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Modified clear glass headlamps create a more dynamic and determined look and,
together with the hood, grille and bumper enhance the arrow visual at the front
end. This precise, contemporary look is reinforced by the design of both the
exterior and interior of the headlamp units, which feature a finely balanced
interplay between matte and gloss surfaces.
The available bi-xenon
headlamps come with active functions and bring added depth to the appearance
with a series of LED modules. A C-shaped positioning light defines the nighttime
design, with cornering lights located behind it and stretching outward to the
main lamp module. At the base of the headlamps are broad horizontal LED
indicator units. Also horizontal are the LED daytime running lights located in
the bumper, which make the C-Class unmistakable from a distance.
On the
rear bumper, the character lines and shutlines have been modified to add
emphasis to the vehicle's stance. This is especially evident in the steep rise
of the character line running outward toward the rear lights. A continuous
character line on the upper edge of the rear bumper runs into the fenders of the
C-Class to provide a connection to the sides and emphasizes the sporty character
of the rear view. A new one-piece jewel case on the tail lights provides further
integration into the rear of the vehicle. The characteristic sinuous surface
line is now reflected on the inside of the lights and is reminiscent of earlier
models. The distinctive depth of the lights are achieved by LED indicators
located in the center that appear to float in front of the more deeply set red
LED bands above and below. The rear light pattern is particularly distinctive at
night.
The bodyshell of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is distinguished by
its outstanding aerodynamics. With a cd figure of 0.26, not only is it
best-in-class, its drag plane of cd x A = 0.57 m2 also cuts more smoothly
through the air than most compact and even sub-compact cars.
Premium
and Sporty Interior
One focal point of the work done in the interior
was the redesign of the dashboard with the aim of creating a powerful, sporty
and premium look-and-feel that includes extensive enhancement to the trim. The
surfaces of the controls are more finely detailed and feature a metallic finish.
The stepped hood of the instrument binnacle now extends to incorporate the
central display and runs onward into the passenger side enhanced by a subtle
character line. The central, trapezoidal air vents and the outer circular vents
are accentuated with metallic trim elements.
Central to the design of the
new dashboard is a prominent trim panel. This element stretches from the central
air vents along the passenger side to the outer air vent, adding visual width to
the interior. The surface grain on the top portion of the dashboard continues
along the upper edges of the door panels.
The new-generation center
console is distinguished by its rectangular silver keys and emphasizes the
premium feel of the interior in combination with matte keys, high-gloss surfaces
and a new knurled control knob. Together with the new- generation telematics,
the restyled C-Class also receives a new instrument binnacle with integrated
display. Oriented toward the driver are three tubular gauge surrounds with
metallic surfaces that further enhance the aggressive character of the C-Class.
The luxury feel is emphasized by the new-generation leather steering wheel
introduced with the all-new CLS and now available as standard in the C-Class.
The steering wheel features a chrome-plated central spoke and further
accentuates the car's stylish and sporty ambience.
The new C250 Sport and
C300 4MATIC Sport models come with standard brushed aluminum trim, while the
2012 Mercedes-Benz C350 Sport has distinctive Black Ash. The Luxury versions
feature Burl Walnut trim.
Drivelines With More Power and Better Fuel
Economy
Fuel economy has been improved by up to 15 percent. All new direct-injection
versions feature exceptional efficiency and environmentally-friendly fuel
consumption. All models also come with the redesigned seven-speed automatic
transmission, with the gear ratios on all versions optimized for fuel economy.
The highlight in the engine lineup is the introduction of the new V6
gasoline engine in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C350 Sport Sedan, featuring the
innovative and highly efficient BlueDIRECT process. The improvement in
efficiency is combined with a considerable increase in output. The 2012 C350
Sport Sedan now generates 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque (previously 268 hp and
258 lb-ft), while fuel economy has been improved by 5 percent compared with the
outgoing C350 model.
New Driver Assistance Systems
The C-Class attains an all-new level of safety with a total of five new
driver assistance systems ranging from ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection
through to Blind Spot Assist. The assistance systems are based on
state-of-the-art radar, camera and sensor technology and are setup to react to
frequent causes of accidents such as proximity to the vehicle in front, fatigue
and darkness.
The following provides an overview of the new assistance
systems:
- ATTENTION ASSIST
- Adaptive Highbeam Assist
- Park Assist incl. PARKTRONIC
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Blind Spot Assist
The New Generation of Telematics
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
sees the debut of a new generation of telematics, which is scheduled for
successive introduction across further model ranges. Key new features include
improved user-friendliness with larger 3-D displays, phone book transfer, text
message display, wireless music via Bluetooth and a USB interface now located in
the center armrest.
Mercedes-Benz C350: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications