2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, S-Class Get More Powerful and Efficient Engines
 

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For the 2012 model year, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and S-Class are both getting a new, more powerful and efficient engine choices.

Starting with the E-Class, the new base powerplant will be a direct-injection version of the 3.5-liter V6 engine, now making 302-hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 38-hp. As for the more potent, E550 models, they will trade their old 5.5-liter V8 for a twin-turbocharged 4.6-liter motor with 402-hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 20-hp and 52 lb-ft. Both engines will come mated to a more fuel-efficient 7-speed transmission.

Also officially confirmed is a new engine for the E63 AMG model, trading the old naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 for a twin-turbo direct-injection 5.5-liter making 518-hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, a jump of 1-hp and 51 lb-ft. Plus, an AMG performance package will up those numbers to 550-hp and 590 lb-ft.

As for the flagship S-Class, the S550 models gains the same twin-turbo 4.6-liter engine with slightly more power at 429-hp and 516 lb-ft, while the S63 retains the biturbo 5.5L V8 with 536-hp and 590 lb-ft, which can be upped to 563-hp and 664 lb-ft.

The R350 model also gains the new, more powerful 302-hp V6 engine, although unfortunately the GLK-Class will carry on with its old 268-hp engine for now.

While some models are already on sale, the E-Class sedan and wagon won’t hit dealers until the Fall, with the revised 2012 S-Class available in July.