2012 C300 Mercedes-Benz: A Detailed Look at Features and Options

The 2012 C300 Mercedes-Benz stands as a testament to luxury and performance in the compact sedan segment. This model year offered a compelling blend of sophisticated features, powerful engine options, and the renowned Mercedes-Benz build quality. Let’s delve into a comprehensive overview of the standard equipment, optional packages, and standalone features that defined the 2012 C300.

Standard Equipment Highlights

Mercedes-Benz ensured the 2012 C300 was well-appointed right from the base model. The standard features focused on delivering both comfort and a premium driving experience.

Comfort and Convenience

The interior of the 2012 C300 was designed with the driver and passengers in mind, offering a range of comfort and convenience features as standard:

Power Tilt/Sliding Sunroof: Enjoy fresh air and natural light with the power sunroof, featuring express open and close functionality for ease of use.
Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control: Maintain optimal cabin temperature for both driver and passenger with individual climate settings and a dust filter for cleaner air.
8-Way Power Front Seats with Lumbar Support: Find your perfect driving position with extensive adjustability and lumbar support for enhanced comfort on longer journeys.
Entertainment System: Stay connected and entertained with a comprehensive system including CD/MP3/AM/FM/Weatherband radio, HD Radio, Bluetooth Audio Streaming, and a sound system with auxiliary input and 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 the user-friendly central controller and display screen.
Tilt & Telescoping Steering Column: Adjust the steering wheel to your preferred position for optimal driving ergonomics.
Multifunction Leather Steering Wheel: Control audio, phone, and other vehicle functions directly from the leather-wrapped steering wheel.
4.5″ Color Instrument Cluster Display: Access important vehicle information clearly and concisely on the color display within the instrument cluster.
Practical Interior Features: Benefit from front and rear cupholders, rain-sensing intermittent wipers, an integrated rearview mirror compass, and automatic dimming side and rearview mirrors for added convenience and safety.
Garage Door Opener & Cruise Control: Standard integrated garage door opener and cruise control enhance daily usability and driving ease.
Heated Windshield Washer Reservoir: Maintain clear visibility in colder climates with the heated windshield washer reservoir.
Power Windows & Automatic Headlamps: Enjoy the convenience of power windows with express up and down, and automatic headlamps with twilight sensor and locator lighting for enhanced safety and visibility.
Trip Computer: Keep track of essential driving data with the integrated trip computer.

Performance and Handling

The 2012 C300 was engineered to deliver a balanced and engaging driving experience:

Engine Power: Powered by a robust engine producing 228 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 221 lb-ft of torque between 2,700 and 5,000 RPM, providing ample power for daily driving and spirited performance.
7-Speed Automatic Transmission: Experience smooth and efficient gear changes with the 7-speed automatic transmission, contributing to both performance and fuel economy.
Suspension System: The C300 features a front suspension with a 3-link independent strut-type design with stabilizer bar and a rear multi-link independent suspension with stabilizer bar, ensuring a comfortable yet controlled ride.
Dual Exhaust with Chrome Outlets: Enhance the sporty aesthetic and provide a pleasing exhaust note with the dual exhaust system and chrome outlets.

Safety and Security

Mercedes-Benz prioritized safety in the 2012 C300, equipping it with a comprehensive suite of safety and security features:

ATTENTION ASSIST: This innovative system monitors driver behavior and can alert the driver if signs of fatigue are detected, promoting safer driving.
ADAPTIVE BRAKE with HOLD Function: Enhance braking performance and control with ADAPTIVE BRAKE, including a HOLD function for added convenience in stop-and-go traffic.
LED Lighting: Increase visibility and modern aesthetics with LED Daytime Running Lamps and LED Tail Lamps.
Comprehensive Warranty & Assistance: Benefit from a new vehicle 4-year/50,000 mile warranty, a 24-hour roadside assistance program, and the Mercedes-Benz maintenance system for peace of mind.
Robust Construction & Airbags: The C300 features a steel-reinforced cabin with front and rear crumple zones, front and rear outboard seatbelts with pre-tensioners and 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.
Active Safety Systems: Equipped with active front head restraints, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes with Brake Assist System, Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), and Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) to enhance vehicle control and stability.
Child Safety & Security Features: Includes LATCH-lower anchors and tethers for children, an antitheft alarm with engine immobilizer, SmartKey with panic button, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Option Packages for the 2012 C300

To further personalize the 2012 C300, Mercedes-Benz offered several option packages, allowing buyers to tailor the vehicle to their specific preferences and needs.

