Opinions on the 2012 c-class facelift
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 116
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From: Canada
2011 C250 4matic
Opinions on the 2012 c-class facelift
After seeing the face-lifted C class in person, I came to the conclusion that:
I love the inside of the new headlights (The light strip part especially), but not the shape of it. I wish they would've just done something similar with the current shaped headlights. I REALLY don't like the new headlight shape, makes the car look like a pissed off old man instead of sporty. I like the LED strips instead of the fog lights, makes the car look classier.
I like the center button area better than the previous version, but not the new display. Not a fan of the dashboard area for the screen, especially since it looks so much bigger than what it needs to be for the small display. There's too much empty space beside the screen. I love the pop up screen for the pre-face lift model, I wish they would've kept that and just made the button area better. Maybe they could've made it like an iPad style instead with a larger display. I just don't like how it connects to the dashboard with so much empty space between.
The new sport steering wheels completely destroy the old ones without contest. Super jealous about it.
The tail-light LEDs is a nice modest upgrade.
Overall I think it is an okay upgrade, but I seem to be the minority here as everyone seems to love the 2012.
Whats your opinion on the 2012? Do you think its worth the upgrade?
I love the inside of the new headlights (The light strip part especially), but not the shape of it. I wish they would've just done something similar with the current shaped headlights. I REALLY don't like the new headlight shape, makes the car look like a pissed off old man instead of sporty. I like the LED strips instead of the fog lights, makes the car look classier.
I like the center button area better than the previous version, but not the new display. Not a fan of the dashboard area for the screen, especially since it looks so much bigger than what it needs to be for the small display. There's too much empty space beside the screen. I love the pop up screen for the pre-face lift model, I wish they would've kept that and just made the button area better. Maybe they could've made it like an iPad style instead with a larger display. I just don't like how it connects to the dashboard with so much empty space between.
The new sport steering wheels completely destroy the old ones without contest. Super jealous about it.
The tail-light LEDs is a nice modest upgrade.
Overall I think it is an okay upgrade, but I seem to be the minority here as everyone seems to love the 2012.
Whats your opinion on the 2012? Do you think its worth the upgrade?
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GLE 300d (v167)
Agreed the headlights look a little less beautiful but then they look very modern which I do like.
My favourite would be the steering wheel and the in-dash screen. Agreed the centre console screen, whilst beautiful and high resolution (at least in my C250/COMAND system), does have that black mesh on the left and right. It doesn't exude the same class that say the iDrive screens had even if you opted for Business rather than the Professional screens (i.e. the smaller ones even though the case area was still the same size).
For me, the facelift W204 is my first Mercedes and C-Class and I liked it. That being said I also liked the old C Class but after sitting in the new one and driving it (in terms of the bits and bobs you actually touch; not counting the actual driving feel) I thought it felt like a step up. It feels alot closer to the E Class in terms of interior now.
My favourite would be the steering wheel and the in-dash screen. Agreed the centre console screen, whilst beautiful and high resolution (at least in my C250/COMAND system), does have that black mesh on the left and right. It doesn't exude the same class that say the iDrive screens had even if you opted for Business rather than the Professional screens (i.e. the smaller ones even though the case area was still the same size).
For me, the facelift W204 is my first Mercedes and C-Class and I liked it. That being said I also liked the old C Class but after sitting in the new one and driving it (in terms of the bits and bobs you actually touch; not counting the actual driving feel) I thought it felt like a step up. It feels alot closer to the E Class in terms of interior now.
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Diamond White C63 coupe + PP
I love all the the improvements about the 2012 car. I use to own the preupdated model.
I love the improve front spoiler, the improved head lights, the improved sports steering, the improved GPS unit and more importantly it now downloads all my contacts from my iPhone and that's is the most important change for me.
Perry
I love the improve front spoiler, the improved head lights, the improved sports steering, the improved GPS unit and more importantly it now downloads all my contacts from my iPhone and that's is the most important change for me.
