Mercedes Introduces More Efficient Engines for 2012MY Range

There are certain automotive producers that have built a name that makes a customer say “a ... will always be a ...”. However, this doesn’t mean that the carmakers we are talking about are resting on their laurels. Oh, no. Year after year, they keep the enhancements factory running. Case in point with Mercedes-Benz, which is now starting to introduce a new generation of powerplants that offer increased performance and efficiency. Let’s take a look at what the American customers are getting for the 2012 Model Year.

From the E-Klasse and up, the entry-level powerplant now comes in the form of a direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 that now delivers 302 hp (up 38 hp) and 273 lb-ft of torque. The V8-powered E550 will ditch its 5.5-liter naturally aspirated mill with a twin-turbocharged 4.6-liter unit that produces 402 hp and a peak torque of 443 lb-ft. The figures can be translated into an increase of 20 hp and 52-lb-ft. Both units use a seven-speed automatic transmission.

The E63 AMG also follows this pathway, putting its naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 to sleep and using the new twin-turbo direct-injection 5.5-liter V8 that churns out 518 hp and 516 lb-ft (+1 hp and 51 lb-ft). Want more? Just go for the AMG Performance Package and you’ll get to play with 550 hp and 590 lb-ft.

Moving to the S-Klasse, we’ll tell you that the vehicle will also receive the twin-turbocharged 4.6-liter V8, which in this case will develop 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.

A part of the refreshed models are already available, but the E-Klasse saloon and estate will arrive this fall, while the S-Klasse comes a bit earlier, in July.