2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Refresh Creates Envy Among Current Owners

In 2007 Mercedes-Benz came to market with the fourth generation C-Class. It was a car positioned to entice those looking to make the move to the luxury brand, but not quite ready to step up to the payments of an E-Class. The problem was that the car was a little light on the touches that one might expect from a Mercedes. For 2012 the C-Class is in mid-cycle refresh and it is something to talk about. The new C-Class will inspire, in a word, envy.

From the exterior front and rear fascia, interior to under the hood Mercedes has done their due diligence and produced a C-Class worth the three-pointed star. The problem with it is that owners who already bought a C-Class prior to the 2012 refresh might feel envious of the new model. The real significant improvements according to Car and Driver come in the form of new interior materials and under the hood with two new engine choices. Due in August, the 2012 C-Class is appointed with “soft, rich plastics befitting the pricier E-class,” as well as, new gauges, better seats, improved displays and a new gear selector that “looks to be lifted from the new CLS.” The improvements make the 2012 refresh seem like a totally different car.

What about under the hood? The entry-level C-Class for 2012 will now be the new C250 and is slated to be available in August of this year. The C250 will use a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces a snappy 201-hp and 229 lb-ft of torque. The 0-60 times aren’t to shabby either at right about seven seconds flat. Need more power? Mercedes has you covered with the refreshed C350, which will come with an all-new V-6. The new V-6 will use a 60-degree design (allowing engineers to omit the balance shaft) and produce 302-hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Manufacturer figures put the 0-60 times for the C350 at 5.9 seconds, but common opinion is that figure is conservative. Mercedes didn’t forget about fuel economy during their refresh process; the C250 is expected to see 23/31 mpg city/hwy while the C350 will probably be some what less given the amount of power it has been endowed with.

Bottom line—If you have a 2007-2009 Mercedes C-Class, it might be time to look at trading up.

 

[Source: Car and Driver]