The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 stands out as a compelling option in the luxury sedan market, blending performance, comfort, and sophisticated technology. Whether you’re considering purchasing a pre-owned model or simply researching its features, understanding what this vehicle offers is key. This article provides a comprehensive look at the standard and optional equipment of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300, ensuring you’re well-informed about its offerings.
Standard Equipment Highlights of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300
Mercedes-Benz equipped the 2012 C300 with a generous array of standard features focused on comfort, convenience, performance, and safety. Let’s delve into the details:
Comfort and Convenience Features
The interior of the 2012 C300 is designed for a premium experience, boasting a range of standard comfort and convenience features:
- Power Tilt/Sliding Sunroof: Enjoy the open air with a power tilt/sliding sunroof, featuring express open and close functionality for ease of use.
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control: Maintain optimal cabin temperature with dual-zone automatic climate control, complete with a dust filter for cleaner air.
- 8-Way Power Front Seats with Lumbar Support: Find your perfect driving position with 8-way power-adjustable front seats, including lumbar support for enhanced comfort on long drives.
- Entertainment System: Stay entertained with a CD/MP3/AM/FM/Weatherband radio, HD Radio, and Bluetooth Audio Streaming capabilities. A sound system with auxiliary input and a USB port further expands your media options.
- Bluetooth Interface: Utilize the Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling, ensuring safe and convenient communication on the go.
- Central Controller with 5.8″ Display: Manage vehicle functions through a central controller paired with a 5.8″ display, offering intuitive access to various settings.
- Tilt & Telescoping Steering Column: Adjust the steering column to your preferred position with the tilt and telescoping functionality, complemented by a multifunction leather steering wheel for a luxurious feel.
- 4.5″ Color Instrument Cluster Display: The 4.5″ color instrument cluster display provides essential vehicle information clearly and attractively.
- Practical Interior Amenities: Benefit from front and rear cupholders, rain-sensing intermittent wipers, an integrated rearview mirror compass, and an integrated garage door opener for added convenience in daily driving.
- Automatic Dimming Mirrors: Auto-dimming side and rearview mirrors enhance nighttime driving safety by reducing glare.
- Cruise Control: Maintain a consistent speed on highways with cruise control.
- Heated Windshield Washer Reservoir: The heated windshield washer reservoir helps to improve visibility in colder climates.
- Power Windows and Automatic Headlamps: Enjoy the convenience of power windows with express up and down, and automatic headlamps with twilight sensor & locator lighting for enhanced visibility.
- Trip Computer: Keep track of your driving data with the integrated trip computer.
Performance and Handling
The 2012 C300 delivers a balanced driving experience, combining responsive performance with refined handling:
- Engine Output: Powered by an engine producing 228 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 221 lb-ft of torque between 2,700 and 5,000 RPM, the C300 offers ample power for daily driving and confident acceleration.
- 7-Speed Automatic Transmission: Experience smooth and efficient gear changes with the 7-speed automatic transmission.
- Suspension System: The C300 features a front suspension with a 3-link independent strut-type design and a rear multi-link independent suspension, both equipped with stabilizer bars to enhance handling and ride comfort.
- Dual Exhaust: A dual exhaust system with chrome outlets adds a touch of sporty styling to the vehicle’s rear.
Safety and Security Features
Mercedes-Benz prioritizes safety, and the 2012 C300 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety and security features:
- ATTENTION ASSIST: This system monitors driver behavior and can alert the driver if signs of drowsiness are detected.
- ADAPTIVE BRAKE with HOLD function: The ADAPTIVE BRAKE system includes a HOLD function for added convenience in stop-and-go traffic.
- LED Lighting: Benefit from enhanced visibility with LED Daytime Running Lamps and LED Tail Lamps.
- Comprehensive Warranty: Enjoy peace of mind with a new vehicle 4-year/50,000 mile warranty and a 24-hour roadside assistance program.
- Robust Safety Structure: The C300 incorporates a steel-reinforced cabin with front & rear crumple zones to enhance occupant protection in collisions.
- Advanced Airbag System: A comprehensive airbag system includes dual two-stage front airbags, side airbags in the front seat backrests, head protection curtains, dual front pelvic airbags, and a driver’s side knee airbag.
- Active Head Restraints: Active front head restraints are designed to help reduce whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions.
