2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 Sport Trim Overview

The Mercedes-Benz C300 Luxury Sport sedan gets a little sportier for 2012, thanks to a number of exterior and interior updates, as well as a new, more fuel-efficient powerplant. Outside, new features include restyled bumpers, headlights, taillights and a new aluminum hood. A front apron with mesh air intakes, sculpted side sills and a rear skirt, as well as a lowered sport-tuned suspension and 17-inch wheels, also come standard. Interior updates include a redesigned dashboard, restyled air vents with metallic trim, new controls with a metallic finish and a new center console. The vehicle's sport cabin styling adds a three-spoke steering wheel, aluminum trim and rubber-studded aluminum sport pedals. A tilt/sliding sunroof, 8-way power-adjustable sport front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, HD radio, illuminated entry, a SmartKey remote controller and auto-dimming interior and driver's-side mirrors are among the other standard features. Mercedes also includes a 5.8-inch color LCD display for the audio system and other interior functions, which drivers can access through steering-wheel-mounted controls.

Under the hood, Mercedes drops an updated 3.5-liter V6 engine, which incorporates direct injection to improve fuel economy. The V6 produces 248 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque, and links to a 7-speed automatic transmission with the Touch Shift manual-shift feature. Fuel economy numbers check in at 20/27 mpg, thanks in part to a new ECO start/stop feature, which automatically shuts off the engine at stop lights or when idling to conserve fuel. The V6 requires premium fuel. Electronic stability control, antilock brakes, brake assist, rain-sensing windshield wipers and 9 airbags are among the other standard safety features. Attention Assist, which alerts drivers if they're becoming drowsy, also comes standard.