2012 Car and Driver Review C250/350
2012 Car and Driver Review C250/350
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Santa Barbara, CA
2006 Boxster
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,133
Likes: 265
From: NM
2023 AMG EQS
Originally Posted by Car and Driver
It’s so much nicer inside that we actually feel a little bad for customers who already bought a C-class.
If you think those wheels look the same I guees you should have just bought a Civic instead of a C300.
Last edited by Tjdehya; Mar 15, 2011 at 08:19 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
From: Columbia, SC
2009 C350-Sold. Now, M3 Vert
Okay, Bill..to ME...those don't look alike at all. The 2012 c350 steering wheel is totally different than my sailboat steering device that my 350' has. The new one is extreeeeemly c63'ish. Contoured..flat bottom..smaller..ect ect.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,128
Likes: 19
From: Acapulco Mexico
2010 C300 Sport
@Tjdehya: Similar. Just the wheel. The driving experience between the W204 and the Honda Accord are worlds different of course. Two days ago my wife preferred I drive a 400 mile round-trip with a hundred winding hair-pin turn roads through the Sierra Madres not in the C300 Sport, but in the Accord.
Twelve hours later, (six driving hours) when we got home, she admitted that the W204 was more comfortable and quiet "but maybe not at twice the price", as the Honda's MPG is 30% better for instance. On some stretches got the Honda up to 120 MPH, however to drive the same road with the C300 it feels like the proper speed, comfortable, spirited. The Honda was nervous and required concentration, besides the huge NOISE. So very different vehicles for sure.
But the new 2012 steering wheel? Really very similar to the Honda.
Twelve hours later, (six driving hours) when we got home, she admitted that the W204 was more comfortable and quiet "but maybe not at twice the price", as the Honda's MPG is 30% better for instance. On some stretches got the Honda up to 120 MPH, however to drive the same road with the C300 it feels like the proper speed, comfortable, spirited. The Honda was nervous and required concentration, besides the huge NOISE. So very different vehicles for sure.
But the new 2012 steering wheel? Really very similar to the Honda.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,128
Likes: 19
From: Acapulco Mexico
2010 C300 Sport
As for the rest of the 2012 W204...
PROS - the whole look of the inside is truly a step up. The review states the seats are more comfortable. However my current (2010) Euro2 spec Sport has the wide-bolster seats that may be offered in the US. Although the current Luxury model seats in the US Luxury model are comfortable than the new Sport seats.
Also says the 2012 drives better, we will see.
The real clincher is the C250 1.8L twin turbo that produces 210 torques. With 30% better MPG, its tempting.
CONS - One would wish that Mercedes went their own way on the headlamps, now MB is trying to integrate the BMW Cats-eye ring with the Audi LEDs. I dont think it works, the non-LED (pre 2011) W204 integrate their design better.
The chrome strip on the rear bumper looks cheesy, like a Jetta a few years ago. VW has since eliminated the rear chrome strip.
The front bumper-air dam looks very 3-series, the AMG trim Sport bumper has more beauty. IMO. I am sure most will prefer the new 2012 look, and thats OK with me.
And WHERE IS THE TWIN TURBO 300 or 350? The W204 always fails against the BMW on this count.
PROS - the whole look of the inside is truly a step up. The review states the seats are more comfortable. However my current (2010) Euro2 spec Sport has the wide-bolster seats that may be offered in the US. Although the current Luxury model seats in the US Luxury model are comfortable than the new Sport seats.
Also says the 2012 drives better, we will see.
The real clincher is the C250 1.8L twin turbo that produces 210 torques. With 30% better MPG, its tempting.
CONS - One would wish that Mercedes went their own way on the headlamps, now MB is trying to integrate the BMW Cats-eye ring with the Audi LEDs. I dont think it works, the non-LED (pre 2011) W204 integrate their design better.
The chrome strip on the rear bumper looks cheesy, like a Jetta a few years ago. VW has since eliminated the rear chrome strip.