- Braking and Stability Systems: Equipped with 4-wheel ABS disc brakes with Brake Assist System, Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), and Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) to provide confident control in various driving conditions.
- Child Safety and Security: Features LATCH-lower anchors and tethers for children and an antitheft alarm with engine immobilizer and SmartKey with panic button for enhanced security.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System: Stay informed about tire pressure with the standard tire pressure monitoring system.
Optional Packages for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300
To further personalize and enhance the 2012 C300, Mercedes-Benz offered a variety of optional packages:
Sport Sedan Package (No Charge)
For a more dynamic driving experience, the Sport Sedan Package included:
- Sport suspension for firmer handling.
- Sport bodystyling for a more aggressive appearance.
- Aluminum trim interior accents.
- 17″ Split 5-spoke alloy wheels.
- Performance tires: 225/45 R17 front / 245/40 R17 rear (all-season).
Luxury Sedan Package (No Charge)
Focusing on enhanced comfort, the Luxury Sedan Package featured:
- Comfort suspension for a smoother ride.
- Comfort headrests.
- Burl Walnut Wood Trim interior accents.
- 17″ Split 5-spoke alloy wheels.
- All-season tires: 225/45 R17.
Premium 1 Package ($2,500)
Elevate the interior experience with the Premium 1 Package, offering:
- Heated front seats for cold weather comfort.
- SIRIUS® satellite radio for expanded entertainment options.
- iPod/MP3 Media Interface 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 driving posture.
Lighting Package ($1,290)
Improve nighttime visibility with the Lighting Package, featuring:
- Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination for enhanced cornering visibility.
- Headlamp washing system to maintain headlight clarity.
- Adaptive Highbeam Assist for optimized high beam usage without dazzling other drivers.
Lane Tracking Package ($850)
Enhance driving safety with the Lane Tracking Package, which includes:
- Blind Spot Assist to alert you to vehicles in your blind spots.
- Lane Keeping Assist to help prevent unintentional lane departures.
Multimedia Package ($2,790)
Upgrade the infotainment system with the Multimedia Package, offering:
- COMAND system with hard-drive navigation (80GB) for advanced navigation capabilities.
- 7-inch high resolution LCD color display for a larger and clearer display.
- Enhanced voice control for audio, telephone, and navigation functions.
- SIRIUS® real-time traffic service for up-to-date traffic information.
- In-dash DVD/CD player and SD card slot for versatile media playback.
- Gracenote® media database for media information.
- 10GB hard-drive with Music Register for storing digital music.
- Rearview Camera for easier and safer reversing.
Full Leather Seating Package ($1,750)
Elevate the interior luxury with the Full Leather Seating Package, including:
- Leather Upholstery for a premium cabin feel.
- Power/Memory Front Passenger Seat for matching the driver’s side adjustability and memory features.
Standalone Options for Further Customization
Beyond packages, the 2012 C300 offered standalone options for further personalization:
- Mercedes-Benz mbrace™ for connected services.
- iPod®/MP3 Media Interface for individual purchase.
- SIRIUS® satellite radio as a standalone option.
- Heated front seats as an individual option.
- Burl Walnut wood trim for interior customization.
- 18″ AMG Alloy Wheel Options: Choose between 18″ AMG Twin 5-spoke or 7-spoke alloy wheels for a sportier appearance.
- 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 even larger sunroof experience.
- Obsidian Black Paint for a premium exterior finish.
- Power rear window sunshade for rear passenger comfort and privacy.
Paint and Upholstery Choices
Customize the aesthetics of your 2012 C300 with a variety of paint and upholstery options:
Paint Options:
- Black
- Magnetite Black
- Mars Red (Sport)
- Cuprite Brown*
- Arctic White
- Iridium Silver
- Palladium Silver
- Diamond White
- Lunar Blue*
- Pearl Beige
- Sapphire Grey
Upholstery Options:
- 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)
*Highlight for 2012MY
Conclusion
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 offers a compelling blend of luxury, performance, and safety features, making it a desirable vehicle in its class. Whether you appreciate its standard equipment or explore the extensive range of optional packages and standalone features, the C300 provides a sophisticated driving experience. Understanding these features is crucial for anyone considering a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300, ensuring you know exactly what this model has to offer.
