GadgetGuru72

Hi everyone-

This is my first post. I am considering either buying a 2010 E350, or leasing a 2012 E350. However, I love tech features, and I want to understand as specifically as possible the differences in tech features between the two models. While at the various dealerships, I am basically told "they are about the same." I know there must be differences, and since tech is very important to me, I really want to understand the specific details before I make my decision.

Examples of questions I'd like answered are:

(1) Does the navigation function the same way?
(2) Does the iPod/iPhone integration function the same way?
(3) Does voice control function the same way?
(4) Does Bluetooth function the same way? Do both have Bluetooth audio streaming, or is that just in the 2012?

Does anyone know if there is a site that would provide very specific information on this? When looking at the MBZ official site, it basically just lists these items, but provides no detail as to how they function.

If there is no such site, I would greatly appreciate it if anyone here can answer one or more of these for me.

Thanks in advance!!

ImInPA

1) for the most part ...yes
2) yes
3) yes
4) yes with COMMAND upgrade.

2012 has color LCD in IP.

You do not state the mileage for the 2010. The 2012 has a slightly more powerful engine. Leasing for me never works out, and has too many restrictions for my driving style. If you are considering the lease, look into and test drive the E350 Bluetec. The residuals are in the mid-70% and this yields an incredible lease number.

paulybagadonuts

http://www.mbusa.com/vcm/MB/DigitalA...LS-M-Class.pdf

newyorktoLA

The 2010 E's and the 2012 E's have DIFFERENT systems overall. The codename for the COMAND system on the 2010 E is NTG4, while the codename for the COMAND system on the 2012 E is NTG4.5, which includes more features...such as Sirius Weather, 3D models of buildings, etc. in major cities, settings that allow the navigation to tell you when to enter/exit carpool lanes, and the 2012's also show more street names. You can also customize POI's on the 2012 E. To see all the new upgrades, I recommend you compare the 2010 and 2012 manuals, which are available online on MBUSA.

Just go to MBUSA, go to the upper right hand corner, mouse over "Owners", click on "Service & Parts." On the left hand sidebar, click on owner's manuals. The COMAND manuals are there.

Good luck with your purchase

UPDATE: Just wanted to let you know that the 2012's also come with a multi-color instrument cluster screen where the speedo is, with better, sharper graphics than the white on black pixel-y screen on the 2010's. Both have the same functionality, but the 2012 graphics are in color. On the 2012 cars as well, the PCMIA slot for the COMAND unit was replaced by an SD slot as well

GadgetGuru72

Wow, thanks for the great responses.

So, the 2012 E350 is a color instrument panel, and a few more features in the navigation, such as better graphics and carpool lane assist.

What about the voice control functionality? Is that the same?

One of the big issues for me is also the iPod/iPhone integration. I keep most of my music on my iPhone, and the manner in which the music is played from the iPhone is key for me.

I know that in the 2008 models, the iPod info only displayed in the instrument panel. In the 2010 and 2012 models, I assume that information is now displayed in COMAND, is that correct? Can the iPod/iPhone music features be controlled by voice? In other words, can you say things like "artist" or "album" and select music on your iPhone?

Finally, will either or both the 2010 or the 2012 display the album artwork from an iPod/iPhone?

Thanks again for all the information. This is extraordinarily helpful!!

BenzV12

Thanks for your detailed replies . Now, I feel better to choose COMAND in my ride as well lol

I knew bluetooth streaming was available but not 3D images

NTG 4.5 has also a few good points :

You can use audio Aux and USB w/o having to interface whereas NTG 4 requires media interface

You can use Video Aux when hooked up to back up cam

GadgetGuru72

Can you elaborate on that a little? I don't understand.

BM2BZ

just wondering why would you prefer leasing a 2012 instead of buying?

GadgetGuru72

Just because if I'm buying, I'd prefer to buy one that is 2 years old so that I'm not paying for the massive depreciation that occurs in the first 2 years.

BM2BZ

so now you have to ask yourself a question, do all the new tech features worth $15-20k? when you are leasing, you are basically paying for the depreciation as well. buying a mint condition pre-owned or cpo is always wise financially, especially the ones still have warranty or extended warranty.

Kar don

2012 models got direct injection... more power and better efficiency.

BenzV12

You can easily connect your devices thru bluetooth streaming without using media interface stuffs like USB . Whereas in NTG 4 , you need to have media interface bacause of lack of bluetooth streaming convenience .

When I fist saw this on the site I didn't quite get a grip of what it meant ,later I learnt that NTG 4.5 is an upgraded version of its predecessor