The Mercedes-Benz W212 is a sedan sold as the ninth-generation E-Class, replacing the previous W211 model. C207 is the chassis code for the related E-Class Coupe, a replacement for the CLK-class coupe and cabriolet. The new E-Class went on sale in Europe in March and in America in July 2009.

Design

The design of the W212 and C207 E-Class is inspired by the ConceptFASCINATION design study. Certain elements of the exterior styling are also taken from the preceding W204 C-Class and W221 S-Class. The bulging rear wheel arches are meant to be reminiscent of the fender flares of historic Mercedes models.

Body types

Sedan

The E-class sedan was unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. The new sedan went on sale in Europe in March, 2009 as a 2010 model year automobile. The new E-Class features several new safety technologies including driver fatigue detection, lane-departure warning, and traffic-sign recognition. It also includes features that improve performance, efficiency, and comfort, such as “Direct Control” adaptive suspension, active seats (which change shape to support the passengers in corners), and movable radiator louvers which improve the vehicle’s aerodynamics. Standard Mercedes-Benz safety and convenience features, such as the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), airbags, and automatic climate control, are included as well.

Coupé

The 2009 E-Class Coupé was unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show and went on sale in May 2009. The C207 E-Class Coupe is related to the W212 sedan, sharing approximately 60 percent of its mechanical components. The E-Class Coupe also possesses many of the same new and standard features of the sedan.

Estate

The estate version (chassis code S212) was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show and was released for sale in Europe on August 5. Early models include the four-cylinder-powered E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, the V6-powered E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY, and the V8-powered E 500. US models will begin sales in June 2010 for the 2011 model year.

Convertible

Special versions

E 63 AMG

The 2009 E63 AMG sedan was unveiled at the 2009 New York International Auto Show. The new performance version of the E-Class is fitted with the same powertrain as the SL63 AMG, including AMG’s 6.2-liter V8 and the SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports automatic transmission with four driver-selectable modes including a fully manual mode. Similar to the C63 AMG, the new E63 is more extensively modified than before, with a new, wider front axle, heavily revised suspension, and more distinct body panels.

The optional AMG Performance Package includes lightweight, forged 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with 255/35R19 front and 285/30R19 rear tires, stiffer suspension, a limited-slip differential, a special three-spoke sport steering wheel, and a reprogramming of the electronic top speed limiter to 300 km/h (190 mph) from 250 km/h (160 mph).

The E63 AMG will be on sale in the U.S.A. in November 2009. An estate version will go on sale in February 2010.

E-Guard

The E-Guard armoured version, which features VR4 (formerly B4) level protection, went on sale in April 2009. The vehicles are equipped with steel and aramid fiber (Kevlar) armour and bullet-resistant windows, as well as run-flat tyres rated for a top speed of 240 kilometres per hour (150 mph) (50 kilometres (31 mi) at 80 kilometres per hour (50 mph) when deflated), a special Level II version of the Airmatic air suspension system, emergency alarm system, intercom system, and underbody armour.

E 250 BlueTEC (2009)

The E 250 BlueTEC is a concept vehicle based on the E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY sedan, but with urea injection and the 7G-TRONIC transmission. The vehicle was unveiled at the 2009 New York Auto Show. The E 250 BlueTEC is capable of 28 MPG city/39 MPG highway.

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