Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2012: The Return of the cut

Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2012 is the bread and butter of the manufacturer Mercedes-Benz. It is the range that receives full attention and nothing is made to ensure its competitiveness. For 2012, the C-Class has a few changes mid-cycle, including a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine. But the most striking is undoubtedly the return of a coupe with two doors allowing the manufacturer to compete with the Audi A5 and BMW 3 Series Coupe. Missing is the Mercedes convertible! Although the cut will not generate a large volume of sales, but if competition is benefiting, why give him free rein? 

Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2012: The Return of the cut  

Style more dynamic 

Manufacturers often make cosmetic changes in the middle of the life cycle of a generation, but these changes are often minor. Surprisingly, in the case of the new C-Class, these changes are quite significant. Difficult to ignore the new style of the car, definitely more dynamic, especially in the front. We find a new grid steeper in the middle of which stands the large emblem of Mercedes-Benz. In fact, many components have been retouched, as the bumpers, grille and lights and headlights, which now use LEDs. His new style gives it a richer and more elegant, more reminiscent of an expensive car that entry-level model. And that's good! 

The coupe, meanwhile, offers an additional touch of sportiness, including components derived from AMG and its roofline lowered by 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) compared to the sedan. It is definitely more aggressive, especially with its door-to-short overhangs and the upper shoulder of the wings at the rear. The presence of a roof completely black, because of the sunroof included as standard, also brings a nice touch of style, especially when the car is white. Of course, this is the AMG version that takes the high ground of sportsmanship. It is distinguished by its treatment with brighter, especially, its quadruple exhaust at the rear wheels and unique. While a fireball, especially when its body is dressed in red, one of the only more vibrant colors available. It must be said that Mercedes-Benz could have dared more in its range of colors. 

A range of engines 

In the case of engines, the manufacturer took the opportunity to bring new, but it also had to keep some engines already available, just to keep all the alternatives. It is therefore entitled to a catalog rather complex. In the case of the four-door sedan, there is basically the C250, version that should logically be called the C180, since under the hood offers a new four-cylinder 1.8-liter turbocharged and developing a power of 201 horsepower. Mated to a seven-speed automatic, the only proposed, this set offers the best fuel economy of the range, or 8.1 L/100 km on average. Since this engine can, for now, be combined with all-wheel drive, the manufacturer retains aboard the C250 4MATIC V6 2.5-liter engine that is nothing new and offers the same power as the turbo four-cylinder or 201 horsepower. Also nothing new for the C 300 4MATIC always inherits a 3.0-liter V6 engine of 228 horses, probably to the most attractive to buyers when you consider its price relative to its equipment and engine. 

Another innovation in terms of mechanics, is on board the C350 and C350 4MATIC, the engine offers more power and increased fuel economy, particularly through its new direct injection technology. With its powerful 302 horsepower and fuel consumption less than the V6 2.5 and 3.0 liters, this choice would have been more logical, but for the higher price, hence the decision to keep the C300. Finally, the C63 AMG is still receiving the 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8, with 451 still wild horses. 

Less complicated in cut 

Things are simpler on the side of the C-Class Coupe since it is not proposed for 2012 with all-wheel drive. Advantage by Audi and BMW, which in turn, offer it. It was therefore entitled only to three versions, the C250 is equipped with four-cylinder turbo, the C350 with its 302 hp V6 and the C63 AMG with its 451 V8 very sound horses. 

On board, there are also several new features that make the interior very different from the 2011 model. We find a new three-spoke steering wheel style sportier, while the instrumentation was also reviewed. The upper part of the instrumentation, the cap, now extends to above the central part of the dashboard, now houses the screen of the onboard computer and navigation system. The presence of a new seal that extends along the panel also adds to the style. In short, the whole is very successful and again, one has the feeling of being on a higher-end model. 

On the road 

Once in the driver's seat, the car gives us the feeling of being much larger than the old model. Obviously, this is only an illusion, because it is only 10 mm longer. The new four-cylinder turbocharged we felt amply powerful, the latter benefiting from a generous torque of 228 lb.-ft. developed from the 2300 r / min. With its light weight increased over the previous V6, this engine gives a whole new behavior to the car. It feels agile and less heavy in turns. Once we offer this engine with all-wheel drive, there will be a version that will offer the best of all worlds, affordable, good power, greater fuel economy and increased stability thanks to a power transmitted to all four wheels. 

Finally, the C63 AMG is constantly surprised by its performance level. The rich sound of the 6.2-liter V8 pushes the accelerator when successful on its own to attract fans. Moreover, it is common in our profession that we are asked what our favorite car. There is no single answer, each car has its advantages and disadvantages. But in my case, the C63 AMG is revealed may be relatively close to my ideal car. This is a car inspired style, which remains useful if you have a family and is able to deliver performance more than interesting when the time comes. With a base price of just under $ 65 000, it is not too inaccessible for cars. It lacks that all-wheel drive to be a little better adapted to our climate. 

For 2012, the C-Class is maturing in terms of exterior and interior design and gives the feeling of really getting value for money. However, new mechanical models on board a little less popular in Canada, while the C250 4MATIC C300 4MATIC and retain their old engines. We must understand that Canada is quite unique in this situation and that the manufacturer does not specifically developed for our market, but it's a safe bet that our versions of choice will be up to date by some time.