The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, particularly the C250 model, offers a blend of luxury, performance, and advanced features that appeal to discerning drivers. This article delves into the specifics of the 2012 C250, exploring its standard equipment, available packages, optional extras, and how it compares within the broader C-Class lineup. Whether you’re considering purchasing a pre-owned 2012 C250 or simply researching its features, this comprehensive guide provides valuable insights.
Standard Features of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250
The 2012 Mercedes-benz C250 is well-equipped right from the base trim, ensuring a premium driving experience. Standard features across the C250 and C300 models include:
- Wheels and Lighting: 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, and LED daytime running lights enhance both aesthetics and visibility.
- Exterior Features: Automatic wipers and a sunroof add convenience and open-air enjoyment.
- Comfort and Convenience: Cruise control and dual-zone automatic climate control contribute to a comfortable driving environment for both driver and passengers.
- Seating and Interior Trim: Eight-way power front seats with adjustable lumbar support, along with MB-Tex vinyl upholstery, offer a balance of comfort and durability. A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel further customizes the driving position.
- Technology and Connectivity: Auto-dimming interior and driver-side mirrors, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a sound system with CD player, auxiliary audio jack, USB audio jack, and HD radio provide essential entertainment and connectivity features.
Alt text: Luxurious interior of a Mercedes-Benz C-Class showcasing premium materials and design.
It’s important to note that the C300 4Matic distinguishes itself with standard all-wheel drive and a V6 engine, catering to drivers seeking enhanced performance and all-weather capability.
2012 C250 Sedan and Coupe: Luxury vs. Sport Sub-Trims
For the sedan version of the 2012 C250 and C300, Mercedes-Benz offered Luxury and Sport sub-trims, allowing buyers to tailor the vehicle to their preferences. These sub-trims differentiate themselves through:
- Wheel Design: Distinct wheel designs visually set apart the Luxury and Sport models.
- Suspension Tuning: Sport models typically feature a firmer, sport-tuned suspension for enhanced handling, while Luxury models prioritize ride comfort.
- Styling Details: Subtle styling cues, both interior and exterior, differentiate the trims, reflecting their respective focuses.
- Steering Wheel Design: Steering wheel designs may vary, with Sport models often featuring sportier designs and materials.
- Interior Trim Type: Interior trim materials and finishes differ, contributing to the overall ambiance of each sub-trim.
When equipped with 4Matic all-wheel drive, the Luxury trim also incorporates a comfort-tuned suspension, emphasizing a smooth and refined ride quality.
Premium 1 Package: Enhancing Comfort and Technology
The optional Premium 1 package significantly elevates the features of the 2012 C250, adding a range of desirable amenities:
- Enhanced Seating Comfort: Four-way adjustable lumbar support for the front seats and heated front seats enhance comfort, particularly on longer journeys.
- Driver Memory Functions: Driver memory functions for the seat, mirrors, and steering wheel allow for personalized settings recall.
- Power-Adjustable Steering Wheel: A power-adjustable steering wheel adds further convenience in achieving the ideal driving position.
- Practicality and Convenience: Split-folding rear seats increase cargo versatility, accommodating larger items when needed.
- Upgraded Audio: A Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system with satellite radio and an iPod interface delivers a premium audio experience. Notably, the Harman Kardon system and iPod interface could also be optionally added separately.
Alt text: High-quality Harman Kardon sound system integrated into a Mercedes-Benz C-Class, highlighting audio excellence.
In the coupe variant of the C250, some features from the Premium 1 package for the sedan are already included as standard, such as split-folding rear seats, driver memory functions, and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. The coupe’s Premium 1 package then adds heated seats and the Harman Kardon system with satellite radio and iPod interface.
2012 C350 and C63 AMG: Stepping Up in Performance and Features
Moving beyond the C250 and C300, the 2012 C-Class also offered more performance-oriented models. The C350 sedan was exclusively available in Sport guise, featuring a more powerful V6 engine and the Premium 1 package as standard. The C350 coupe further added a panoramic sunroof.
The range-topping C63 AMG shared a similar level of comfort and convenience features but distinguished itself with significant performance upgrades:
- Performance Wheels and Tires: 18-inch wheels and high-performance tires enhance grip and handling.
- Sport-Tuned Suspension and Brakes: An adaptive sport-tuned suspension and upgraded brakes provide superior handling and stopping power.
- Sport Seats and Styling: Sport seats and more aggressive styling cues inside and out reflect its high-performance nature.
- Interior Trim: Unique interior trim further differentiates the C63 AMG.
Optional Packages and Standalone Options for the 2012 C-Class
Beyond the standard features and Premium 1 package, a wide array of optional packages and standalone options allowed buyers to further customize their 2012 C-Class:
- COMAND Package: This package included a larger central infotainment screen, navigation system, real-time traffic updates, voice controls, digital music storage, and a single-CD player. A six-CD changer was also available as an add-on.
- Lighting Package: For enhanced nighttime visibility, the Lighting package added adaptive bi-xenon headlights with washers and automatic high beams.
- Lane Tracking Package: Safety-focused, the Lane Tracking package included a blind-spot warning system and a lane-departure warning system.
- Standalone Options: A rearview camera, Mercedes-Benz mbrace emergency telematics, a panoramic sunroof (for the sedan), a power rear sunshade, keyless ignition/entry, and the Parktronic advanced parking sensor system were available individually.
Alt text: Mercedes-Benz C-Class COMAND infotainment system displaying navigation, emphasizing technology and user interface.
For those seeking ultimate luxury, the Full Leather Seating package (available on all models except the C63) offered extended leather trim, additional passenger seat adjustments, and passenger seat memory functions.
AMG Performance Enhancements
Specifically for the C63 AMG, performance enthusiasts could opt for further upgrades:
- AMG Development Package: This package boosted horsepower by 30, increased top speed, and added red brake calipers and a carbon-fiber trunk lid spoiler for enhanced aesthetics and performance. A limited-slip differential was also offered for improved traction.
- C63 AMG Black Series (Coupe Only): Representing the pinnacle of performance, the C63 AMG Black Series (available only as a coupe) featured even more extreme enhancements, including increased power, an adjustable coil-over sport suspension, high-performance composite brakes, extra engine cooling, a rear axle differential lock, wider track, aerodynamic body modifications, special 19-inch wheels, a rear diffuser, a two-seat interior, sport seats, microfiber upholstery, and unique interior design elements. Optional packages for the Black Series included the AMG Track package (ultra-high-performance tires and rear axle cooling) and the AMG Aerodynamics package (exterior winglets and adjustable carbon-fiber rear spoiler).
Conclusion: The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 – A Well-Rounded Luxury Choice
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 stands out as a compelling option in the luxury compact car segment. Its standard features are generous, and the availability of numerous packages and standalone options allows for a high degree of personalization. Whether you prioritize luxury, sporty handling, or advanced technology, the 2012 C-Class, and particularly the C250, offers a configuration to meet various needs and preferences. For those considering a pre-owned luxury vehicle, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 is definitely worth exploring for its blend of sophistication and features.
