Mercedes-Benz, a brand synonymous with luxury and innovation for over 125 years, introduced a fresh and exciting model to its lineup with the 2012 C-Class Coupe. This two-door iteration of the popular C-Class sedan wasn’t just about reducing door count; it was about amplifying driving pleasure and injecting a dose of youthful sportiness into the Mercedes-Benz family. Let’s delve into what makes the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 Coupe a compelling choice in the luxury coupe market.
The 2012 C-Class marked a significant refresh for Mercedes-Benz, with the Coupe model being a standout addition. While Mercedes had previously offered a C-Class “coupe” in the early 2000s, the C230 Sport Coupe, it was a hatchback design that didn’t quite resonate with the American market’s perception of a Mercedes-Benz coupe. The 2012 C250 Coupe, however, embraced true coupe styling, aligning itself with the sleek and sporty aesthetics favored by competitors like BMW and Cadillac in North America.
This new coupe distinguishes itself from its sedan sibling immediately with its “Sport” trim-only configuration. This translates to an AMG-inspired visual package that leans towards aggression rather than pure lavishness. The front fascia features a wide, angular grille, complemented by a long, sculpted hood and minimized front and rear overhangs. The stance is lower and more assertive. Both the windshield and rear window are steeply raked, culminating in a short, sporty decklid. A panoramic sliding glass roof comes standard, enhancing the open and airy feel of the cabin. The rear design is broad and muscular, featuring LED taillights, a unique lower diffuser, and a single, polished chrome exhaust tip.
Stepping inside the 2012 C250 Coupe reveals a cabin that echoes the sporty exterior. Aluminum and black trim elements replace the traditional wood veneers typically found in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, creating a more contemporary and driver-focused environment. The instrument cluster is a deeply set, three-ring design, with the speedometer prominently positioned in the center, flanked by an information screen. A new three-spoke steering wheel incorporates shift paddles for the standard 7-speed automatic transmission, adding to the sporty feel. Standard sport seats are upholstered in MB-Tex faux-leather, with optional heating available as part of the Premium 1 package. This package also upgrades the audio system to a Harman/Kardon Logic7 Surround Sound system for enhanced audio enjoyment.
The Mercedes-Benz COMAND system, featuring a 7-inch high-resolution screen, manages infotainment and vehicle functions. Interestingly, a cost-saving measure is noticeable in the placement of the passenger seat controls, moved from the door panel to the seat bottom, a departure from the typical Mercedes-Benz layout for driver and passenger seat adjustments.
As expected in a coupe, rear seat access is somewhat restricted, and space is at a premium once inside. However, the split-folding rear seatbacks offer a practical solution, folding almost flat to significantly expand the 11.7 cubic-feet of trunk space, enhancing the car’s versatility.
Behind the wheel, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 Coupe lives up to its sporty billing. The base model C250, equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, feels light on its feet, agile, and more engaging than the typical Mercedes-Benz sedan. It trades some of the traditional heft for a more nimble and responsive driving experience.
Despite its “C250” designation, the direct-injection turbocharged inline-4 engine displaces just 1.8-liters. It produces a respectable 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the C350 model offers a 3.5-liter V6 with 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. However, the C250’s smaller engine contributes to weight reduction and enhanced agility. While the engine’s small displacement is somewhat noticeable, with a subtle roughness reminiscent of a diesel, it delivers decent power, although the throttle response is calibrated to be quite soft.
On the test track, the C250 demonstrated surprising spiritedness. Despite cold track conditions that hampered traction, it achieved a 0-60 mph time of 7.9 seconds. Performance builds as you approach the engine’s redline, and the transmission’s firm shifts helped propel it through the quarter-mile in 16.1 seconds at 89 mph.
The turbocharged four-cylinder engine exhibits minimal turbo lag, contributing to effortless on-off throttle transitions in corners. The suspension setup comprises a 3-link front design with McPherson struts and a multi-link rear. The optional Advanced Agility package enhances handling further with shorter springs and stiffer shock absorbers, endowing the C-Coupe with a planted and confident feel, characterized by quick turn-in and nicely weighted steering. Braking performance is impressive; the C250 Coupe halted from speed in just 120 feet on the cold test track, thanks to a firm pedal and good stability, earning praise from test drivers.
Fuel economy ratings are respectable for a luxury coupe, but perhaps not as high as one might expect from a small displacement engine, with EPA estimates of 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. Real-world testing yielded an average of 24 mpg on premium fuel. Energy Impact Scores are favorable at 13.2-barrels of oil consumed per year and annual CO2 emissions of 5.9-tons.
Pricing for the 2012 C-Class Coupe is competitive, starting at $38,095 for the C250. This positions it slightly below both the base BMW 3-Series Coupe and the Cadillac CTS Coupe, making it an attractive value proposition in the luxury coupe segment. While coupes represent a smaller portion of the overall car market, Mercedes-Benz anticipated that the 2-door C-Class would account for less than 10% of total C-Class sales. However, it’s a vital segment for brand image and maintaining competitiveness.
In conclusion, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, particularly the C250 model, successfully captures a youthful and sportier essence compared to its sedan counterpart. It’s a stylish and engaging coupe that delivers a fun driving experience, making it a cool and classy choice for those seeking a luxury two-door with a dynamic edge.
2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 Coupe Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.8-liter I4 |
| Horsepower | 201 |
| Torque | 229 lb-ft. |
| 0-60 mph | 7.9 seconds |
| 1/4 mile | 16.1 seconds @ 89 mph |
| EPA Fuel Economy | 21 mpg city/ 31 mpg highway |
| Energy Impact | 13.2 barrels oil/yr |
| CO2 Emissions | 5.9 tons/yr |
