2012 Mercedes-Benz E 300 4MATIC Review

From the C-suite to the golf course, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 300 4MATIC Sedan is made for executives. Need more power? Go for the E 63 AMG.

One thing is for certain: the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 300 4MATIC sedan is not for everyone. Nor should it be. This luxury sedan is built for the executive types, and it shows. From the standard 14-way power-adjustable heated seats to the effortless gear mode selector, it’s clear this E-Class sedan is fit for the fastidious white-collar hustler who splits time between corporate meetings and corporate “golf meetings.”

E-Class Upgrades and Pricing Back in 2012

Starting at around $43,300 US ($57,900 CAD) 2012 E 300 4MATIC, sedan tester has three out of four of the optional packages, including the Driving Assistance Package ($800) with surprisingly useful passive lane keeping assist and passive blind spot assist; the Premium Package ($3900) adding heated steering wheel, media interface, and COMAND APS w/HDD Navigation & DVD player; and the Entertainment Package ($1200).

Bringing total price for this 2012 E 300 to $63,800 CDN MSRP (before taxes/fees).

2012 Mercedes-Benz E 300 4MATIC Review
2012 Mercedes-Benz E 300. Photo: Amee Reehal

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Models Available

Mercedes-Benz E-Class offering sits comfortably in the middle of the German automaker’s stable; nestled comfortably amongst the luxury S and sporty SLK, the compact C, and the one-and-only exotic SLR. Right there, in the middle, the sibling with the ‘executive’ nameplate—a nameplate Mercedes has kindly translated into four glorious versions, including:

  • E 300 4MATIC Sedan with 252hp & 6-cylinder engine, starting at $57,000 CAD MSRP (as tested)
  • E 350 4MATIC Sedan: 306hp & 6-cylinder engine
  • E 350 4MATIC BlueTEC Sedan: 210hp & 6-cylinder diesel engine
  • E 550 4MATIC Sedan: 408hp & 8-cylinder engine
  • E 63 AMG Sedan: boasting 518hp & 8-cylinder engine

E 300 Mercedes-Benz Power and Handling

A 3.5L V6 engine makes 252 hp at 6500rpm and 251 lb.-ft of torque—clearly not a sports sedan (nor is it trying to be) but ample power for passing ability and/or making your 7 a.m. tee time. The 7-speed automatic works with a small, discreet mode select shift lever found on the steering column.

Takes a little getting used to at first but quickly becomes a convenient, space-saving feature (besides, do you really need an invasive gear selector starring you down, hogging valuable real estate? Well, if you’re an E 300 owner, then probably not!).

Frankly, you can’t go wrong with an AWD system in a luxury sedan, and the 2012 E 300’s 4MATIC is essentially noise-free to boot, ensuring an even quieter and relaxed drive.

4MATIC, Mercedes’ legendary permanent all-wheel drive system, distributes torque to each wheel independently so handling in any situation is smooth as silk, ensuring a more refined and controlled driving dynamic.

Frankly, you can’t go wrong with an AWD system in a luxury sedan, and the 2012 E 300’s 4MATIC is essentially noise-free to boot, ensuring an even quieter and more relaxed drive.

If an E-Class 2-door is more your thing, check out our 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 4MATIC Coupe review.

Luxury Sedan Exterior & Styling

2012 Mercedes-Benz E 300 4MATIC Review
2012 Mercedes-Benz E 300. Photo: Amee Reehal
2012 Mercedes-Benz E 300 4MATIC Review
2012 Mercedes-Benz E 300. Photo: Amee Reehal

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 300 Sedan finds long, clean lines from end to end, void of any bulbous, excessively curvy styling cues found on several competing luxury sedans. This streamlined esthetic renders the E 300 sedan more elegant and visually self-assured—presumably, much like the person behind the wheel.

An AMG Styling Package comes standard with the 2012 E 300—a very welcome addition, adding stylish front and rear aprons along with bold side sill panels.

2012 Mercedes-Benz E 300 Interior

Inside, the cabin retains the streamlined, linear attributes found outside—no sweeping curvatures, just clean, classic lines exuding class and comfort. Controls are all within reach, and there appears to be a control for everything. Hence, executives need not worry about lifting a finger…when it comes to comfort and convenience, Mercedes-Benz has this specialty locked down.

2012 Mercedes-Benz E 300 4MATIC Review
2012 Mercedes-Benz E 300. Photo: Amee Reehal

Seating comfort is paramount for the luxury sedan owner, and the 2012 E 300 nails it better than anyone with standard 14-way power-adjustable heated seats and power-adjustable lumbar support for the driver.