Perry
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Joined: Nov 2008
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From: CALIFORNIA
2012 E350 RWD
I'm in the same boat. I feel the same way. Love my pre-face lifted look better. Interior? I may even like mine better still. Haven't seen the new interior in person so I guess I can't compare.
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From: Southwest USA
Another round of ICE
I'm going to horrify some with this. I just had a 2012 C300 loaner for our E (a B service), which I brought home and parked in the garage next to my 2009. FROM THE EXTERIOR, the differences are minor, unimpressive, and make me think of the expression when dealing with an overly picky person...."picking the fly poop out of the pepper". A little change in a headlamp shape, neither better nor worse, and the recipient of far more attention than it's worth.
Now, the INTERIOR...that was a significant change. The new interior is more luxurious-looking in the instrument panel. The older interior was more typically teutonic German, a bit spartan, but also more sporty/less plush. They did a great job shifting along with their apparent strategy away from BMW sportiness to "small E Class" luxury. That happens not to be my preference, but they did what they seemingly set out to do quite well. Along with the loss of the manual trans, just another reason for me to give up on C Class next time around...it's feeling older and older.
On a dynamic basis, I would be comparing an automatic 4MATIC with OE suspension versus my manual, rear wheel drive, with a year on new antisway bars, so I'll just say I drove it home, parked it, and drove it back when the E was ready...no desire for more than that.
Now, the INTERIOR...that was a significant change. The new interior is more luxurious-looking in the instrument panel. The older interior was more typically teutonic German, a bit spartan, but also more sporty/less plush. They did a great job shifting along with their apparent strategy away from BMW sportiness to "small E Class" luxury. That happens not to be my preference, but they did what they seemingly set out to do quite well. Along with the loss of the manual trans, just another reason for me to give up on C Class next time around...it's feeling older and older.
On a dynamic basis, I would be comparing an automatic 4MATIC with OE suspension versus my manual, rear wheel drive, with a year on new antisway bars, so I'll just say I drove it home, parked it, and drove it back when the E was ready...no desire for more than that.
Last edited by Sportstick; Jun 17, 2012 at 12:28 PM.
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Joined: Feb 2010
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From: LI, NY, U.S.A.
2013 GLK 350 4M (Iridium Silver), 2010 E350 Coupe (Iridium Silver)
New headlights look pretty good on the coupe, especially with the lighting package, but they don't seem to stand out as much on the sedan. Maybe because I only see plain jane ones without HIDs
New tail lights are nice.
The new interior dash set up is the biggest drawing point for me.
New tail lights are nice.
The new interior dash set up is the biggest drawing point for me.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 116
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From: Canada
2011 C250 4matic
Agreed the headlights look a little less beautiful but then they look very modern which I do like.
My favourite would be the steering wheel and the in-dash screen. Agreed the centre console screen, whilst beautiful and high resolution (at least in my C250/COMAND system), does have that black mesh on the left and right. It doesn't exude the same class that say the iDrive screens had even if you opted for Business rather than the Professional screens (i.e. the smaller ones even though the case area was still the same size).
For me, the facelift W204 is my first Mercedes and C-Class and I liked it. That being said I also liked the old C Class but after sitting in the new one and driving it (in terms of the bits and bobs you actually touch; not counting the actual driving feel) I thought it felt like a step up. It feels alot closer to the E Class in terms of interior now.
My favourite would be the steering wheel and the in-dash screen. Agreed the centre console screen, whilst beautiful and high resolution (at least in my C250/COMAND system), does have that black mesh on the left and right. It doesn't exude the same class that say the iDrive screens had even if you opted for Business rather than the Professional screens (i.e. the smaller ones even though the case area was still the same size).
For me, the facelift W204 is my first Mercedes and C-Class and I liked it. That being said I also liked the old C Class but after sitting in the new one and driving it (in terms of the bits and bobs you actually touch; not counting the actual driving feel) I thought it felt like a step up. It feels alot closer to the E Class in terms of interior now.