The front bumper-air dam looks very 3-series, the AMG trim Sport bumper has more beauty. IMO. I am sure most will prefer the new 2012 look, and thats OK with me.
And WHERE IS THE TWIN TURBO 300 or 350? The W204 always fails against the BMW on this count.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,133
Likes: 265
From: NM
2023 AMG EQS
Originally Posted by Car and Driver
Is a mid-cycle refresh successful if it makes owners of the current car feel like suckers? Absolutely. When the fourth-generation C-class arrived in 2007, the dour, cheap interior made us wonder if Mercedes-Benz was serious about calling it a luxury car. For 2012, Mercedes gutted it, refinishing the C with soft, rich plastics befitting the pricier E-class. There are new gauges with higher-quality displays, the seats are more comfortable, and the switchgear looks to have been lifted from the new CLS. It’s so much nicer inside that we actually feel a little bad for customers who already bought a C-class.
Here are two blonde chicks... they are the same... they are both blonde.
Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Woodland Hills, CA
2011 C350 Sport
It’s so much nicer inside that we actually feel a little bad for customers who already bought a C-class.
lol, I feel the same way.
Meaning you feel bad for anyone who bought a C-Class.... since you own an E-class? Anyone who buys a Honda (I've owned quite a few) must be a poor hobo retard with this logic... E-Class owners: WINNING, C-Class owners: TROLLS living under a bridge
Hence my snarky reply.
And yes I did reading the f$%*#ing article!
Last edited by mwaldron; Mar 15, 2011 at 09:20 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,128
Likes: 19
From: Acapulco Mexico
2010 C300 Sport
There you go, Tjdehya. Is one NOT a chic, or was it just a trick question?
Anyway I understand some gut-wrenching reactions as I sat in an E550 and wondered if I made a mistake not paying TWICE as much for an E than I paid for the C?
Going a step backwards to the Accord, perhaps the W204 is not TWICE the car for twice the price, somehow I felt the E550 WAS twice the car... Congrats on your ride.
By the way, the Accord (not Civic) wheel is as nice as the wheel in my C Sport, feel-wise.
Anyway I understand some gut-wrenching reactions as I sat in an E550 and wondered if I made a mistake not paying TWICE as much for an E than I paid for the C?
Going a step backwards to the Accord, perhaps the W204 is not TWICE the car for twice the price, somehow I felt the E550 WAS twice the car... Congrats on your ride.
By the way, the Accord (not Civic) wheel is as nice as the wheel in my C Sport, feel-wise.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
I gotta say, M-B should be chastised by W204 owners here. We all know that a WELL DONE car only gets little tidbits here and there done to the facelifted models. Enough to make it look fresh, enough to get some people to want to trade into it, but not so much that the pre-facelift looks old and tired, and not so much that it's a slap in the face to the people who bought the car just 1-3 years ago. I mean, in Mercedes terms, 1-3 years old is BRAND NEW, right?
I've always said it, but the W204's interior is an embarrassment and joke. I've had lots of seat time in them, and I don't think I ever left without leaving my stomach on the passenger side floor (....vomit). It's just not fit for a Benz, even an entry level, at all, and it especially doesn't match up to the beautiful exterior.
Now they've fixed it, and it looks appropriate for what it is, its finally gone from practically worst-in-class to best, which is where a Benz should be when it comes to interiors. I've NEVER seen such an extensive interior redo, especially not from a Premium brand, which is basically M-B admitting fault.
That's my rant and I'm sticking to it. Really unbecoming of M-B to put something out there that was so "broke", it had to be fixed. Not fair and kind to the owners who buy into said brand.
Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Woodland Hills, CA
2011 C350 Sport
Get a bigger garage.
I gotta say, M-B should be chastised by W204 owners here. We all know that a WELL DONE car only gets little tidbits here and there done to the facelifted models. Enough to make it look fresh, enough to get some people to want to trade into it, but not so much that the pre-facelift looks old and tired, and not so much that it's a slap in the face to the people who bought the car just 1-3 years ago. I mean, in Mercedes terms, 1-3 years old is BRAND NEW, right?
