Newbie question re: detailed tech differences between 2010 E350 and 2012 E350.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
2011 E350
Newbie question re: detailed tech differences between 2010 E350 and 2012 E350.
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!!
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!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,747
Likes: 20
From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
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.
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 284
Likes: 1
From: New York, Westchester
2017 GLE 350 W4, 2016 C 300, 2012 E 350 W4 Lux, 2006 ML 350
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,300
Likes: 127
2020 G63, 2021 E450 All-Terrain Wagon
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
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
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
2011 E350
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!!
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!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,372
Likes: 945
W212 FL
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
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
Last edited by BenzV12; Apr 1, 2012 at 04:33 PM. Reason: content added :
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
2011 E350
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,056
Likes: 5
From: Paradise
w212 E550
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,372
Likes: 945
W212 FL
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
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
