The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class offered a range of trims and options designed to cater to various driver preferences, from luxury and comfort to sporty performance. Among these, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C350 stood out as a compelling choice for those seeking a balance of both sportiness and premium features. This model, along with the C250 and C300, came standard with a comprehensive set of features including 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, LED running lights, and automatic wipers to enhance visibility and convenience. A sunroof added an open-air feel, while cruise control and dual-zone automatic climate control ensured comfort during every drive.
Inside, the C-Class focused on providing a luxurious experience with eight-way power front seats including adjustable lumbar support, upholstered in durable MB-Tex vinyl. The tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, along with auto-dimming interior and driver-side mirrors, added to the driver-centric design. Connectivity was well-covered with Bluetooth for phone and audio, alongside a sound system featuring a CD player, auxiliary audio jack, USB audio jack, and HD radio for entertainment needs. The C300 4Matic variant further enhanced the lineup by including all-wheel drive and a V6 engine for improved performance and traction.
Differentiating the C250 and C300 sedans further, Mercedes-Benz offered Luxury and Sport sub-trims. These trims varied in wheel designs, suspension tuning, styling nuances, steering wheel design, and interior trim types, allowing buyers to tailor the vehicle to their aesthetic and driving preferences. Notably, when equipped with 4Matic all-wheel drive, the Luxury trim incorporated a comfort-tuned suspension, emphasizing a smoother ride. The Premium 1 package was available to enhance these trims, adding four-way adjustable lumbar support for the front seats, heated front seats, driver memory functions, a power-adjustable steering wheel, and practical split-folding rear seats. For audiophiles, a Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system with satellite radio and an iPod interface was included, also available separately.
In its coupe form, the C250 received additional standard upgrades including a panoramic sunroof, split-folding rear seats, enhanced driver seat adjustments, driver memory functions, and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, further enriching its appeal. The coupe’s Premium 1 package mirrored the sedan’s, adding heated seats and the Harman Kardon sound system with satellite radio and iPod interface.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C350 sedan was exclusively offered in Sport guise, underscoring its performance-oriented nature. It featured a more powerful V6 engine and came standard with the Premium 1 package, building upon the already generous standard features. The C350 coupe further added a panoramic sunroof, enhancing its sporty and luxurious character. Positioned at the top of the range, the C63 AMG shared similar comfort and convenience features but was distinguished by 18-inch wheels, high-performance tires, an adaptive sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, sport seats, more aggressive styling, and unique interior trim, emphasizing its high-performance capabilities.
A wide array of optional packages were available for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, allowing for extensive customization. The COMAND package was a significant upgrade, introducing a larger central infotainment screen, a navigation system, real-time traffic updates, voice controls, digital music storage, and a single-CD player. A six-CD changer was also offered as an additional option. For enhanced visibility and safety, the Lighting package included adaptive bi-xenon headlights with washers and automatic high beams. The Lane Tracking package provided advanced safety features such as a blind-spot warning system and a lane-departure warning system. Stand-alone options further included 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 ease of maneuvering.
Excluding the C63 AMG, all other models could be equipped with the Full Leather Seating package, which elevated the interior with extended leather trim, additional passenger seat adjustments, and passenger seat memory functions, enhancing the luxury experience for both driver and passenger.
For those seeking even greater performance from the C63 AMG, the AMG Development package was available, boosting power by 30 extra horsepower, increasing the top speed, adding red brake calipers, and a carbon-fiber trunk lid spoiler. A limited-slip differential was also offered to improve handling and traction.
At the pinnacle of performance within the coupe range, the C63 AMG Black Series stood as the ultimate expression. It boasted even more power, an adjustable coil-over sport suspension, high-performance composite brakes, enhanced engine cooling, a rear axle differential lock, a wider track, aerodynamic body modifications, distinctive 19-inch wheels, a rear diffuser, a two-seat interior, sport seats, microfiber upholstery and steering wheel trim, and unique interior design elements. The AMG Track package further enhanced its track readiness with ultra-high-performance tires and an active cooling unit for the rear axle, while the AMG Aerodynamics package added exterior winglets and an adjustable carbon-fiber rear spoiler for optimized aerodynamics.
In conclusion, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C350 presented a compelling blend of sporty performance and luxury amenities within the C-Class lineup. Its standard features, combined with available packages and options, allowed drivers to tailor the vehicle to their specific needs and preferences, making it a desirable choice in the luxury sport sedan and coupe market.
