Mercedes Releases Information on 2012 C Class

This is an important car for Mercedes because it is the brand’s volume leader. The current generation has sold more than one million since its launch in 2007. Mercedes says the C-class, since its introduction as the 190 in 1982, has sold more than 8.5 million around the globe.

As the picture shows, this is a much more dramatic looking C class. Its front end incorporates the design language of the E and S classes. It has a more aggressive, yet functional, front grill with the center air intake that opens upward in a v-shape and forms the core element of the design.

The C Class benefits from automotive trickle down from the E and S classes. Five new driver assistance systems for the C-Class include attention assist drowsiness detection system (standard), adaptive highbeam assist, park assist w/parktronic, lane keeping assist and blind spot assist.

According to Mercedes, 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 C350 Sport Sedan. The improvement in efficiency is combined with a considerable increase in output. The 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.

The four-cylinder engine (new for the U.S. market) features direct injection and turbocharging and is also distinguished by combined fuel economy of 24 mpg. This marks an improvement of nearly 15 percent compared with the 2011MY C300.

The restyled 2012 C-Class sedan is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. during the summer of 2011. By the way, you can win a C Class if you’re good at tweeting.