The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 4MATIC stands as a compelling option in the luxury sedan market, offering a blend of comfort, performance, and advanced features. This model year provides a sophisticated driving experience, enhanced by Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to quality and innovation. Let’s delve into the standard equipment, available packages, and standalone options that define this vehicle.
Standard Equipment Highlights
Mercedes-Benz equipped the 2012 C300 4MATIC with a comprehensive list of standard features, emphasizing both comfort and convenience for drivers and passengers alike.
Comfort and Convenience
Inside the cabin, occupants are greeted with a power tilt/sliding sunroof, creating an open and airy atmosphere. Dual-zone automatic climate control ensures personalized temperature settings for optimal comfort in all weather conditions. 8-way power front seats, complete with lumbar support, accommodate various body types and driving preferences, enhancing comfort on long journeys.
Alt: Luxurious interior of a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 4MATIC showcasing leather seats and wood trim.
Entertainment and connectivity are well-addressed with a CD/MP3/AM/FM/Weatherband radio, HD Radio, and Bluetooth audio streaming capabilities. The sound system, equipped with auxiliary input and a USB port, along with the Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling, caters to modern audio needs. A central controller with a 5.8″ display provides intuitive access to vehicle functions.
Driving ergonomics are enhanced by a tilt & telescoping steering column and a multifunction leather steering wheel, putting essential controls within easy reach. A 4.5″ color instrument cluster display presents vital vehicle information clearly. Practicality is considered with front and rear cupholders, rain-sensing intermittent wipers, an integrated rearview mirror compass, and auto-dimming side and rearview mirrors. An integrated garage door opener adds further convenience. Standard cruise control, a heated windshield washer reservoir, and power windows with express up and down functions contribute to ease of use in daily driving. Automatic headlamps with a twilight sensor and locator lighting system ensure optimal visibility and safety. A trip computer provides useful driving data at a glance.
Performance and Handling
Under the hood, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 4MATIC boasts a robust 228 horsepower engine at 6,000 RPM, delivering spirited performance. Torque output is rated at 221 lb-ft, available between 2,700 and 5,000 RPM, ensuring responsive acceleration and confident highway cruising. The 7-speed automatic transmission provides smooth and efficient gear changes, contributing to both performance and fuel economy.
Alt: Engine bay of a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 4MATIC highlighting the powerful engine.
The C300 4MATIC’s handling is characterized by 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. This setup provides a balance of ride comfort and controlled handling. Dual exhaust with chrome outlets adds a touch of sporty styling to the vehicle’s rear.
Safety and Security
Mercedes-Benz prioritizes safety, and the 2012 C300 4MATIC is equipped with a suite of safety and security features. ATTENTION ASSIST monitors driver behavior and can alert the driver if drowsiness is detected. ADAPTIVE BRAKE with HOLD function enhances braking performance and convenience in stop-and-go traffic. LED Daytime Running Lamps and LED Tail Lamps improve visibility and road presence.
The vehicle is backed by a new vehicle 4-year/50,000 mile warranty and a 24-hour roadside assistance program, providing peace of mind to owners. Standard safety features include a steel-reinforced cabin with front & rear crumple zones, front & rear outboard seatbelts with pre-tensioners & force limiters, 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 front head restraints contribute to whiplash protection. 4-wheel ABS disc brakes with Brake Assist System, Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), and Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) enhance vehicle control in challenging driving situations. LATCH-lower anchors and tethers for children are included for child seat safety. An antitheft alarm with engine immobilizer and SmartKey with panic button provide security against theft. The tire pressure monitoring system helps maintain optimal tire inflation for safety and fuel efficiency.
Option Packages and Standalone Options
To further personalize the 2012 C300 4MATIC, Mercedes-Benz offered a range of option packages and standalone options.
Option Packages
The Sport Sedan Package (no charge) enhances the vehicle’s dynamic character with a sport suspension, sport bodystyling, aluminum trim, and 17″ split 5-spoke alloy wheels with performance tires. Conversely, the Luxury Sedan Package (no charge) emphasizes comfort with a comfort suspension, comfort headrests, burl walnut wood trim, and 17″ split 5-spoke alloy wheels with all-season tires.
The Premium 1 Package ($2,500) adds desirable features like 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. The Lighting Package ($1,290) upgrades the headlights to Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination, a headlamp washing system, and Adaptive Highbeam Assist.
For enhanced 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 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. The Full Leather Seating Package ($1,750) provides leather upholstery and a power/memory front passenger seat.
Standalone Options
Standalone options allowed for further customization, including Mercedes-Benz mbrace™ for connected services, iPod®/MP3 Media Interface, SIRIUS® satellite radio, heated front seats, burl walnut wood trim, upgraded 18″ AMG alloy wheels, PARKTRONIC with Parking Guidance, KEYLESS-GO, rear side airbags, and a power tilt/sliding panorama sunroof. Special order options included Obsidian Black paint and a power rear window sunshade.
Paint and Upholstery Choices
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 4MATIC offered a variety of paint and upholstery options to personalize the vehicle’s aesthetics. Paint choices ranged from classic Black and Arctic White to metallic finishes like Iridium Silver and Lunar Blue, and sporty Mars Red. Upholstery options included MB-Tex in Black, Almond, and Ash, as well as Leather in various colors and combinations, catering to different tastes and preferences.
Conclusion
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 4MATIC is a well-equipped luxury sedan that provides a comfortable and engaging driving experience. With its standard features, diverse option packages, and customizable standalone options, it offered buyers the opportunity to tailor the vehicle to their specific needs and desires. For those seeking a pre-owned luxury sedan, the 2012 C300 4MATIC remains a compelling choice, blending Mercedes-Benz engineering with a comprehensive feature set.
