over the last few months, why has there been nothing on the "E" class sedans in terms launch dates, pictures anything to show the models are coming? It's almost like they are ignoring this class all together and are concentrating on the AMGs only.

I've been waiting for many many months but am close to saying to them the hell with it and go and look at something else. Here we have someone in the U.S saying they have an invoice for a 2012 E350 and we don't even have info at all from Mercedes dealers. All I get is, we don't have anything yet but as soon as we hear we'll be contacting you. I can't believe they are shipping cars without poeple seeing what the cars look like. And, here we have a person who posted his car is being built in September and they haven't even announced a launch date or any announcements at all about the car? This looks like a complacent car maufacturer to me. What kind of marketing is this? Business must be booming over there! Everything is a secret.

Thanks for listening to my rant.

Toban

oggie

It should be released in October...the new engine is very powerful as I have driven a CLS550 with this new engine. It is worth the wait.

K-A

I have a feeling that it has to do with them not wanting to hamper Sales of the W212's, so they're hush hush until they release the MY '12's, where by then they'll finally start touting it.

The W212/E-Class is incredibly successful in the U.S, it is leading the 1 year newer 5-Series in Sales (first time in at least 1 generation), and has been M-B's volume leader, even over the cheaper C-Class since its launch.

My assumption is that they're worried about curbing the momentum. Or, they're simply sloppy.

YYZ-E55

There's not much change from the late 2011s with the color IC and the updated NTG 4.5 software.

Other changes for the E 550 4MATIC for Canada:
- new engine (a la CLS 550) with electro-hydraulic power steering
- new LED daytime running lights (straight bar) and new LED license plate lights
- standard ARTICO leather dashboard
- standard pano roof
- minor changes to the premium package (including rear-view camera and climate comfort seats)

That's about it. Price stays in the same realm. It's not a "big secret", rather, production was extended on the 2011s and the 2012 build didn't start until September, thus the delay in communication to dealers.

oggie

But do we still have airmatic for 2012 in Canada?

YYZ-E55

Yes. Standard.

toban

YYZ- E55:

Is this "ARTICO" dashboard the same as in 2011 or is this something different? This is the plastic material isn't it? If so, what was the dash material on the 2011?

I'm curious how you got this info on the car and the fact the AIRMATIC is still standard?

This is more information I've received in 6 months! Keep it coming.

Thanks

Toban

YYZ-E55

No, the 2011 dashboard is rubberized plastic of some sort. The 2012 dashboard will be the same as the E63 AMG was for 2011 (and is for 2012 as well). ARTICO leather, stitched nicely. The upper portion of the door panels have the stitched ARTICO as well. Huge improvement in terms of value appeal.

K-A

To Americans, "Artico" is M-B's Canadian-marketing name for what we know as "MB-Tex"/Vinyl.

Also, I'm sure the Artico/MB Tex dash on 550's will only be a Canadian feature? Even if it's available in the U.S, I'd be shocked if it were standard. I'd be shocked if it was even optional, seeing as to how lazy MBUSA is with differentiation options on W212's.

SDMF

Do you think we can retrofit this leather dashboard for 2010-2011 W212, it was a huge disappoinment when it is not available when I ordered my 2011.
How much will you guess the price be? Thanks.

hyperion667

smdf: whats good cousin, not seen you around......

YYZ-E55

The expense would be massive as you'd have to replace the entire dashboard, as well as all four door panels. I would wager you'd be north of $5k plus labor. Also, I believe you have designo leather, which would increase the cost even more.

SDMF

Fully occupied with my 3 months old!!haha..

SDMF

ya...as expected...not worth it...stuck with plastic then...

hyperion667

know the feeling...at that age they sleep a large amount of time....
I have been a stay home dad since the day mine was born....(3 years)
it gets much tougher! haha.....good luck
and have fun.....you'll never regret this time with your bundle!