I've always said it, but the W204's interior is an embarrassment and joke. I've had lots of seat time in them, and I don't think I ever left without leaving my stomach on the passenger side floor (....vomit). It's just not fit for a Benz, even an entry level, at all, and it especially doesn't match up to the beautiful exterior.
Now they've fixed it, and it looks appropriate for what it is, its finally gone from practically worst-in-class to best, which is where a Benz should be when it comes to interiors. I've NEVER seen such an extensive interior redo, especially not from a Premium brand, which is basically M-B admitting fault.
That's my rant and I'm sticking to it. Really unbecoming of M-B to put something out there that was so "broke", it had to be fixed. Not fair and kind to the owners who buy into said brand.
I gotta say, M-B should be chastised by W204 owners here. We all know that a WELL DONE car only gets little tidbits here and there done to the facelifted models. Enough to make it look fresh, enough to get some people to want to trade into it, but not so much that the pre-facelift looks old and tired, and not so much that it's a slap in the face to the people who bought the car just 1-3 years ago. I mean, in Mercedes terms, 1-3 years old is BRAND NEW, right?
I've always said it, but the W204's interior is an embarrassment and joke. I've had lots of seat time in them, and I don't think I ever left without leaving my stomach on the passenger side floor (....vomit). It's just not fit for a Benz, even an entry level, at all, and it especially doesn't match up to the beautiful exterior.
Now they've fixed it, and it looks appropriate for what it is, its finally gone from practically worst-in-class to best, which is where a Benz should be when it comes to interiors. I've NEVER seen such an extensive interior redo, especially not from a Premium brand, which is basically M-B admitting fault.
That's my rant and I'm sticking to it. Really unbecoming of M-B to put something out there that was so "broke", it had to be fixed. Not fair and kind to the owners who buy into said brand.
I do enjoy my crappy W204 MM interior compared to my previous 335i without iDrive. It was like looking at a ****ing wall of orange LCD lights.
To each his own I suppose. No regrets here... Guess I'm just a troll-hobo with a C
Last edited by mwaldron; Mar 15, 2011 at 09:27 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Mercedes Benz C300 4matic 1967 Chevelle SS
At least the ouside looks cool
Well, at least the C class looks cool on the outside, looks better than the E in my opinion, C class looks youthful , purposeful; I personally do not like the E class interior either, or the S class sedans. I think the best interior is in the SL model. Mercedes should model the interiors around the SL model for all it's cars, and keep the look of the C class and S class on exterior.
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...:1&um=1&itbs=1
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...:1&um=1&itbs=1
Last edited by 4maticbenz; Mar 15, 2011 at 10:02 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 285
Likes: 1
2008 C350 Sport
Get a bigger garage.
I gotta say, M-B should be chastised by W204 owners here. We all know that a WELL DONE car only gets little tidbits here and there done to the facelifted models. Enough to make it look fresh, enough to get some people to want to trade into it, but not so much that the pre-facelift looks old and tired, and not so much that it's a slap in the face to the people who bought the car just 1-3 years ago. I mean, in Mercedes terms, 1-3 years old is BRAND NEW, right?
I've always said it, but the W204's interior is an embarrassment and joke. I've had lots of seat time in them, and I don't think I ever left without leaving my stomach on the passenger side floor (....vomit). It's just not fit for a Benz, even an entry level, at all, and it especially doesn't match up to the beautiful exterior.
Now they've fixed it, and it looks appropriate for what it is, its finally gone from practically worst-in-class to best, which is where a Benz should be when it comes to interiors. I've NEVER seen such an extensive interior redo, especially not from a Premium brand, which is basically M-B admitting fault.
That's my rant and I'm sticking to it. Really unbecoming of M-B to put something out there that was so "broke", it had to be fixed. Not fair and kind to the owners who buy into said brand.