Add the Premium Package, as found in this test vehicle, and you’ll discover Climate Comfort seats featuring active ventilation to cool the seat surfaces, along with individually adjustable luxury head restraints. Rear passengers enjoy heated seat action as well.

Our 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 300 sedan found the $1200 Entertainment Package—a no-brainer upgrade at this price. A 7-inch colour display now includes extra functionality with a more user-friendly interface.

2012 Mercedes-Benz E 300 4MATIC Review
2012 Mercedes-Benz E 300. Photo: Amee Reehal

Controlling the media centre (COMAND APS system) via the round command dial located bottom-centre console for easy no-need-to-raise-my-arm-up control, is both effortless and straightforward. Also safe, allows drivers to confidently toggle between menus while keeping an eye on the road with minimal, glances over at the 7-inch screen. In other words, intuitive and swift.

A premium Harman/Kardon Logic7 sound system mated to 14 speakers, 610 watts of power, and a 9-channel Digital Sound Processing (DSP) amplifier provides exclusive sound quality. The media interface includes a USB port, auxiliary audio input, and a dedicated iPod port (a must for this writer) integrated with the audio interface.

Takeaway: is this older E-Class 5-passenger sedan still worth it? Any problems to know about?

2012 Mercedes-Benz E 300 4MATIC Review
2012 Mercedes-Benz E 300. Photo: Amee Reehal

As with any car, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 300 may experience some issues or problems. Here are some common problems that have been reported for this model:

  1. Electronic problems: The E-Class is known for having complex electronic systems that can sometimes experience issues. Problems with the infotainment system, navigation, and electrical faults have been reported.
  2. Suspension problems: Some drivers have reported issues with the suspension system of the 2012 E-Class. This may include problems with the shock absorbers or bushings.
  3. Fuel system problems: Fuel leaks, issues with the fuel pump, and fuel injection problems have been reported with this model.
  4. Transmission issues: Some drivers have reported issues with the seven-speed automatic transmission, including rough shifting or hesitation.

It’s worth noting that not all E 300s will experience these problems, and some of them may be more common in certain regions or with certain driving styles. Regular maintenance and inspections can help catch any potential problems before they become major issues.

Overall, while there are some common problems reported for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 300, it is generally considered to be a reliable car with a solid reputation for luxury and performance. It was expensive when we first tested it back in 2012, especially with the optional packages. But in the used market today, maybe you can snag one for a good price.

2012 E 300 Pros:

  • Quiet, comfortable ride
  • Inconspicuous gear mode selector
  • Linear, streamlined styling throughout

2012 E 300 Cons:

  • Turn signal placement too low on steering column
  • Competitive luxury sedan market


Side Note: The more powerful 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG

For our readers who value the executive E-class and the E 300 Sedan but favour something with a bit more (ok, substantially more) power and panache, you’ll want to check out the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG. The caveat? That’s right, the price, started at roughly $89,000 US ($99,500 CAD) when it first launched over a decade ago.

A few years ago, I had the opportunity for some E 63 track time, and I instantly fell in love with this sedan. Arguably, a super-underrated sports saloon, when compared to the likes of the Audi RS4, often gets the attention. So, take a close and serious look at the E 63!

Again, if you like the E-Class, this E 63 is the most powerful in this class while still offering the comforts of a sedan. With 518 hp from a burly hand-built, direct-injection V8 accelerating from 0 – 100km/h in only 4.3 seconds, coupled with 516 lb.-ft of torque and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed tranny, the 2012 E 63 AMG truly encapsulates the ultimate luxury, sports sedan.

Photos of E 300 2012 model

2012 Mercedes-Benz E 300 Specs

  • Type: 5-passenger, 4-door, luxury sedan
  • Layout: front-engine, permanent all-wheel drive 4MATIC
  • Engine:  3.5L V6 engine
  • Horsepower: 248 @ 6,500
  • Torque (lb-ft): 251 @ 3,400 – 4,500
  • Transmission: 7G-TRONIC PLUS Automatic 7-speed transmission
  • Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s): 7.4 seconds
  • Front Wheels: 245/45 R 17
  • Rear Wheels: 245/45 R 17
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Author:
Amee Reehal
Amee Reehalhttps://www.ameereehal.com/
Shooting cars and bikes professionally since film was a thing, for over 20 years, Amee has collaborated with the major automakers and agencies, and his work has been published in various global outlets including MotorTrend, GlobeDrive, SuperStreet, Chicago Tribune, PerformanceBMW, and others. He’s an automotive writer and founder/managing editor editor of TractionLife.com, focusing on digital marketing & SEO for the past ten years (backed by a marketing degree, go figure). Find him travelling, spending time with his kids and family. Or golfing, poorly.