I haven't actually sat in the new one, just saw the interior from the outside, but the material seems to be a step up.
Now, the INTERIOR...that was a significant change. The new interior is more luxurious-looking in the instrument panel. The older interior was more typically teutonic German, a bit spartan, but also more sporty/less plush. They did a great job shifting along with their apparent strategy away from BMW sportiness to "small E Class" luxury. That happens not to be my preference, but they did what they seemingly set out to do quite well. Along with the loss of the manual trans, just another reason for me to give up on C Class next time around...it's feeling older and older.
Last edited by JamesKim; Jun 17, 2012 at 06:04 PM.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 116
Likes: 5
From: Canada
2011 C250 4matic
I love all the the improvements about the 2012 car. I use to own the preupdated model.
I love the improve front spoiler, the improved head lights, the improved sports steering, the improved GPS unit and more importantly it now downloads all my contacts from my iPhone and that's is the most important change for me.
Perry
I love the improve front spoiler, the improved head lights, the improved sports steering, the improved GPS unit and more importantly it now downloads all my contacts from my iPhone and that's is the most important change for me.
Perry
Also, does anyone know if the 2011 model has the updated GPS software?
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From: Southwest USA
Another round of ICE
I did not say I liked it. I said it looked more luxurious which may be good or not, depending on one's taste. I prefer the sportier, less ornate look, which I guess you consider bland. But, "bland" is not the opposite of high quality. I don't think either one has an advantage in quality, as the fit, gaps, seams are excellent in my 09. Each to their own.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
I think the facelift is a vast improvement all round including the headlights as long as you have full BiX.
The interior is night & day better. It should have been this way from day one & with full leather.
The interior is night & day better. It should have been this way from day one & with full leather.
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From: Germantown, MD/Rehoboth Beach, DE
2024 GLS450
While I didn't think it was that big at first, the facelifted car looks a lot better to me. I say this owning one with Bi-Xenons and 18" wheels - so that throws it off quite a bit from the average C that someone (seemingly leased, at least around here) off of the lot.
Your regular C with 17" wheels and halogens doesn't look bad to me - but the headlights do look a lot less aggressive than the pre-facelift.
My boss has a 2010 C300 with a black MB-Tex interior. The difference is night and day between his and mine - even in things like the shape and feel of buttons on the dashboard.
Your regular C with 17" wheels and halogens doesn't look bad to me - but the headlights do look a lot less aggressive than the pre-facelift.
My boss has a 2010 C300 with a black MB-Tex interior. The difference is night and day between his and mine - even in things like the shape and feel of buttons on the dashboard.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 116
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From: Canada
2011 C250 4matic
While I didn't think it was that big at first, the facelifted car looks a lot better to me. I say this owning one with Bi-Xenons and 18" wheels - so that throws it off quite a bit from the average C that someone (seemingly leased, at least around here) off of the lot.
Your regular C with 17" wheels and halogens doesn't look bad to me - but the headlights do look a lot less aggressive than the pre-facelift.
My boss has a 2010 C300 with a black MB-Tex interior. The difference is night and day between his and mine - even in things like the shape and feel of buttons on the dashboard.
Your regular C with 17" wheels and halogens doesn't look bad to me - but the headlights do look a lot less aggressive than the pre-facelift.
My boss has a 2010 C300 with a black MB-Tex interior. The difference is night and day between his and mine - even in things like the shape and feel of buttons on the dashboard.
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 584
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From: Los Angeles
2012 C250 Sport
The interior plastics covering the top-half of the dash and the doors look to be completely different (and vastly improved), and the ambient lighting (behind the door pulls on all 4 doors) is an elegant touch. The new trip computer display is fancier but reacts much more slowly.
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From: Denver
2014 CLS550 4Matic; 2010 E550, 2007 SL550
Agreed.