I gotta say, M-B should be chastised by W204 owners here. We all know that a WELL DONE car only gets little tidbits here and there done to the facelifted models. Enough to make it look fresh, enough to get some people to want to trade into it, but not so much that the pre-facelift looks old and tired, and not so much that it's a slap in the face to the people who bought the car just 1-3 years ago. I mean, in Mercedes terms, 1-3 years old is BRAND NEW, right?
I've always said it, but the W204's interior is an embarrassment and joke. I've had lots of seat time in them, and I don't think I ever left without leaving my stomach on the passenger side floor (....vomit). It's just not fit for a Benz, even an entry level, at all, and it especially doesn't match up to the beautiful exterior.
Now they've fixed it, and it looks appropriate for what it is, its finally gone from practically worst-in-class to best, which is where a Benz should be when it comes to interiors. I've NEVER seen such an extensive interior redo, especially not from a Premium brand, which is basically M-B admitting fault.
That's my rant and I'm sticking to it. Really unbecoming of M-B to put something out there that was so "broke", it had to be fixed. Not fair and kind to the owners who buy into said brand.
The new turbo 4 is intriguing though and 7.0sec 0-60mph isn't too bad since turbos always feel faster than they are. With $4-5 gas on the horizon maybe I'll go for a new turbo four in a year.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
I agree with you 100% on the interior, I cannot believe they spent 7 *** years developing the new C class and they couldn't come up with that 2012 interior until now!!! I've always thought my C's interior had kind of a rental car feel with the plastics and just wasn't very exciting. Over time I had convinced myself that it was just typical Germanic no-nonsense styling...whatever makes u feel better right? Guess I was right all along, the interior sucked and MB even agrees so now they completely redesigned it...yea... Now I have to wait till about 2014 to afford a used 2012 C350.
The new turbo 4 is intriguing though and 7.0sec 0-60mph isn't too bad since turbos always feel faster than they are. With $4-5 gas on the horizon maybe I'll go for a new turbo four in a year.
The new turbo 4 is intriguing though and 7.0sec 0-60mph isn't too bad since turbos always feel faster than they are. With $4-5 gas on the horizon maybe I'll go for a new turbo four in a year.
I agree. Fortunately, the plus points on the C outweigh the negatives, and the interior is the only real weak point to me (performance is more or less not an issue to me with a car like this, so I don't get hard on it in that aspect).
I think you do have a point with German no-nonsense styling, as the interior quality in a DURABILITY and tactile/lasting/fit & finish sense is superb. It feels like you can beat the crap out of it, and it'll never look worse than it does (doesn't seem possible anyway
). So in that sense, it is a "Classic M-B". On the other hand, M-B interiors have always had some sense of Luxury, and pizzaz thrown into their "no nonsense/teutonic/rigid/secure" theme, and the C is lacking in that in a major way. I find it to have no refinement, or plush/premium/luxurious qualities, which is where the facelift comes in. The facelift draws better on the classic-to-modern M-B theme, or solid nonsensical teutonic themes, with some classic blended with modern, stylish elements.What's disturbing is that this isn't M-B going above and beyond, to show how serious they are about the C. Rather, it's M-B admitting fault, and doing the unthinkable: Putting a WHOLE NEW interior in a mere facelift, an interior that is simply very much appropriate (if not much better than appropriate, taking to waay to the top of its Class), which is how they should have done it in the first place.
Last edited by K-A; Mar 15, 2011 at 10:25 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Mercedes Benz C300 4matic 1967 Chevelle SS
Also, lets not forget about Mercedes fake *** Tex leather, what the hell is that, in a $40k plus car??? Use real leather, shouldnt be an option, most C classes are over $40k if you add anything to them, Mine was $48k and still has the fake leather, lmao!!! I couldnt find one with real leather in it, though it is optional. But for a $40k plus car, should be standard.
