2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a major mid-cycle refresh, with redesigned sedan styling and a thoroughly updated cabin. It also brings new engines and the first true C-Class coupe of this generation.
About the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
W204/C204 generation; mid-cycle refresh year for the sedan and first U.S. model year for the coupe.
Mercedes-Benz positioned the 2012 C-Class as its compact luxury car that could cover a lot of ground without feeling stripped down: classic Mercedes comfort and craftsmanship, strong safety engineering, and a broad range of personalities from efficient turbo sedan to all-weather V6 sedan to AMG performance car. The big differentiators versus rivals were the wide spread of trims, an upscale cabin redesign for 2012, and the brand’s emphasis on blending prestige, safety, and driver engagement in one small luxury package.
The 2012 range spans traditional Luxury sedans, lower and firmer Sport models, all-wheel-drive C 300 sedans, and sleek four-seat coupes. Engine choices run from the C 250’s 201-hp turbo four-cylinder to the C 350’s 302-hp V6, while the C 63 AMG uses a 451-hp V8. The coupe-only C 63 AMG Black Series raises output to 510 hp and adds wider bodywork, adjustable suspension, and larger brakes.
What changed, by category
2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V8, 6.3 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter | V6, 3.0 Liter | V6, 3.0 Liter | V8, 6.3 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd Touch Shift | Auto, 7-Spd Touch Shift | Auto 7-Spd AMG SPEEDSHIFT | Auto, 7-Spd Touch Shift | Auto, 7-Spd Touch Shift | Auto, 7-Spd Touch Shift | Auto, 7-Spd Touch Shift | Auto, 7-Spd Touch Shift | Auto, 7-Spd SPEEDSHIFT+ |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | AWD | AWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 19 mpg | 13 mpg | 21 mpg | 20 mpg | 21 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 13 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 28 mpg | 19 mpg | 31 mpg | 29 mpg | 31 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 19 mpg |
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 302 hp | 451 hp | 201 hp | 302 hp | 201 hp | 228 hp | 228 hp | 510 hp |
| Torque | 229 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft | 443 lb-ft | 229 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft | 229 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft | 457 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 11.7 cu-ft | 11.7 cu-ft | 11.7–12.4 cu-ft | 12.4 cu-ft | 12.4 cu-ft | 12.4 cu-ft | 12.4 cu-ft | 12.4 cu-ft | 11.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33–33.4 in | 33.4 in | 33.4 in | 33.4 in | 33.4 in | 33.4 in | 33 in | ||
| Seats | 4 | 4 | 4–5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2–4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
| Adaptive Headlights | |||||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||||
| Park Assist | |||||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||
| HID Headlights | |||||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||||
| Bluetooth | |||||||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | |||||||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | |||||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | |||||||||
| SD Card Slot | |||||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||||
| USB Ports | |||||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | |||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | |||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||||
| Memory Front Seats | |||||||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | |||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class a full redesign?
No. The 2012 C-Class is a major mid-cycle update of the existing W204 generation rather than a full redesign. It received substantially revised styling, a new dashboard, updated technology, and major powertrain changes.
How is the 2012 C-Class different from the 2011 model?
The 2012 C-Class has refreshed exterior styling, a redesigned cabin, more standard technology, revised transmissions, and major engine changes. The range also expanded to include the first true coupe of this generation and the C 63 AMG Black Series.
What engine changes did the 2012 C-Class receive?
The 2012 C-Class added a 201-hp turbocharged four-cylinder for the C 250, while the C 350 Sport moved from a 268-hp V6 to a 302-hp direct-injection V6. The C 300 4MATIC retained its 228-hp 3.0-liter V6, and the C 63 AMG kept its 451-hp V8 but adopted a different seven-speed transmission.
Did the Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe debut for 2012?
Yes. The 2012 model year introduced the first true coupe of this C-Class generation, with C 250, C 350, and C 63 AMG versions. The more specialized 510-hp C 63 AMG Black Series was also a coupe.
Did the C 300 continue for 2012?
Yes. For 2012, the C 300 continued only as an all-wheel-drive sedan in Luxury and Sport forms, using a 228-hp 3.0-liter V6. The rear-wheel-drive entry role shifted to the turbocharged C 250 Luxury and C 250 Sport sedans.