E-Class (W212) 2010 - 2016: E 350, E 550
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: CARiD

Ladies & Gents, the REAL/OFFICIAL 2014 facelift here>>>>

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Dec 11, 2012 | 12:34 AM
  #1  
K-A's Avatar
K-A
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Ladies & Gents, the REAL/OFFICIAL 2014 facelift here>>>>

Someone posted this on another Website. Not sure how they got the leaks so early.

I don't really dig it, and IMO it'll not only decrease resale of the pre-facelift W212 since so much has been changed, but the front looks like an entirely different car. Poor timeless-foresight by M-B designers, IMO. I think the sides and rear look possibly more lacking in character which means most of the attention is put toward the fad-ish headlights which are very distracting and clearly meant to attract those who want an "ooh/ahh" quick pop effect, yet don't appreciate entire design harmony (the round front doesn't flow with the previous design idiom of very straight and angular lines).

Interior is a clear nice evolution and improvement, and the Sports/Star grille looks HIDEOUS. Looks soft, cheeky, toy-ish like a C-Class or A Class would or should.







Last edited by K-A; Dec 11, 2012 at 12:45 AM.
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2012 | 02:07 AM
  #2  
alsyli's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 584
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles
2012 C250 Sport
And a car that was stylistically confused car initially becomes even more incoherent. Ah, well. Perhaps the next-gen models will be better in terms of design. Or, given how awful the detailing of the SL is, maybe not. ::shrug:: Can MB fire Gordon Wagener and woo Peter Schreyer from Kia?

At least the interiors of the latest models seem good.... Well, w/ the exception of the re-located and re-designed turn-signal stalk, which feels like a piece of crap (in 2013 the C-classes).

I'm assuming these are European-spec pics? Here's hoping that the stitched dashboard makes it in some way to the US (that doesn't look to be a Designo interior or the Exclusiv package).

Last edited by alsyli; Dec 11, 2012 at 02:10 AM.
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2012 | 02:14 AM
  #3  
K-A's Avatar
K-A
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Originally Posted by alsyli
And a car that was stylistically confused car initially becomes even more incoherent. Ah, well. Perhaps the next-gen models will be better in terms of design. Or, given how awful the detailing of the SL is, maybe not. ::shrug:: Can MB fire Gordon Wagener and woo Peter Schreyer from Kia?

At least the interiors of the latest models seem good.... Well, w/ the exception of the re-located and re-designed turn-signal stalk, which feels like a piece of crap (in 2013 the C-classes).

I'm assuming these are European-spec pics? Here's hoping that the stitched dashboard makes it in some way to the US (that doesn't look to be a Designo interior or the Exclusiv package).
I agree that Wagener needs to go, or at least have a captain to direct him. M-B's designs are becoming too confused and incoherent, too trendy/fad-ish which means they'll age terribly. Too many gimmicks, too much reliance on ornamenting, not enough emphasis on design purity and coherence. The downward swag lines on wedge shaped cars, the multi-nonsensical line-formations like on the A-Class, etc.

The best looking cars that have been recently revealed IMO are the new Porsche Cayman and new 4-Series BMW. Both have unquestionably gorgeous and effortlessly purely simple, yet cunning and striking side profiles that new M-B's with all their overwrought efforts aren't seeming to match.
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2012 | 03:43 AM
  #4  
BM2BZ's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,056
Likes: 5
From: Paradise
w212 E550
i like where the clock sits and the headrests look pretty comfy.
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2012 | 04:11 AM
  #5  
alanme123's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 470
Likes: 8
From: Southern California, Orange County
2012 E350
After seeing all these pictures of the facelift, I don't know if I'm biased but I still like my 2012 better. Maybe I need to see it in person... but the front looks to me much more slanted than the current design. This makes it seem not agressive enough. Also, theres something that just doesnt match in there. Like you guys said it's confusing and I cannot tell what is wrong. Maybe the new grill? Or maybe too much curves on the car?

That being said, when are we going to get a bigger command screen like the bmw 5 series?! I have to admit that I like their screen so much better just because its bigger.
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2012 | 04:14 AM
  #6  
220S's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,336
Likes: 8
Porsche 991S, Cayenne S, 1972 BMW 3.0CS E9 Coupe
Originally Posted by K-A
I agree that Wagener needs to go, or at least have a captain to direct him. M-B's designs are becoming too confused and incoherent, too trendy/fad-ish which means they'll age terribly. Too many gimmicks, too much reliance on ornamenting, not enough emphasis on design purity and coherence. The downward swag lines on wedge shaped cars, the multi-nonsensical line-formations like on the A-Class, etc.

