2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

NEW FOR 2012:

- C250, C350 and C350 4MATIC receive new engines

- C300 rear-wheel drive model discontinued

- All models use seven-speed transmission; manual transmission discontinued

- C63 AMG uses AMG Speedshift transmission; receives new steering wheel

- New exterior and interior design highlights

- New NTG 4.5 Telematics Generation

- Standard Attention Assist

- Available Driver Assistance Package and Parktronic with Parking Guidance

For 2012, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan receives a substantial revision. The C250 now carries a turbocharged four-cylinder direct-injection engine in place of the previous V6 (the C250 4MATIC still uses the V6), while the C350 and C350 4MATIC receive a new direct-injection V6. The rear-wheel drive C300 is discontinued. All models receive an automatic transmission.

The C63AMG now uses an AMG Speedshift MCT seven-speed transmission with Race Start, as used in the E63, in place of the previous 7G-TRONIC. It also receives a new steering wheel with flat top and bottom.

Exterior changes include active bi-xenon headlamps with LED turn signals, new grille, headlights, hood and fascia, new wheels, new rear bumpers and LED taillights. Inside, there is a new colour centre display, wood-trimmed dash, new centre stack with aluminum buttons, and new steering wheel design including a flat bottom on the C300 and C350 models, along with new interior colours.

The new telematics include a larger full-colour display. The new available Driver Assistance Package includes Passive Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist.

The C-Class sedan comes as the C250, C250 4MATIC, C300 4MATIC, C350, C350 4MATIC, and C63 AMG. (The all-new C-Class coupe is covered in a separate entry.)

Five engines are available, all with a seven-speed automatic. The C250 uses a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the C250 4MATIC uses a 2.5-litre V6. The C300 4MATIC uses a 3.0-litre V6. The C350 and C350 4MATIC use a 3.5-litre V6, while the C63 AMG uses a 6.2-litre V8.

Features on the C250 models include 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, adaptive brake with hill-start assist, CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input, active bi-xenon headlamps, Bluetooth connectivity, two-stage rain-sensing wipers, Attention Assist, heated windshield washer system, eight-way power front seats, Artico leather upholstery, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustment, SmartKey keyless entry and first-aid kit.

The C300 4MATIC adds 17-inch alloy wheels, sport suspension, six-CD/MP3 stereo, AMG styling package, power-folding auto-dimming mirrors, heated front seats, split-folding rear seats, Burl Walnut high-gloss wood trim, three-spoke sport steering wheel, and power sunroof.

The C350 models add 18-inch alloy wheels, three-zone automatic climate control, electronic compass, Harman/Kardon Logic7 Surround Sound system, Sirius satellite radio, ten-way power seats with three-position memory, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and garage door opener. The rear-wheel drive C350 also adds Dynamic Handling Package and wheel-mounted shift paddles.

The C63 AMG adds 18-inch AMG alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, AMG sport suspension, AMG Nappa leather upholstery, and black bird’s-eye maple trim. The Harman/Kardon stereo system is optional.