The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class offered a range of trims and configurations, each designed to cater to different driving preferences and needs. Among these, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 250 stands out as a compelling option, balancing performance with luxury and a host of standard and optional features. This article delves into the specifics of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 250, exploring its standard equipment, available packages, and how it compares within the broader C-Class lineup.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 250 and C 300 models share a foundation of premium features right from the base trim. Both come equipped with 17-inch wheels, ensuring a confident stance and ride quality. Automatic headlights and LED running lights provide enhanced visibility and a modern aesthetic. Convenience features are abundant, including automatic wipers, a sunroof to brighten the cabin, and cruise control for relaxed highway driving. Dual-zone automatic climate control allows personalized comfort for both driver and passenger.
Inside the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 250, eight-way power front seats with adjustable lumbar support ensure optimal driving posture. MB-Tex vinyl upholstery offers a durable and refined seating surface, while a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel allows drivers to find their ideal driving position. Auto-dimming interior and driver-side mirrors enhance safety and reduce nighttime glare. For connectivity and entertainment, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 250 includes Bluetooth phone and audio, a sound system with a CD player, auxiliary audio jack, USB audio jack, and HD radio, providing a comprehensive suite of media options.
It’s important to note that the C 300 4Matic distinguishes itself by adding all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and a V6 engine for increased power. However, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 250 provides a strong base of features that appeal to many drivers.
For sedan versions of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 250 and C 300, Mercedes-Benz offered further customization through Luxury and Sport sub-trims. These trims are not merely aesthetic packages; they involve distinct differences in wheel designs, suspension tuning to alter the ride and handling characteristics, specific styling details for a unique visual identity, steering wheel designs to match the trim’s character, and interior trim types to enhance the cabin ambiance. Notably, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 250 Luxury models equipped with 4Matic all-wheel drive also featured a comfort-tuned suspension, prioritizing a smooth and relaxed driving experience.
To elevate the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 250 further, the Premium 1 package was available. This package added desirable features such as four-way adjustable lumbar support for the front seats, heated front seats for cold weather comfort, driver memory functions to store personalized seat and mirror settings, a power-adjustable steering wheel for added convenience, and split-folding rear seats to increase cargo versatility. Audiophiles would appreciate the Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system included in the Premium 1 package, which also featured satellite radio and an iPod interface, also optionally available as standalone features.
The coupe version of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 250 received some enhanced standard features compared to the sedan. It included a panoramic sunroof, expanding the sense of spaciousness and light within the cabin. Split-folding rear seats were also standard in the coupe, along with additional driver seat adjustments, driver memory functions, and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, mirroring some of the upgrades found in the sedan’s optional packages. The coupe’s Premium 1 package mirrored the sedan’s, adding heated seats and the Harman Kardon system with satellite radio and iPod interface.
While the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 250 focused on a balance of efficiency and luxury, the C 350 sedan was offered exclusively in Sport guise, signaling a performance-oriented approach. It came with a more powerful V6 engine and the Premium 1 package as standard equipment, reflecting its higher positioning in the C-Class hierarchy. The C 350 coupe also included a panoramic sunroof as standard. At the top of the range, the C 63 AMG shared a similar level of comfort and convenience features but significantly ramped up performance. The C 63 AMG boasted 18-inch wheels, high-performance tires, an adaptive sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes for serious stopping power, sport seats to hold occupants firmly in place during spirited driving, more aggressive exterior styling, and distinct interior trim to emphasize its high-performance nature.
For further personalization, a wide array of standalone options and packages were available for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, including the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 250. The COMAND package was a popular choice, adding a larger central infotainment screen for improved visibility and usability, a navigation system to guide drivers, real-time traffic updates to avoid congestion, voice controls for hands-free operation, digital music storage for media collections, and a single-CD player. A six-CD changer could also be added for expanded audio options. The Lighting package enhanced nighttime driving safety with adaptive bi-xenon headlights featuring washers and automatic high beams. The Lane Tracking package incorporated blind-spot warning and lane-departure warning systems, crucial safety technologies. Stand-alone options included a rearview camera to aid parking and maneuvering, Mercedes-Benz mbrace emergency telematics for added security and assistance, 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 in tight spaces.
For those desiring an even more luxurious interior, the Full Leather Seating package (available for all C-Class models except the C 63) provided extended leather trim throughout the cabin, additional passenger seat adjustments, and passenger seat memory functions.
The C 63 AMG offered performance upgrades through the AMG Development package, which boosted horsepower by 30, increased the top speed, added red brake calipers for a sporty visual cue, and included a carbon-fiber trunk lid spoiler. A limited-slip differential was also available to enhance traction during high-performance driving.
At the extreme end of the performance spectrum was the C 63 AMG Black Series, available exclusively as a coupe. This model took performance to another level 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 to withstand demanding conditions, a rear axle differential lock for maximum traction, a wider track for enhanced stability, aerodynamic body modifications including a rear diffuser, special 19-inch wheels, a two-seat interior configuration to save weight, sport seats, microfiber upholstery and steering wheel trim, and unique interior design elements. Further track-focused options for the C 63 AMG Black Series included the AMG Track package with ultra-high-performance tires and an active cooling unit for the rear axle, and the AMG Aerodynamics package with added exterior winglets and an adjustable carbon-fiber rear spoiler for increased downforce.
In conclusion, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 250 provided a well-rounded entry point into the Mercedes-Benz C-Class lineup, offering a compelling blend of standard luxury features, available customization options, and efficient performance. Whether opting for the sedan or coupe, and selecting from available trims and packages, buyers could tailor their 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 250 to suit their individual preferences and driving needs within the esteemed Mercedes-Benz family.