Yeah, waiting it out for the Sports Car, want a Porsche
I'm happy to see that you've come to your senses.
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2012 | 04:31 AM
  #7  
Tjdehya's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,133
Likes: 265
From: NM
2023 AMG EQS
Well at least the interior looks nice.
Check out the new tweeter...
Looks like it gets a downgrade on the gear shifter and an upgrade on the cruise control stalk.
Is that stitched dash coming to the US?
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2012 | 04:31 AM
  #8  
K-A's Avatar
K-A
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Originally Posted by 220S
I'm happy to see that you've come to your senses.
Damn you.

I guess it was inevitable.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Dec 11, 2012 | 04:34 AM
  #9  
K-A's Avatar
K-A
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Originally Posted by Tjdehya
Well at least the interior looks nice.
Check out the new tweeter...
Looks like it gets a downgrade on the gear shifter and an upgrade on the cruise control stalk.
Is that stitched dash coming to the US?
Yeah, the interior is unquestionably better. I wish they applied the same formula to the exterior (evolutionary refinement tweaks rather than mashup up the original design with all new very organic-rounded elements).

That is definitely gonna be a EU spec, or at least high equipped spec in the U.S, though. Doubt the stitched leather will make it to production here, unless you pay up for it (still better than nothing). Also, I dunno if we'll see the aluminum

Yeah, I hate the ML-style new gear-lever stalk. Much cheaper looking and feeling than the W221 style that the current W212 employs.
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2012 | 06:08 AM
  #10  
BenzV12's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,372
Likes: 945
W212 FL
Nice to see you back K-A in fashion and style as usual
As much as I like new facelift I also have some dislikes as well .
EXTERIOR :

Headlamps not shabby at all and I believe these will look more eye catching at nights compared to present quad lights .
Big MB logo on the grill makes the car hideous and ruins "docile" image . Well, I know I said that before corners of the grill looks like rounded off and I am not keen into this styling either

Chrome strip across the exhaust tips are cool , no more bulges in the rear doors , ponton fenders , but there is a 2nd line that runs straight forward from bottom section to the tail lights to the rear doors . This is what I like and happy to see MB keep these lines
LED strips seems ditched , these are very standing out in all the MB models

INTERIOR :

I prefer present models' gauge despite analog clock in the instrument cluster because line up is pretty nice and unique to W212 . This facelift model's look like derived from W204 or C218

Finally chrome or aluminum seat buttons . I just like these
Center console buttons also aluminum and they are very nice as well
Analog clock relocated to center , looks more elegant but I didn't like the way two air vents by the clock . Trapezoid looks nicer imo

Overall , I like it despite some points I dislike but I don't think I will trade my car for it .
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2012 | 07:25 AM
  #11  
Firestopper0383's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 209
Likes: 2
From: North Carolina
2014 E-350W4
Starting to look like any Japanese, South Korean import. The distinctive styling I purchased in 2010 is fading and I don't care for the new look and lines.
Why is it that designers don't rely on the heritage and exclusivity of the brand to guide them in design?
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2012 | 08:35 AM
  #12  
ipp's Avatar
ipp
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 315
Likes: 4
From: Sweden
W166 ML350 BT
As I posted in another thread:
I'm happy that I've switched to the new M-Class and didn't order the S212 facelift... This looks like a Chinese copy of the E-class made by MB themselves.

I agree with K-A, the front and rear doesn't match with the sides.
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2012 | 08:38 AM
  #13  
ipp's Avatar
ipp
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 315
Likes: 4
From: Sweden
W166 ML350 BT
Originally Posted by K-A
Yeah, I hate the ML-style new gear-lever stalk. Much cheaper looking and feeling than the W221 style that the current W212 employs.
+1
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2012 | 09:19 AM
  #14  
hyperion667's Avatar
MBWorld God!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Community Builder
Liked
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,273
Likes: 3,916
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
Originally Posted by 220S
I'm happy to see that you've come to your senses.
hi 220! hope you're doing well
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2012 | 09:24 AM
  #15  
hyperion667's Avatar
MBWorld God!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Community Builder
Liked
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,273
Likes: 3,916
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
thanx for putting this together KA, I do like those new intergrated LED designs, the wheels on that wagon are cool too........don't see myself in the market for an E anytime soon though.........
my next Benz will be the Grand Dad S class haha
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2012 | 09:38 AM
  #16  
petee1997's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,914
Likes: 261
From: Ontario,Canada
...24 GLE53
I like the new design. I wish my wife had waited another year. The dash with the small rectangular clock is very similar to my CLS. This is a substantial redesign for a mid cycle facelift. That is practically as much as BMW has done for a generatioal change.