Sport Sedan Package (No Charge)

For a more dynamic driving experience and appearance, the Sport Sedan Package included:

Sport suspension for enhanced handling.
Sport bodystyling for a more aggressive exterior look.
Aluminum trim interior accents.
17″ Split 5-spoke alloy wheels.
Tires: 225/45 R17 front / 245/40 R17 rear (all-season).

Luxury Sedan Package (No Charge)

Focusing on enhanced comfort and classic elegance, the Luxury Sedan Package featured:

Comfort suspension for a smoother ride.
Comfort headrests for added relaxation.
Burl Walnut Wood Trim for a traditional luxury feel.
17″ Split 5-spoke alloy wheels.
Tires: 225/45 R17 (all-season).

Premium 1 Package ($2,500)

Elevating the luxury and convenience features, the Premium 1 Package added:

Heated Front Seats for comfort in colder weather.
SIRIUS® satellite radio for a wide range of entertainment options.
iPod/MP3 Media Interface (in center console) for seamless device integration.
harman/kardon LOGIC7® surround-sound system for premium audio quality.
Driver’s seat memory and power steering column for personalized settings.
Split-folding rear seats for increased cargo versatility.
4-way power lumbar support (driver only) for enhanced driver comfort.

Lighting Package ($1,290)

Improving visibility and adding advanced lighting technology, the Lighting Package included:

Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination for enhanced nighttime visibility and cornering illumination.
Headlamp washing system to maintain optimal headlight performance.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist for automatic high beam control, optimizing visibility without dazzling other drivers.

Lane Tracking Package ($850)

Enhancing driver assistance and safety, the Lane Tracking Package offered:

Blind Spot Assist to alert the driver to vehicles in blind spots.
Lane Keeping Assist which can warn the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane unintentionally.

Multimedia Package ($2,790)

Integrating advanced infotainment and navigation, the Multimedia Package featured:

COMAND system with hard-drive navigation (80GB) for sophisticated navigation and infotainment control.
7-inch high resolution LCD color display for clear and detailed visuals.
Enhanced voice control for audio, telephone, and navigation for hands-free operation.
SIRIUS® real-time traffic service for up-to-date traffic information.
In-dash DVD/CD and SD card slot for versatile media playback.
Gracenote® media database for enhanced media information.
10GB hard-drive with Music Register for storing digital music.
Rearview Camera for enhanced visibility when reversing.

Full Leather Seating Package ($1,750)

Adding premium upholstery and passenger seat adjustability, the Full Leather Seating Package included:

Leather Upholstery for a luxurious interior feel.
Power/Memory Front Passenger Seat for enhanced passenger comfort and convenience.

Standalone Options

Beyond packages, the 2012 C300 offered a range of standalone options for further customization:

Mercedes-Benz mbrace™ for connectivity and concierge services.
iPod®/MP3 Media Interface for device integration.
SIRIUS® satellite radio for entertainment.
Heated front seats for individual comfort.
Burl Walnut wood trim for interior aesthetics.
18″ AMG Twin 5-spoke and 18″ AMG 7-spoke alloy wheels for sporty styling.
PARKTRONIC w/ Parking Guidance for parking assistance.
KEYLESS-GO for keyless entry and start.
Rear side airbags for enhanced rear passenger safety.
Power tilt/sliding panorama sunroof for an expansive open-air feel.

Special Order Options

For unique preferences, special order options were available:

Obsidian Black Paint for a distinctive exterior finish.
Power rear window sunshade for rear passenger comfort and privacy.

Paint and Upholstery Choices

The 2012 C300 offered a variety of paint and upholstery options to personalize the vehicle’s appearance:

Paint: Black, Magnetite Black, Mars Red (Sport), Cuprite Brown, Arctic White, Iridium Silver, Palladium Silver, Diamond White, Lunar Blue, Pearl Beige, Sapphire Grey.

Upholstery: Black MB-Tex, Almond MB-Tex, Ash MB-Tex, Black Leather, Ash Leather, Almond / Beige Leather (Luxury), Sahara Beige / Black Leather (Sport), Cappuccino Leather (Sport).

*Note: Features highlighted with an asterisk were new or noteworthy for the 2012 model year.

In conclusion, the 2012 C300 Mercedes-Benz provided a comprehensive suite of standard features and a wide array of options and packages, allowing drivers to create a luxury sedan tailored to their individual needs and preferences. Whether prioritizing comfort, performance, or advanced technology, the 2012 C300 offered a compelling entry point into the Mercedes-Benz lineup.