Mercedes-Benz is publicly debuting its freshened 2012 C-Class at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, showing off enhancements in styling, refinement, power, and fuel economy. For the new model year Mercedes brings its entry-level offering up to date stylistically with what's been applied to Benz's other models. The C Class features a revised but familiar grille, reshaped clear glass headlamps, a reshaped lower intake and LED running lamps down low. The hood has been restyled and formed from aluminum to save weight an the rear fascia is subtly revised with new character lines to emphasis the width and sportiness of the car.
The interior has been more extensively restyled. The dashboard has been completely revised to improve the look and feel while upping the luxury aura. The twin-binacle design visually associates the gauge cluster and the navigation system while the rest of the vehicle controls are mounted lower on the center stack. Button feel and organization have been improved and there are new woods and metallic trim finishes to choose from.
The power trains have been upgraded across the board, with fuel-economy improvements as high as 15 percent. The premium 3.5-liter V6 gets direct-injection for a significant increase in power, up to 302 hp and 273 lb-ft and a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds. There's now a turbocharged 1.8-liter direct-injection four-cylinder elbowing in on the naturally-aspirated 3.0-liter V6's territory, which is now limited to 4MATIC trim. The turbo four makes a solid 201 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque while delivering an estimated 24 mpg combined. All transmissions are mated to an upgraded seven-speed automatic transmission tuned for improved shift feel and better efficiency.
Naturally, the C-Class gets the full raft of electronic options with a new system including Adaptive Highbeam Assist, parking assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist and Attention Assist. Attention Assist monitors the driver level of drowsiness and sends up an alert if it detects signs of nodding off.
The new C-class should be headed to American showrooms by the middle of this year.