K-A I am ready to put money on a bet that you will be one of the first to trade. If I remember correctly, your lease expires in the the not too distant future. This car will grow on you like the 212 did. I should go back to your postings when you were driving your 211 and thought the 212 was a terrible design. You are now on your second. This one will grow on you too.
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2012 | 09:42 AM
  #17  
Wig's Avatar
Wig
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 325
Likes: 18
From: Canada
W213, C238
The reaction to the W212 in late 2009 was similarly negative. K-A was the most vocal opponent of the redesign.

I'm sure most people will come to appreciate the facelift in time.
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2012 | 09:47 AM
  #18  
jvc300's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 302
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota, Florida
2011 E350, 2004 911
Originally Posted by petee1997

K-A I am ready to put money on a bet that you will be one of the first to trade. If I remember correctly, your lease expires in the the not too distant future. This car will grow on you like the 212 did. I should go back to your postings when you were driving your 211 and thought the 212 was a terrible design. You are now on your second. This one will grow on you too.
+1 I'd take that bet. I read the posts where K-A hated the W212....

K-A, go back and look at the W212 pictures when they came out the car looked boring. Now, I think the W212 is much better looking today than what was in the original drawings. Also, The styling does depend on how it is optioned like staggered wheels , color, AMG pkg, etc... Hang in there, it may be better than what you think.
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2012 | 10:01 AM
  #19  
K-A's Avatar
K-A
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
I don't hate it enough to obsess about out like I did the original W212. I just don't really like M-B designs lately and think the designers are getting sloppy and losing design harmony and balance.

I'm more upset about how this facelift may render the current version in the market place since they felt the need to change it so drastically. IMO it shows poorly for MBs confidence in the design and the W212 itself, at least in their eyes I assume.

I guarantee BMW or Audi won't fund it so necessary to do such surgery to their F10 and A6, allowing the initial buyers to see their cars age gracefully to the market place.
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2012 | 10:52 AM
  #20  
hyperion667's Avatar
MBWorld God!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Community Builder
Liked
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,273
Likes: 3,916
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
also makes our MY '10's and '11 cars all the better! lol

.....looking that is
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2012 | 11:14 AM
  #21  
C280 Sport's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,829
Likes: 592
From: NY & FL
MB’s of all kinds.
Car looks great except for one thing that is bugging me....
Please do the hood ornament and not the silly badge in the grill. It looks awful like that and I agree with KA. It reminds me of a cheapo C Class. Other then that its a damn nice looking car from what I see.
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2012 | 11:18 AM
  #22  
golfster's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 519
Likes: 2
From: Chicago and NorCal
Titleist
I like it. Mercedes will sell alot and it will seem mainstream as the current model is today.
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2012 | 12:04 PM
  #23  
dbtk's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 68
From: San Francisco, CA / Middlebury, CT
600 SWB
I like the new redesign. It's more organic upfront and softer, more mature side styling.
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2012 | 12:45 PM
  #24  
BillE350's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Porsche 911RS
When will these hit US showrooms ?

Bill
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2012 | 01:19 PM
  #25  
YYZ-E55's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 20
From: Toronto
MY17 E43 Matte Selenite/Macchiato Beige, MY16 GLE350d Tenorite/Crystal Grey, MY17 B250
Originally Posted by K-A
I'm more upset about how this facelift may render the current version in the market place since they felt the need to change it so drastically. IMO it shows poorly for MBs confidence in the design and the W212 itself, at least in their eyes I assume.

I guarantee BMW or Audi won't fund it so necessary to do such surgery to their F10 and A6, allowing the initial buyers to see their cars age gracefully to the market place.
When you're being outsold, you get aggressive. MB invested heavily in the facelift to make the W/S212 the best in segment once again.

With the luxury and sport differentiation (star on hood vs star in grille), this car should appeal to a much wider audience. It's awkward in photos but it presents nicely in person.
Reply


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:41 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE