Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan
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With several key changes for 2012, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan reaffirms its status as one of the best luxury sport sedans while chiseling out a similar position with its new coupe model.
New for 2012
Many changes are in evidence with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. For the first time ever, a new coupe model debuts and is offered in the same configurations as the sedan. The C-Class Sedan is also more powerful and fuel-efficient this year, as the C350 Sedan's V6 gets a big bump in horsepower, while a new turbocharged four-cylinder model debuts in a new trim, the C250 Sedan. The C300 Sedan's engine remains the same, but is now only available with all-wheel drive. The seven-speed automatic transmission has been altered for improved fuel efficiency. Other changes include additional standard equipment, new front-end styling and a revised interior that does away with the old pop-up LCD infotainment screen.
Exterior
The C-Class Sedan's styling has been refreshed, but not completely redesigned. The restyled front end takes after the current E-Class Sedan, with resculpted headlights and horizontal LED running lights in the bumper. The eyelash highlight from the 2011 C-Class Sedan is gone. Bi-xenon headlamps are optional. The most noticeable changes around back are the new taillight assemblies, which integrate LED lighting in a continuous band.
Interior
Interior trim choices include brushed aluminum, black ash and matte-finish burl walnut wood. A row of metallic buttons anchor a newly designed center control panel. A new instrument panel package brings a high-resolution color LCD screen to the center-mounted speedometer. The whole panel isn't LCD, as it is on the S-Class and CL-Class. The screen is outlined by a conventional analog speedometer ring. Entertainment features include a new generation of Mercedes-Benz Comand system, Bluetooth audio streaming and a USB port in the center armrest
Under the Hood
The C-Class offers three engines. The C250 Sedan has a new 201-horsepower, turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder with direct injection. The C300 Sedan with 4MATIC all-wheel drive has a 228-hp, 3.0-liter V-6, and the C350 Sedan has a 302-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 with direct injection, up from 268 hp in 2011. Fuel efficiency is 5 percent higher in the largest engine according to Mercedes-Benz.
All models use a seven-speed automatic transmission, and a new lightweight aluminum hood contributes to better gas mileage. Mercedes-Benz says the C250 Sedan will get 24 mpg in combined city/highway driving, a 15 percent improvement over last year's C300 Sedan. The C300 Sedan is rated 20 mpg, and the C350 Sedan is 21 mpg. Zero-to-60-mph times of 7.1 seconds for the C250 Sedan and C300 Sedan. It's 5.9 seconds for the C350 Sedan.
Safety
As required by federal law for all 2012 models, the C-Class Sedan has standard antilock brakes, traction control and an electronic stability system. Frontal, side-impact and side curtain airbags are also standard. Standard and optional high-tech safety features include blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and Attention Assist, which detects erratic driving and suggests the driver take a rest.