C-Class now gets options formerly reserved for higher-end Mercedes

Don't brush off the obvious tweaks made to the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan as simply a mid-life makeover -the German automaker has made some significant changes to its popular mid-sized sedan.

Aside from freshening the face and butt with current design tricks, there are new, more powerful and efficient engines under the hoods of several models, there's a new, more efficient seven-speed automatic transmission and the interior has been made over to create a more refined look and feel.

Exterior changes readily noticeable include an all-new front end with new active bi-xenon headlights and bright LED turn indicators. And you can add the 2012 C-Class to the growing list of cars adopting those cool LED daytime running lights. The sedan also gets a redesigned front fascia and a new aluminum hood to reduce weight. The tail lights are also trendy LED units and there's a new rear fascia with an integrated diffuser. A selection of new alloy wheel offerings cap the exterior revisions and range from the seven-twin-spoke 16-inch rims standard on the C250 up to the slick 19-inch multi-spoke gems available on the C63 AMG.

Inside, the luxurious cabin features soft leather surfaces and rich wood trim, such as burl walnut or dark ash, creating the feeling this car should be running with higher-priced models. If you're not partial to wood, aluminum accents are available, while the AMG gets carbon fibre trim in keeping with its high-performance flavour. The trio of round gauges centred cleanly in front of the driver includes a new colour centre display screen, while the centre stack gets a new look with revised air vents and aluminum control buttons.

The pop-up navigation screen on current models has been replaced with a new NTG 4.5 Telematics Generation unit, integrated into the dash, featuring a larger screen and improved graphics. The base unit has a 5.8-inch colour display plus CD/USB/auxiliary input interface and Bluetooth connectivity.

(Input ports for the USB and auxiliary input are now located in the centre console.) The available full navigation system displays on a seven-inch colour screen that has provision for DVD audio/video and an SD card slot. An optional media interface system that displays the cover art of the tunes you're playing can be ordered without having to spring for the nav system.

Other technologies, previously reserved for higher-end Mercedes models, are now being shared with the C-Class as options, including a driver assist package with passive blind spot and lane keeping assist systems. A parking guidance system is also available. An attention assist system is standard on all models.

The new C-Class Sedan will be offered in Canada in six variations, starting with the C250 rear-wheeldrive model and ramping up to the impressive C63 AMG sport sedan. The C250 will also be available with Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel-drive system; there's also a C300 and C350, both with all-wheel-drive. The C350 will also be available in a rearwheel-drive configuration, but the rear-drive C300 has been dropped for 2012. All of these new models are slated for sale in July.

Although they share the same model designation, the C250 gets different engines, depending on its drive format. The rear-drive C250 gets a new direct injection, turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder, replacing the current V6, while the 4Matic version retains the 228-horsepower, 3.0L V6.

The new four, dubbed the M271, generates 201 hp at 5,500 r.p.m. and 229 pound-feet of torque starting at just 2,300 r.p.m. It's coupled to a seven-speed automatic. Mercedes says the rear-drive C250 will hit 100 kilometres an hour in 7.2 seconds, yet also delivers robust fuel economy.

(Official ratings have not yet been released.)

Both C350 iterations have a new engine, too. The M276 is a 3.5L V6 with direct injection, channelling its 302 hp (at 6,500 r.p.m.) and 273 lbft of torque (starting at 3,500 r.p.m.) through a seven-speed automatic transmission.

The new engine boosts horsepower by 34 ponies compared with the previous V6, while torque has been bumped 15 lb-ft. The new six is capable of pushing the C-Class to 100 km/h in six seconds flat while delivering a 10 per cent improvement in fuel economy.

Changes to the C63 include the AMG-developed Speedshift MCT seven-speed transmission, which replaces the 7G-Tronic box. The new box, which is shared with the E63, includes a launch control system.

Of course, the lengthy list of standard features on all models can be augmented by extra-cost packages. The base 250, for example, can be upgraded with a premium package that includes climate-controlled front seats and heated rear seats, plus a power trunk closing system and a rear-view camera.

There's also a navigation package with several additional features and a sport package that adds AMG styling touches, sport suspension and 17-inch alloy rims.

The C300 can be upgraded with an entertainment bundle that adds Sirius satellite radio and a Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround-sound system, or a convenience package that adds memory settings for the power seats, a power-adjustable steering column and power lumbar support.

A nice added touch for the C350 is the premium rear seat package, which includes automatic threezone climate control and power rear window sunshade and roller blinds for the rear side windows. Even the C63 can be upgraded -there's the AMG Performance Package Plus that adds 30 more ponies to the already potent powertrain. In addition, top speed is bumped up to 280 km/h.