All About Japan Autos

If you’re in the market for a new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, it may be worth your while to wait. “The restyled 2012 C-Class sedan is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. in the summer of 2011,” says Mercedes. “The front and rear end of the popular Mercedes sedan have been enhanced with a more distinctive design.&rdquo.

It may not look all that different on the surface, but Mercedes-Benz is loading the C-Class with some significant improvements for the 2012 model year. “Although not a radical departure from the current model, the redesigned 2012 C-Class sedan features a revised front fascia complete with an aluminum hood and updated LED headlights,” says Left Lane News. “The rear of the car has also received a modest update, now sporting new-look taillights.”

And the new look is just the beginning; the updated C-Class also boasts improved power and fuel economy over the 2011 model. “A new direct-injection V6 in the C350 Sport Sedan produces 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque over the previous model’s 268 hp and 258 lb-ft, with a 5 percent improvement in fuel economy,” reports Jalopnik. “A new, turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder engine for the US features gets 24 mpg, or 15 percent better than the 2011MY C300.”

Consumers in the market for an upscale midsize car will likely be impressed with the available safety tech, some of which is not normally seen on entry-level models of luxury brands. “The 2012 C-Class also features five new driver assistance systems: Attention Assist ‘drowsiness detection system’, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Park Assist w/Parktronic, Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist,” says Edmunds.

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