Pre-facelift RWD (2012-13) vs facelift AWD 4MATIC (2014-16)

The 2014 facelift is the major dividing line: it brought 4MATIC all-wheel drive plus revised bumpers, lights, hood, rear doors and gauge cluster, where the 2012-2013 cars are rear-wheel drive. Buyers split deliberately, some seeking out the pre-facelift specifically for RWD, others valuing the AWD traction of the later cars.