The Baby Benz (2012 C-Class)

The Baby Benz (2012 C-Class)

The 2012 C-Class in action

How about a new 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class? Never mind, the talks of the increased performance of the BMW 3-series, the new 2012 C-Class boasts its own sportiness while providing an air of class and luxuriousness. Be advised, more sportiness does not sacrifice the ride quality, comfort, and the dynamic nature of the car. This is the tell-tale sign of Mercedes-Benz production; style, and reliability.

The newest addition of the 2012 is the all new C-Class coupe. Done away with after the 2005 model, this newly redesigned coupe gives Mercedes a more affordable and rather stylish entry in the two-door segment. Both the coupe and sedan levels share a fresh face with more curvaceous headlamps and better integrated LED daytime running lights. Not only has the exterior seen a facelift, but the interior has seen minor reworking’s for the better. Higher-quality gadgets, a more visually appealing design, and also a fixed display screen which replaces the awkward pop-up unit are the main attractions inside the new 2012 C-Class.

Engine wise, the C-Class model offers a wide variety of selection based on driver preference. If fuel economy/efficiency is a concern, the all-new C250 model features a lively turbocharged four cylinder engine. But what if you live in a seemingly frigid climate? No worries, the C300 4MATIC, has it all covered with the standard full time all-wheel drive system. Or if you even want a powerful beast that can give you thrills along with everyday drivability you can opt for the C350, which boasts 302 horsepower (34 more horses than the previous years model). Last but most certainly, not least is the German muscle car that competes with the best of the best; the C63 AMG. The AMG model is for true driving enthusiasts as it provides 451 horsepower. Every step on the pedal in this AMG model puts you firmly back in your seat asking for more.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

After a brief gloss over of the 2012 Mercedes Benz C-Class here’s where I get more in depth about body styles, trim levels, and potential options. As I said before, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is available in sedan and coupe body styles, both of which are available in C250, C350 and C63 AMG trim levels. The sedan is furthermore available as a C300 4MATIC, while the coupe gets an added C63 AMG Black Series. The C250 and C300 trims all come standard with 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights, automatic wipers, a sunroof/moonroof, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats (with adjustable lumbar), MB-Tex vinyl upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, auto-dimming interior and driver-side mirrors, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a sound system with a CD player, auxiliary audio jack, a USB audio jack and HD radio. The C300 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive and a V6 engine for a little pep in your journeys.

In its sedan form, the C250 and C300 are further divided into Luxury and Sport sub-trims. You’ll notice the difference between them in their wheel design, suspension tuning, styling details, steering wheel design and interior trim type. When equipped with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the Luxury also includes a comfort-tuned suspension. The Premium 1 package adds on four-way adjustable lumbar support for the front seats, heated front seats, driver memory seat functions, a power-adjustable steering wheel, split-folding rear seats and a Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system with satellite radio and an iPod interface (optional separately as well). If you ask me the Premium 1 Package will do keep you quite comfortable in your daily drives.

In coupe form, the C250 gets a beautiful panoramic sunroof, split-folding rear seats, additional driver seat adjustments, driver memory functions and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. The coupe's Premium 1 package adds the heated seats and the Harman Kardon system with satellite radio and an iPod interface.

The C350 sedan comes with a sport mentality. It features a high output and bigger V6 engine and the Premium 1 package as a standard option; the C350 coupe adds a panoramic sunroof. The model above; the C63 AMG is equipped similarly in terms of comfort and convenience features, but gets 18-inch wheels, ultra high-performance tires, an adaptive sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, sport seats, more aggressive styling and different interior trim. This trim level is the best bang for your buck as you get a mix of high performance and comfort. Of course, Mercedes-Benz always offers a variety of options to dress up your vehicle to your standards.

Performance

Performance wise, each trim of the 2012 C-Class carries its own practicality. The entry level 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 is powered by a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder that produces 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic are standard. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 21 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined which is very good for the segment, and matches up well with other entry level sedans.

The Mercedes-Benz C300 4MATIC is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 that produces 228 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, and it's the only C-Class that gets all-wheel drive. Fuel economy stands at 18 (city)/25(highway)/20(combined), decent gas mileage for a full time all-wheel drive system.

Under the hood of the Mercedes-Benz C350 is a 3.5-liter V6 which produces 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is an excellent 20/29/23. With the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, you get a 6.2-liter V8 that cranks out 451 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque; add the AMG Development package and horsepower gets bumped up to 481. Fuel economy is 13/19/15.

Finally, the C63 AMG Black Series gets a more powerful version of the 6.2-liter V8 good for 510 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque. That should obviously make it quicker than the regular model. Either way the AMG models pack a punch, and will deliver a thrill to any driver out there.