The interior is MUCH better,
The steering feel in greatly improved,
The steering wheel a much, much better,
The audio/nav screen is vastly improved over 2011
It seems the base model has nearly everything from the Premium in 2011
The interior is MUCH better,
The steering feel in greatly improved,
The steering wheel a much, much better,
The audio/nav screen is vastly improved over 2011
It seems the base model has nearly everything from the Premium in 2011
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
2020 C363 S / 2007 SLK55 / 2016 F150 4x4 / 1998 Cobra Convertible
This is my first MB so I have nothing to compare it to. But I will say one thing. Every time I happen to glance over at the door lock I shake my head at how cheap the plastic 'plunger' looks. You can easily see the molding seems. They look cheaper than any car I've ever been in.
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From: NYC
2012 C300 4Matic
The interior is night and day for me. I wouldn't buy the pre-facelifted C because of how much I hated that interior.
I think the new headlights are very nice, although I also like the old ones quite a bit.
The non BIX headlights on the 2012 are ... a problem. Going back to standard reflector lights was a bad move for a car in this range.
The tail lights, as simple as they are, are a huuuge improvement to the look of the vehicle. From behind, it takes it to the next level and makes it look like a much more expensive car VS the old lights.
I think the new headlights are very nice, although I also like the old ones quite a bit.
The non BIX headlights on the 2012 are ... a problem. Going back to standard reflector lights was a bad move for a car in this range.
The tail lights, as simple as they are, are a huuuge improvement to the look of the vehicle. From behind, it takes it to the next level and makes it look like a much more expensive car VS the old lights.
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From: Germantown, MD/Rehoboth Beach, DE
2024 GLS450
Buttons for things like heated seats are changed on the 2012 versus the earlier models. They are now the aluminum look buttons versus the flat black plastic ones.
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From: Canada
2011 C250 4matic
I am a bit curious about the steering feel. How is it better? Is it softer? More sporty?
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From: Denver
2014 CLS550 4Matic; 2010 E550, 2007 SL550
Very nice.
I am a bit curious about the steering feel. How is it better? Is it softer? More sporty?
The wheel feels thicker, looks much better (the switchgear looks great), and the ergonomics at 9 and 3 are better. Closer to the AMG wheel (not as good as the AMG, but about halfway between the 2011 wheel and the C63 wheel).
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From: Canada
2011 C250 4matic
The COMAND screen may be similar, but the 2011 Audio 20 has the small, low res screen. My understanding is that Audio 20 in the 2012 has the same screen as COMAND.
Very nice.
The steering has much better on-center feel than the pre-facelift, and just a better overall feel. It also has better feel in cornering (not significantly better, while the on-center is MUCH better).
The wheel feels thicker, looks much better (the switchgear looks great), and the ergonomics at 9 and 3 are better. Closer to the AMG wheel (not as good as the AMG, but about halfway between the 2011 wheel and the C63 wheel).
Very nice.
The steering has much better on-center feel than the pre-facelift, and just a better overall feel. It also has better feel in cornering (not significantly better, while the on-center is MUCH better).
The wheel feels thicker, looks much better (the switchgear looks great), and the ergonomics at 9 and 3 are better. Closer to the AMG wheel (not as good as the AMG, but about halfway between the 2011 wheel and the C63 wheel).
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Diamond White C63 coupe + PP
Perry
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From: Germantown, MD/Rehoboth Beach, DE
2024 GLS450
That said, it is light years ahead of the old low res screen.
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From: Canada
2011 C250 4matic
James, with the pre-facelift model, at least for the Australian model, you have to get your dealer to upload your contacts from your sim card using a sap module. Alternatively you can manually input the contact details into the car memory. Yes it use to annoy me. However with the new facelift, late 2011 onwards mercedes made a big leap forward and all the phone contacts uploads automatically via Bluetooth.
Perry
Perry
Oh well. I'll be getting this car delivered next Wednesday. 
