The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class lineup offers a variety of models, with the C 250 standing out as a popular choice. Both the C 250 and C 300 trims come generously equipped with standard features designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and style. These include 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, and distinctive LED running lights. For enhanced visibility in inclement weather, automatic wipers are standard, while a sunroof adds an open-air feeling to the cabin. Cruise control ensures relaxed highway driving, and dual-zone automatic climate control maintains personalized comfort for both driver and passenger.
Inside, eight-way power front seats with adjustable lumbar support provide excellent seating adjustability. Durable and comfortable MB-Tex vinyl upholstery covers the seats. A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel allows drivers to find their ideal driving position. Auto-dimming interior and driver-side mirrors enhance safety and reduce glare at night. For connectivity and entertainment, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming are included, along with a sound system featuring a CD player, auxiliary audio jack, USB audio jack, and HD radio. Stepping up to the C 300 4Matic adds the confidence of all-wheel drive and a more powerful V6 engine.
The sedan versions of the C 250 and C 300 are further categorized into Luxury and Sport sub-trims, allowing buyers to tailor the car to their preferences. These sub-trims differ in several aspects, including wheel designs that contribute to the vehicle’s aesthetic, suspension tuning for varied driving dynamics, and specific styling details that set each apart. Even the steering wheel design and interior trim type are unique to each sub-trim. Notably, when equipped with 4Matic all-wheel drive, the Luxury trim also incorporates a comfort-tuned suspension, prioritizing a smoother ride.
For enhanced features, the Premium 1 package adds a significant level of sophistication and convenience. This package includes four-way adjustable lumbar support for the front seats, further improving seating comfort. Heated front seats are a welcome addition in colder climates, while driver memory functions allow multiple drivers to save their preferred seat and mirror settings. A power-adjustable steering wheel adds another layer of convenience, and split-folding rear seats increase cargo versatility. Audiophiles will appreciate the Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system, complete with satellite radio and an iPod interface, which is also available as a standalone option.
The coupe variant of the C 250 receives some unique standard upgrades. It boasts a panoramic sunroof, enhancing the coupe’s sporty feel. Split-folding rear seats are also included for practicality, along with additional driver seat adjustments and driver memory functions mirroring the Premium 1 package in the sedan. A power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel is also standard in the C 250 coupe. The coupe’s Premium 1 package mirrors the sedan’s, adding heated seats and the Harman Kardon sound system with satellite radio and iPod interface.
While the C 350 sedan is exclusively offered in Sport trim with a more powerful V6 engine and standard Premium 1 package, and the C 350 coupe adds a panoramic sunroof, the C 250 provides a well-rounded entry point to the C-Class. The high-performance C 63 AMG, while sharing comfort and convenience features, distinguishes itself with 18-inch wheels, high-performance tires, an adaptive sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, sport seats, more aggressive styling, and unique interior trim.
A wide array of optional packages and standalone features allows for further customization of the 2012 C-Class, including the C 250. The COMAND package upgrades the infotainment system with a larger central screen, navigation, real-time traffic updates, voice controls, digital music storage, and a single-CD player (a six-CD changer is also optional). The Lighting package enhances nighttime driving with adaptive bi-xenon headlights with washers and automatic high beams. Safety is further enhanced by the Lane Tracking package, which includes blind-spot and lane-departure warning systems. Standalone options include a rearview camera, Mercedes-Benz mbrace emergency telematics, a panoramic sunroof for the sedan, a power rear sunshade, keyless ignition/entry, and the Parktronic advanced parking sensor system.
For an even more luxurious interior, all C-Class models except the C 63 can be equipped with the Full Leather Seating package. This adds extended leather trim throughout the cabin, additional passenger seat adjustments, and passenger seat memory functions.
For those seeking maximum performance from the C 63, the AMG Development package increases horsepower, raises the top speed, and adds distinctive red brake calipers and a carbon-fiber trunk lid spoiler. A limited-slip differential is also available for enhanced handling. The C 63 AMG Black Series coupe, available exclusively in coupe form, represents the pinnacle of performance with even more power, an adjustable coil-over sport suspension, high-performance composite brakes, extra engine cooling, a rear axle differential lock, wider track, aerodynamic body modifications, special 19-inch wheels, a rear diffuser, a two-seat interior, sport seats, microfiber upholstery, and unique interior design elements. The AMG Track package further enhances track capabilities with ultra-high-performance tires and an active cooling unit for the rear axle, while the AMG Aerodynamics package adds exterior winglets and an adjustable carbon-fiber rear spoiler.
In conclusion, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, particularly the C 250, offers a compelling blend of luxury, performance, and customization. Whether opting for the well-equipped standard model or selecting from a range of available packages and options, buyers can tailor a 2012 C 250 to meet their specific needs and preferences, making it a standout choice in its class.
