The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C250 stands out as a compelling option in the luxury compact car segment, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and sophisticated features. Whether you’re considering purchasing one or simply intrigued by its offerings, understanding the details of its trims, standard equipment, and available options is key. This article delves into the specifics of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C250, providing a comprehensive overview for discerning автомобилист.
Both the C250 and C300 models in the 2012 C-Class lineup come generously equipped right from the base trim. Standard exterior features include 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, and distinctive LED running lights that enhance visibility and add a touch of modern styling. Automatic wipers contribute to driving convenience in inclement weather, while a sunroof brings in natural light and fresh air. Cruise control is standard for comfortable highway driving.
Inside the cabin, dual-zone automatic climate control ensures personalized comfort for both the driver and passenger. Eight-way power front seats, complete with adjustable lumbar support, allow for finding the perfect driving position. Mercedes-Benz’s MB-Tex vinyl upholstery offers a premium feel with durability. A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel further aids in driver customization. For enhanced safety and convenience, auto-dimming interior and driver-side mirrors are included.
In terms of technology and entertainment, the 2012 C250 and C300 feature Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity for seamless smartphone integration. A sound system with a CD player, auxiliary audio jack, a USB audio jack, and HD radio provides various audio entertainment options.
The C300 4Matic distinguishes itself by adding all-wheel drive, enhancing traction and stability, particularly in adverse weather conditions. It also features a more powerful V6 engine compared to the C250’s engine.
For sedan versions of the C250 and C300, Mercedes-Benz offered further customization through Luxury and Sport sub-trims. These trims are not merely aesthetic packages; they influence the driving experience. The Luxury trim prioritizes comfort with a comfort-tuned suspension, while the Sport trim offers a more engaging driving dynamic with sport-tuned suspension. Visual differences include wheel designs, styling details, steering wheel designs, and interior trim types, allowing buyers to tailor the C-Class to their preferences. Notably, when equipped with 4Matic all-wheel drive, the Luxury trim also includes the comfort-tuned suspension, maintaining its focus on ride quality.
Stepping up in features, the Premium 1 package, available as an option, adds a significant layer of luxury and convenience. This package includes four-way adjustable lumbar support for the front seats, elevating seating comfort even further. Heated front seats are a welcome addition in colder climates. Driver memory functions store personalized seat, mirror, and steering wheel settings for multiple drivers. A power-adjustable steering wheel adds to the ease of finding the ideal driving position. Split-folding rear seats enhance cargo versatility, allowing for longer items to be accommodated. Audiophiles will appreciate the Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system with satellite radio and an iPod interface, delivering a premium audio experience. It’s worth noting that the Harman Kardon system and iPod interface were also available as standalone options.
The coupe variant of the 2012 C250 receives some features that are optional on the sedan as standard. These include a panoramic sunroof, bringing an even greater sense of spaciousness to the cabin. Split-folding rear seats are also standard on the coupe, along with additional driver seat adjustments, driver memory functions, and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, mirroring some of the features found in the Premium 1 package for the sedan. The coupe’s Premium 1 package then adds heated seats and the Harman Kardon system with satellite radio and iPod interface, similar to the sedan’s package.
The C350 sedan was exclusively offered in Sport guise, emphasizing its performance-oriented nature. It came standard with a larger V6 engine for increased power and the Premium 1 package, incorporating the desirable comfort and convenience features. The C350 coupe further added a panoramic sunroof to its standard equipment.
At the top of the range, the C63 AMG shared a similar level of comfort and convenience features with the other C-Class models but distinguished itself with significant performance enhancements. It boasted 18-inch wheels and high-performance tires for superior grip. An adaptive sport-tuned suspension and upgraded brakes provided exceptional handling and stopping power. Sport seats offered enhanced lateral support during spirited driving. More aggressive styling cues and unique interior trim further differentiated the C63 AMG, signaling its high-performance nature.
For further customization, a wide array of options were available across the 2012 C-Class range. The COMAND package significantly upgraded the infotainment system with a larger central screen, a navigation system to guide drivers, real-time traffic updates to avoid congestion, voice controls for hands-free operation, digital music storage for media, and a single-CD player. A six-CD changer could also be added for expanded CD capacity. The Lighting package enhanced nighttime visibility with adaptive bi-xenon headlights featuring washers and automatic high beams. The Lane Tracking package incorporated blind-spot warning and lane-departure warning systems, bolstering safety. Stand-alone options included a rearview camera for easier parking, Mercedes-Benz mbrace emergency telematics for added security, a panoramic sunroof for the sedan, a power rear sunshade for rear passenger comfort, keyless ignition/entry for convenience, and the Parktronic advanced parking sensor system to simplify parking maneuvers.
For those desiring an even more luxurious interior, the Full Leather Seating package (available for all models except the C63) provided extended leather trim, additional passenger seat adjustments, and passenger seat memory functions.
Exclusive to the C63 AMG were performance-enhancing packages. The AMG Development package boosted power by 30 horsepower, increased the top speed, and added distinctive red brake calipers and a carbon-fiber trunk lid spoiler. A limited-slip differential was also offered for improved traction in performance driving scenarios.
The ultimate performance variant, available only as a coupe, was the C63 AMG Black Series. This model took performance to an extreme with even more power, an adjustable coil-over sport suspension for track-ready handling, high-performance composite brakes for exceptional stopping power, extra engine cooling for sustained performance, a rear axle differential lock for maximum traction, a wider track and aerodynamic body modifications for enhanced stability and cornering, special 19-inch wheels, a rear diffuser, a two-seat interior to save weight, sport seats, microfiber upholstery and steering wheel trim, and unique interior design elements. For the most demanding drivers, the AMG Track package added ultra-high-performance tires and an active cooling unit for the rear axle. The AMG Aerodynamics package further enhanced downforce with added exterior winglets and an adjustable carbon-fiber rear spoiler.
In conclusion, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C250, along with the broader C-Class range, offered a wide spectrum of features and options to cater to diverse preferences and needs. From comfortable and well-equipped base models to high-performance AMG variants and extensive customization possibilities, the 2012 C-Class provided a compelling luxury car experience.