2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is The Highest Selling Model Series

This is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class , which gets a very modest facelift for the new model year. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the highest-selling model series for Mercedes-Benz. The new Mercedes-Benz C-
Class will be launched in spring 2011 and is a comprehensive modernisation.  Since the introduction of the first Mercedes-Benz C-Class in 1982 (then known as the model 190 ), Mercedes-Benz has sold more than 8.5 million vehicles in total in this segment. In 2010 too, the C-Class has repeatedly won top places in the registration statistics. The exterior gets a few tweaks (available LED lights, new creases, etc.) to stay in-line with the Benz family, while inside we get a redesigned dashboard.

“In terms of driveline and safety systems, the new-generation C-Class offers the com- fort and safety of our luxury vehicles – and with many high-end details in the interior evocative of the new CLS, the new C-Class sets completely new benchmarks in its segment when it comes to premium look-and-feel,” says Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Execu- tive Vice President Sales & Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars. This interior upgrade is further enhanced by the latest generation of telematics, which not only features com- pletely new visuals, but also brings improved functionality.

Other than the dash, the interior wears metallic trim on some controls and a new gauge cluster and steering wheel. As with the outgoing model, the car will be available in Sport and Luxury trim, with a slew of options tailored to suit various consumers. C250 Sport and C300 4MATIC Sport models have brushed aluminum trim, the C350 Sport gets Black Ash, and any of the Luxury models receive Burl Walnut wood.

In the tech department, there are five new driver assistance options (Attention Assist, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Park Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind Spot Assist) and an updated COMAND system.

Mercedes-Benz is offering an all-new four-cylinder engine option here in the United States (as well as a new model designation – C250), not to mention some tweaks for the V6 found in the top-end C350. Four-cylinder powerplants are quickly replacing six-cylinder mills these days, even in the entry-level luxury segment.

Based on preliminary specifications, the new direct-injected 1.8-liter turbocharged mill looks to be plenty potent, with 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque on hand. That's 27 less horsepower than the mid-range 3.0-liter V6, but the 1.8T offers eight more pound-feet of twist.

Thus, both the C250 and the mid-range C300 4Matic will do the 0-60 sprint in 7.1 seconds, but the C250 returns 24 miles per gallon (combined) while the C300 nets just 20 mpg. The range-topping C350 also gets some help from direct injection, meaning its 3.5-liter V6 now produces 302 hp and 273 lb-ft, gains of 34 hp and 15 lb-ft over the outgoing model.

the interior has been completely revamped to mimic the E-Class . Notable changes include a new dashboard, a revised steering wheel (from the CLS ), updated controls, and a redesigned instrument cluster. Furthermore, thanks to a generous helping of aluminum (or wood) trim, the cabin no longer is a sea of black plastic.

The 2012 C-Class will make its official debut at the Detroit Auto Show next month with the cars going on sale in the United States next summer.