Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Name: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Brand: Mercedes-Benz

EPA MPG: 25 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 25 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The C-Class may be a compact sedan but it's also a solid, agile, quiet, comfortable and credible luxury car. We tested the base C250, powered by the exceptionally smooth, 201-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder engine Mercedes introduced for 2012. It serves up ample power, but its 24 mpg is not exactly stellar. We liked the steady, supple ride and agile handling in the Luxury trim we tested; it was more comfortable riding and about as agile as the Sport trim. The cabin is impeccably furnished, with great front seats. Some controls are a little hard to get the hang of, but they're simpler than the Benz's closest rivals'. Our biggest beef was the rear seat, which is tight for two adults, let alone three.

2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

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Mercedes-Benz C-C...

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Poor

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Poor

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

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2015

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2021

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2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

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Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Poor

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2012 Luxury small cars Ratings

2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

$5,000 - $15,375

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Acura TSX

$7,675 - $9,075

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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2012 Audi A3

$5,700 - $7,575

EPA MPG 27 mpg

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2012 Audi A4

$5,050 - $6,975

EPA MPG 24 mpg

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2012 BMW 3 Series

$6,575 - $13,575

EPA MPG 28 mpg

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2012 Buick Regal

$4,625 - $5,250

EPA MPG 23 mpg

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2012 Buick Verano

$4,450

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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2012 Infiniti G

$5,925 - $6,975

EPA MPG 23 mpg

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2012 Lexus CT 200h

$7,975 - $8,425

EPA MPG 42 mpg

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2012 Lexus HS Hybrid

$9,350 - $10,375

EPA MPG 35 mpg

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2012 Lexus IS

$9,750 - $22,125

EPA MPG 24 mpg

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2012 Mini Cooper Clubman

$ NA

EPA MPG 29 mpg

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$ NA

EPA MPG 20 mpg

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2012 Volvo S60

$4,875 - $10,150

EPA MPG 24 mpg

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Features & Specs

coupe

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Rear

1.8-liter 4 turbo (201 hp)
3-liter V6 (228 hp)
3.5-liter V6 (302 hp)
6.3-liter V8 (451 hp)

7-speed automatic

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2022-Present

Current Generation

The redesigned C-Class builds on the sportiness of the previous version, with a polished powertrain and honed handling. But the overly-complicated controls and a spongy brake pedal mar what is otherwise a splendid-driving sedan. The C300's punchy, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder and smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic give plenty of invigorating power anytime you need it. The powertrain benefits from a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that contributes to the car's commendable 29 mpg overall. Handling is sporty thanks to a tightly controlled chassis and sharp steering. The ride is steady and composed, but too stiff with the optional AMG sport suspension. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and cabin fit and finish is impressive. The infotainment system is still distracting, and some new capacitive-touch controls add further frustrations. AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection and BSW are standard. It's disappointing that reverse automatic emergency braking, and LDW are only optional.

2015-2021

2015 Redesign Year

This version of the Mercedes C-Class scored near the top of the compact sport sedan segment. Newcomers to the marque will appreciate the C300's comfort, quiet, agility and overall excellence. Buying used, we'd look for one with a rear camera, blind-spot assist and heated seats. Another desirable feature is the panoramic sunroof. The Multimedia package includes a larger center screen and navigation system, but opting for a car with the Garmin accessory navigation upgrade and the standard screen gives you an easier-to-use interface. It also allows you to skip the Premium package, which gets really pricey for LED headlights and an upgraded audio system. A broad array of the latest driver assistance technology is offered as standard equipment, including collision prevention.

2008-2014

2008 Redesign Year

The 2008 redesign made the rear seat a bit bigger, but the cabin remained snug. The 3.0-liter V6 provides strong performance and decent fuel economy in our tests. The C remains fun to drive, but the ride can be choppy with the sport suspension and the steering is overly light. We liked the improvements made to the C-Class when we tested a 2012 C250 with the smooth turbo four-cylinder. The Luxury trimmed car had a steady ride and agile handling, with comfortable front seats. Meanwhile, the Sport had even more cornering grip, but a stiffer ride. While better than those on most Mercedes models, some controls remain somewhat logical.

2001-2007

2001 Redesign Year

Just about every C-Class we've ever tested has been smooth, quick, quiet, and comfortable. Dynamic characteristics include agile handling, along with excellent steering and brakes. You can also usually count on a quiet and supple ride, as well as firm but very comfortable front seats. However, our 2001 model also demonstrated frustrating ergonomic quirks, including confusing and cumbersome controls. The audio and climate systems, for instance, are confusing (although audio switches on the steering wheel help). It's also easy to hit the cruise-control lever when you reach for the turn-signal lever.

1994-2000

1994 Redesign Year

The C-Class is Mercedes-Benz's entry-level car. It handles responsively and has a supple, quiet ride. The firm front seats are very comfortable. Early models were available with a choice of a supercharged four-cylinder, two V6s, or in 1998 and 1999, a powerful V8 in the C43 AMG.