Six to Four: Mercedes Reintroduces the Four-Cylinder to the C-Class

2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The times are a changing, at least as far as the relationship between engine size and power output are concerned. We are starting to see V8 coming down to V6 with direct injection and turbochargers and V6 engines coming down to four-cylinder engines with direct injection and a combination of either a supercharger or a turbocharger setup. The trend has even started to show up in the highline makers like Mercedes-Benz. For 2012, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class will again offer consumers a four-cylinder engine as the base model.

2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

If you were thinking it has been awhile since Mercedes has offered a C-Class with a four-cylinder, you would be correct. When Mercedes last redesigned the C-Class they nixed the four-cylinder from the option list—seemingly without consequence. In fact, according to our partners at TheCarConnection.com, they “were told that four-cylinder models wouldn't be coming back anytime soon.” Well, as I said, times they do change. Some say the return of four-cylinder is due to CAFE emissions regulations or perhaps the impending higher fuel prices here in the States. It could just be that direct injection and forced induction have paved the way to greater fuel economy and similar power in four-cylinder engines when compared to their six-cylinder predecessors. The C250 will come with a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine that produces a maximum 229 lb.-ft of torque and will do a 0-60 mph sprint in 7.1 seconds.

If that 0-60 time seems familiar, then it won’t surprise you to know that it is the same as the outgoing 2011 Mercedes C300 V6 model. It may surprise you, however, to find out that the 2012 Mercedes C250 will achieve three miles per gallon better in the city and four miles per gallon better on the highway. For those checking, that is 21/30/24 mpg city/hwy/combined. So the gist is, Mercedes is making the 1.8-liter C250 its core model and expect it to be some 45-50 percent of the model mix.

"Everybody's very excited about this C250. It's the engine, but it's actually the whole package. " Bernhard Glaser, general manager for U.S. production said. "There will be 2,000 new parts."

In other words…the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 is more than just a new engine, it is a new car for consumers to experience.

[Source: TheCarConnection]