The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 stands as a testament to luxury and performance in the compact executive car segment. For those considering a pre-owned luxury vehicle, understanding the standard equipment and available options of the 2012 C300 is crucial. This article provides a detailed overview of what made the 2012 C300 a sought-after vehicle, covering everything from comfort and convenience to performance and safety features.
Standard Equipment Highlights of the 2012 C300
Mercedes-Benz ensured the 2012 C300 was well-appointed from the factory, offering a range of standard features designed to enhance the driving experience and passenger comfort.
Comfort and Convenience
The interior of the 2012 C300 is focused on providing a comfortable and convenient environment for both driver and passengers. Standard comfort and convenience features include:
- Power Tilt/Sliding Sunroof: Enjoy the open air with a power sunroof featuring express open and close functionality.
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control: Maintain perfect temperatures for both the driver and passenger with dual-zone climate control and a dust filter.
- 8-Way Power Front Seats: Find your ideal driving position with 8-way power-adjustable front seats including lumbar support.
- Entertainment System: Stay entertained with a CD/MP3/AM/FM/Weatherband radio, HD Radio, Bluetooth Audio Streaming, and a sound system equipped with auxiliary input and a USB port.
- Bluetooth Interface: Make hands-free calls safely and conveniently with the integrated Bluetooth interface.
- Central Controller with 5.8″ Display: Manage vehicle functions and entertainment through a central controller and a 5.8″ display.
- Tilt & Telescoping Steering Column: Adjust the steering column for optimal driving comfort.
- Multifunction Leather Steering Wheel: Control various vehicle functions directly from the leather-wrapped steering wheel.
- 4.5″ Color Instrument Cluster Display: Access vehicle information at a glance with a clear and informative 4.5″ color display in the instrument cluster.
- Practical Interior Features: Benefit from front and rear cupholders, rain-sensing intermittent wipers, an integrated rearview mirror compass, auto-dimming side and rearview mirrors, an integrated garage door opener, cruise control, and a heated windshield washer reservoir.
- Power Windows and Automatic Headlamps: Enjoy the convenience of power windows with express up and down and automatic headlamps with twilight sensor & locator lighting.
- Trip Computer: Keep track of essential driving data with the integrated trip computer.
Performance and Handling
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 delivers a balanced performance suitable for daily driving and spirited weekend excursions. Key performance and handling features include:
- Engine Power: A robust 228 horsepower engine at 6,000 RPM and 221 lb-ft of torque between 2,700 and 5,000 RPM ensures responsive acceleration and ample power.
- 7-Speed Automatic Transmission: Experience smooth and efficient gear changes with the 7-speed automatic transmission.
- Sophisticated Suspension System: The C300 is equipped with a front suspension featuring a 3-link independent strut-type design with a stabilizer bar, and a rear multi-link independent suspension with a stabilizer bar, providing a comfortable yet controlled ride.
- Dual Exhaust System: Enhance the sporty appeal and engine breathing with a dual exhaust system finished with chrome outlets.
Safety and Security
Mercedes-Benz prioritizes safety, and the 2012 C300 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety and security features:
- ATTENTION ASSIST: This innovative system monitors driver behavior and alerts the driver if signs of drowsiness are detected.
- ADAPTIVE BRAKE with HOLD function: Enhance braking performance and convenience with ADAPTIVE BRAKE including the HOLD function.
- LED Lighting: Improve visibility and safety with LED Daytime Running Lamps and LED Tail Lamps.
- Comprehensive Warranty and Assistance: Enjoy peace of mind with a new vehicle 4-year/50,000 mile warranty and a 24-hour roadside assistance program.
- Robust Safety Structure: Benefit from a steel-reinforced cabin with front & rear crumple zones designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision.
- Advanced Airbag System: The C300 features dual two-stage front airbags, side airbags mounted in the front seat backrests, head protection curtains, dual front pelvic airbags, and a driver’s side knee airbag.
- Active Safety Systems: Includes active front head restraints, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes with Brake Assist System, Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), and Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR).
- Child Safety and Security: Equipped with LATCH-lower anchors and tethers for children and an antitheft alarm with engine immobilizer.
- SmartKey and Tire Monitoring: Features SmartKey with panic button and a tire pressure monitoring system for added security and convenience.
Optional Packages and Stand-Alone Options
To further personalize the 2012 C300, Mercedes-Benz offered a variety of option packages and stand-alone options.
No-Charge Packages
- Sport Sedan Package: Enhance the sporty character with sport suspension, sport bodystyling, aluminum trim, 17″ split 5-spoke alloy wheels, and performance tires.
- Luxury Sedan Package: Focus on comfort with comfort suspension, comfort headrests, burl walnut wood trim, and 17″ split 5-spoke alloy wheels.
Premium Packages
- Premium 1 Package: Adds heated front seats, SIRIUS® satellite radio, iPod/MP3 Media Interface, harman/kardon LOGIC7® surround-sound system, driver’s seat memory and power steering column, split-folding rear seats, and 4-way power lumbar support for the driver.
- Lighting Package: Upgrades headlights to Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination, headlamp washing system, and Adaptive Highbeam Assist.
- Lane Tracking Package: Incorporates Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist for enhanced driver awareness.
- Multimedia Package: Features COMAND system with hard-drive navigation, a larger 7-inch high-resolution LCD color display, enhanced voice control, SIRIUS® real-time traffic service, in-dash DVD/CD and SD card slot, Gracenote® media database, 10GB hard-drive with Music Register, and a rearview camera.
- Full Leather Seating Package: Upgrades to leather upholstery and adds a power/memory front passenger seat.
Stand-Alone Options
Individualize your C300 with stand-alone options like Mercedes-Benz mbrace™, iPod®/MP3 Media Interface, SIRIUS® satellite radio, heated front seats, burl walnut wood trim, upgraded 18″ AMG alloy wheels, PARKTRONIC w/ Parking Guidance, KEYLESS-GO, rear side airbags, and a power tilt/sliding panorama sunroof.
Special Order Options
For a touch of exclusivity, special order options included Obsidian Black Paint and a power rear window sunshade.
Paint and Upholstery Options
The 2012 C300 offered a wide palette of exterior paint colors and interior upholstery choices, including various shades of Black, Silver, White, Red, Brown, Blue, Grey, and Beige for paint, and MB-Tex and Leather options in Black, Almond, Ash, Beige, and Cappuccino for upholstery.
Conclusion
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 is a well-equipped luxury sedan that offers a blend of comfort, performance, and safety. Whether you are considering purchasing a used model or simply researching its features, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of what the 2012 C300 has to offer. Its range of standard features and customizable options ensured it remained a compelling choice in its class.
