2012 Mercedes-Benz C Class vs. Its Competition
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With the introduction of a base four-cylinder engine in the C250, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is now a more direct rival to the likes of the Audi A4--as well as the BMW 3-Series, which also gets a new four.
Compared to the A4, the C-Class is priced and equipped much the same, though the A4 offers quattro all-wheel drive though more of the lineup and its interior design is arguably still a step ahead.
The C-Class, on the other hand, offers a stronger luxury image.
BMW's 3-Series continues to stand out as the handling and steering champ, although its interior is also quite cramped.
The Lexus IS models remain competitive but lack the luxury sheen and desirability of most of this group, yet their prices are nearly the same.
Finally, Acura's TSX is a recommendation if don't mind giving up some image and want to save a few thousand dollars while getting an enjoyable, even slightly roomier compact sedan.
 2012 Mercedes-Benz C ClassGet FREE Price Quote |  2012 Acura TSXGet FREE Price Quote |  2012 Audi A4Get FREE Price Quote |  2012 BMW 3-SeriesGet FREE Price Quote |  2012 Infiniti G37 SedanGet FREE Price Quote |  2012 Lexus IS 350Get FREE Price Quote |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
| Meta Rating | |||||
With a new base four-cylinder engine, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class makes even more sense for value-conscious (yet image-conscious) luxury shoppers. | With attractive designs and a light, efficient driving feel, the 2012 Acura TSX lineup strikes an ideal balance for a front-wheel-drive sport sedan or sport wagon. | The 2012 Audi A4 provides an engaging driving experience, impressive in-cabin technology, and surprisingly great fuel efficiency—making it a good everyday driver among premium sedans. | The 2012 BMW 3-Series delivers the class-leading sport-sedan performance and handling enthusiasts have come to expect, yet it makes substantial improvements in fuel-efficiency, active safety, and connectivity. | Forget that the 2012 Infiniti G Sedans are somewhat practical four-door designs; they can provide all the sensory thrills and dynamic satisfaction of full-fledged sports cars. | The 2012 Lexus IS 350 and IS 350 aren't as focused and fun to drive as sport sedans from BMW or Infiniti, though especially in F Sport guise they still look great. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $34,800 | $30,010 | $32,500 | $34,900 | $36,900 | $40,220 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 15 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Turbocharged Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Gas V6 | Gas V6 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Compact | Compact | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Midsize Cars | Sub-Compact |
| Style Name | |||||
| 4-Door Sedan C250 Sport RWD | 4-Door Sedan I4 Auto | 4-Door Sedan CVT FrontTrak 2.0T Prestige | 4-Door Sedan 328i RWD | 4-Door Journey RWD | 4-Door Sedan RWD |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Rear Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | Sedan |
| Transmission | |||||
| Automatic | Automatic | Continuously Variable Ratio | Manual | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/manual shift |
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