The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 4MATIC stands as a testament to luxury and performance in the compact sedan segment. This model year brought a suite of standard features and a range of optional packages designed to cater to discerning drivers. Let’s delve into a comprehensive overview of what the Mercedes 2012 C300 4matic offered in terms of standard equipment and available upgrades.
Standard Comfort and Convenience Features
The Mercedes 2012 C300 4MATIC prioritized occupant comfort and convenience with a generous array of standard features. Enjoying natural light and fresh air is effortless thanks to the power tilt/sliding sunroof with express open and close. Inside, dual-zone automatic climate control with a dust filter ensures a comfortable cabin environment for both driver and passengers.
Seating is designed for personalized comfort with 8-way power front seats including lumbar support. Entertainment and connectivity are well-covered with a CD/MP3/AM/FM/Weatherband radio, HD Radio*, and Bluetooth Audio Streaming*. The sound system includes an auxiliary input and USB port, complemented by a Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling. Navigating the vehicle’s systems is intuitive using the central controller with a 5.8″ display*.
The driver benefits from a tilt & telescoping steering column and a multifunction leather steering wheel, along with a clear 4.5″ color instrument cluster display*. Practicality is enhanced with front and rear cupholders, rain-sensing intermittent wipers*, and an integrated rearview mirror compass*. For added convenience, auto-dimming side and rearview mirrors* and an integrated garage door opener* are included. Standard features also extend to cruise control, a heated windshield washer reservoir, power windows with express up and down, automatic headlamps with twilight sensor & locator lighting, and a helpful trip computer.
Standard Performance and Handling Features
Under the hood, the Mercedes 2012 C300 4MATIC boasts a responsive 228 horsepower engine at 6,000 RPM, generating 221 lb-ft of torque between 2,700 and 5,000 RPM. Power is delivered smoothly through a 7-speed automatic transmission*. The chassis is engineered for a balance of comfort and agility, featuring a front suspension with a 3-link independent strut-type design and stabilizer bar, and a rear multi-link independent suspension with stabilizer bar. The vehicle’s sporty aesthetic is completed with a dual exhaust system with chrome outlets.
Standard Safety and Security Features
Safety is paramount in the Mercedes 2012 C300 4MATIC. The vehicle is equipped with ATTENTION ASSIST*, which monitors driver behavior for signs of drowsiness. The ADAPTIVE BRAKE system with HOLD function* enhances braking performance and convenience. Visibility is improved with LED Daytime Running Lamps and LED Tail Lamps*.
Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to safety is further reflected in the steel-reinforced cabin with front & rear crumple zones, and comprehensive occupant protection systems. These include front & rear outboard seatbelts with pre-tensioners & force limiters, dual two-stage front airbags, side airbags mounted in 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.
Driving dynamics are enhanced by 4-wheel ABS disc brakes with Brake Assist System, Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), and Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR). Child safety is addressed with LATCH-lower anchors and tethers for children. Security features include an antitheft alarm with engine immobilizer and SmartKey with panic button. A tire pressure monitoring system is also standard. Peace of mind is provided by the new vehicle 4-year/50,000 mile warranty, a 24 hr. roadside assistance program, and the Mercedes-Benz maintenance system.
Option Packages for Personalization
For buyers seeking to further customize their Mercedes 2012 C300 4MATIC, several option packages were available. The Sport Sedan Package (No Charge) offered a more dynamic driving experience with a sport suspension and sport bodystyling, complemented by aluminum trim and 17″ split 5-spoke alloy wheels* with performance tires. Alternatively, the Luxury Sedan Package (No Charge) prioritized comfort with a comfort suspension, comfort headrests, and Burl Walnut Wood Trim, along with 17″ split 5-spoke alloy wheels and all-season tires.
The Premium 1 Package ($2,500) elevated the interior experience with heated front seats, SIRIUS® satellite radio, an iPod/MP3 Media Interface, a premium 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.
Enhanced visibility was available through the Lighting Package ($1,290), which included Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination, a headlamp washing system, and Adaptive Highbeam Assist*. Driver assistance technologies were grouped in the Lane Tracking Package ($850), featuring Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist.
For advanced infotainment, the Multimedia Package ($2,790) provided the COMAND system with hard-drive navigation (80GB) on a 7-inch high resolution LCD color display. It also added enhanced voice control, SIRIUS® real-time traffic service, an in-dash DVD/CD and SD card slot, Gracenote® media database, a 10GB hard-drive with Music Register, and a Rearview Camera. Luxury seating was further enhanced with the Full Leather Seating Package ($1,750), upgrading to Leather Upholstery and adding a Power/Memory Front Passenger Seat.
Standalone Options and Special Orders
Beyond packages, a range of standalone options allowed for granular customization. These included Mercedes-Benz mbrace™ ($660), standalone iPod®/MP3 Media Interface ($310) or SIRIUS® satellite radio ($460), heated front seats ($750), Burl Walnut wood trim ($325), upgraded 18″ AMG alloy wheels ($1,040) in twin or 7-spoke designs, PARKTRONIC w/ Parking Guidance ($970), KEYLESS-GO ($650), rear side airbags ($420), and a power tilt/sliding panorama sunroof ($1,090). Special order options included premium Obsidian Black Paint ($720) and a convenient power rear window sunshade ($440).
Paint and Upholstery Choices
The Mercedes 2012 C300 4MATIC offered a palette of exterior paint options including Black, Magnetite Black, Mars Red (Sport), Cuprite Brown*, Arctic White, Iridium Silver, Palladium Silver, Diamond White, Lunar Blue*, Pearl Beige, and Sapphire Grey. Interior upholstery choices ranged from Black MB-Tex, Almond MB-Tex, Ash MB-Tex, to Black Leather*, Ash Leather*, Almond / Beige Leather* (Luxury), Sahara Beige / Black Leather* (Sport), and Cappuccino Leather* (Sport).
In conclusion, the Mercedes 2012 C300 4MATIC provided a well-appointed luxury sedan experience with a robust set of standard features and extensive customization options. Whether prioritizing sporty dynamics, opulent comfort, or advanced technology, the C300 4MATIC offered a compelling package for discerning drivers.
