The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class remains a sought-after model for those seeking luxury and performance in a compact package. This model year offered a compelling blend of standard features, customizable options, and renowned Mercedes-Benz engineering. Let’s delve into the specifics of what made the 2012 C-Class a standout choice.
Standard Comfort and Convenience Features
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class prioritizes driver and passenger comfort with a range of standard features. Enjoy the open air with the power tilt/sliding sunroof with express open and close, creating a more spacious feel within the cabin. Maintaining a perfect interior climate is effortless thanks to the dual-zone automatic climate control with dust filter. Both driver and front passenger benefit from 8-way power front seats with lumbar support, ensuring optimal seating position and comfort on long journeys.
For in-car entertainment and connectivity, the C-Class comes well-equipped. A CD/MP3/AM/FM/Weatherband radio provides a variety of audio sources, while HD Radio and Bluetooth Audio Streaming expand your listening options. The sound system includes an auxiliary input and USB port for further device integration. Hands-free calling is facilitated by the Bluetooth interface. Vehicle functions are managed through a central controller with a 5.8″ display, and essential driving information is presented on a 4.5″ color instrument cluster display.
Practicality is also key, with features like a tilt & telescoping steering column and a multifunction leather steering wheel for personalized driving ergonomics. Front and rear cupholders, rain-sensing intermittent wipers, an integrated rearview mirror compass, and auto-dimming side and rearview mirrors add to the everyday convenience. The inclusion of an integrated garage door opener, cruise control, and a heated windshield washer reservoir further enhances the user experience. Power windows with express up and down and automatic headlamps with twilight sensor & locator lighting round out the comfort and convenience features, alongside a useful trip computer.
Performance and Handling Dynamics
Under the hood, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class delivers a balanced performance. The engine produces 228 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 221 lb-ft of torque at 2,700 – 5,000 RPM, providing ample power for both city driving and highway cruising. A 7-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth and efficient gear changes.
The C-Class chassis is designed for refined handling. The front suspension features a 3-link independent strut-type with stabilizer bar, while the rear suspension utilizes a multi-link independent design with stabilizer bar. This combination contributes to the car’s comfortable yet controlled ride. The dual exhaust with chrome outlets adds a touch of sporty styling to the rear of the vehicle.
Safety and Security Technologies
Mercedes-Benz places a high priority on safety, and the 2012 C-Class is equipped with numerous standard safety and security features. ATTENTION ASSIST helps to monitor driver drowsiness, while ADAPTIVE BRAKE with HOLD function enhances braking performance and convenience. LED Daytime Running Lamps and LED Tail Lamps improve visibility.
Passive safety features include a steel-reinforced cabin with front & rear crumple zones, designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. Front & rear outboard seatbelts with pre-tensioners & force limiters, dual two-stage front airbags, side airbags mounted in front seat backrests, head protection curtains, dual front pelvic airbags, and a driver’s side knee airbag provide comprehensive occupant protection. Active front head restraints are also included to mitigate whiplash injuries.
Active safety systems are equally comprehensive, featuring 4-wheel ABS disc brakes with Brake Assist System, Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), and Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR). Child safety is addressed with LATCH-lower anchors and tethers for children. Security features include an antitheft alarm with engine immobilizer and SmartKey with panic button. A tire pressure monitoring system is also standard, helping to maintain optimal tire conditions. The vehicle is backed by a new vehicle 4-year/50,000 mile warranty and a 24 hr. roadside assistance program.
Option Packages for Personalization
To further tailor the 2012 C-Class to individual preferences, Mercedes-Benz offered a range of option packages. For those seeking a sportier driving experience, the Sport Sedan Package (No Charge) includes a sport suspension, sport bodystyling, Aluminum Trim, and 17″ Split 5-spoke alloy wheels. Alternatively, the Luxury Sedan Package (No Charge) prioritizes comfort with a comfort suspension, comfort headrests, and Burl Walnut Wood Trim, also featuring 17″ Split 5-spoke alloy wheels.
The Premium 1 Package ($2,500) enhances interior features with Heated Front Seats, SIRIUS® satellite radio, an iPod/MP3 Media Interface, a premium harman/kardon LOGIC7® surround-sound system, driver’s seat memory and power steering column, split-folding rear seats, and 4-way power lumbar support (driver only). The Lighting Package ($1,290) upgrades exterior lighting with Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination, a headlamp washing system, and Adaptive Highbeam Assist. For advanced driver assistance, the Lane Tracking Package ($850) includes Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist.
The Multimedia Package ($2,790) significantly upgrades the infotainment system with a COMAND system with hard-drive navigation (80GB), a 7-inch high-resolution LCD color display, enhanced voice control, SIRIUS® real-time traffic service, an in-dash DVD/CD and SD card slot, Gracenote® media database, 10GB hard-drive with Music Register, and a Rearview Camera. Luxury seating is available with the Full Leather Seating Package ($1,750), which includes Leather Upholstery and a Power / Memory Front Passenger Seat.
Stand-Alone and Special Order Options
Beyond packages, numerous stand-alone options allowed for further customization. Mercedes-Benz mbrace™ ($660) offered connected services. Individual options included an iPod®/MP3 Media Interface ($310), SIRIUS® satellite radio ($460), Heated front seats ($750), and Burl Walnut wood trim ($325). Wheel upgrades were available with 18″ AMG Twin 5-spoke alloy wheels ($1,040) and 18″ AMG 7-spoke alloy wheels ($1,040). Parking assistance could be added with PARKTRONIC w/ Parking Guidance ($970), and keyless entry/start with KEYLESS-GO ($650). Rear side airbags ($420) and a power tilt/sliding panorama sunroof ($1,090) were also available as individual options. Special order options like Obsidian Black Paint ($720) and a power rear window sunshade ($440) allowed for even more bespoke configurations.
Exterior and Interior Choices
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class offered a range of exterior paint colors, including Black, Magnetite Black, Mars Red (Sport), Cuprite Brown, Arctic White, Iridium Silver, Palladium Silver, Diamond White, Lunar Blue, Pearl Beige, and Sapphire Grey. Interior upholstery choices included Black MB-Tex, Almond MB-Tex, Ash MB-Tex, Black Leather, Ash Leather, Almond / Beige Leather (Luxury), Sahara Beige / Black Leather (Sport), and Cappuccino Leather (Sport).
Conclusion
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class provided a comprehensive suite of standard features, a wide array of options and packages, and the renowned engineering expected from Mercedes-Benz. Whether prioritizing comfort, performance, or advanced technology, the 2012 C-Class offered a luxurious and customizable driving experience, making it a compelling choice in the compact luxury sedan segment.
