The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes has never been accused of manufacturing second-rate vehicles, and the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is no exception. The interior features a variety of upgrades that make the C-Class rival its traditionally more luxurious cousin, the E-Class. Take, for example, the smooth, almost silken plastics, combined with the far cushier seats. This is a vehicle that has been redesigned not only to please, but to look great while doing so. It has a curb weight of between 3400 to 3900 pounds, depending on the model and features. It is expected to get 23 miles per gallon in the city, and 31 on the highway

The larger C-Class models are equipped with a robust 3.5 liter V6 engine with 302 horsepower. The smaller models come equipped with a 1.8 liter inline 4 engine. This makes it easy to accelerate from zero to 60 without feeling as if the car is straining to meet an extraordinary demand. Additionally, it's much easier to reach higher speeds and cruise along for long periods of time without sacrificing overall gas mileage. Simply put, this car is that rare combination of luxury and efficient, tightly engineered speed.

The seven speed automatic transmission makes it easy for drivers to simply enjoy the ride without worrying about whether they are in the ideal gear. Unlike a traditional sports car, Mercedes has designed this vehicle for a steady, quiet ride. Drivers will undoubtedly enjoy the firm yet deft ability to track and maneuver. Engineers have purposefully added a bit more so-called "yaw" or over steering back into the steering, which allows drivers to feel like they're really piloting the vehicle, and not just gently making corrections on the wheel. This increases the rotation in tight corners without harming the driver.

The exterior of the C-Class now boasts LED lighting, which gives it a slightly sharper, more hi-tech feel. The body itself has been remodeled to be more shapely and lighter overall, resulting in a drop in total curb weight. The hood is now made of aluminum.

In addition to the plusher accoutrements, the instrumentation is far more pleasing to the eye. The dials and gauges are outfitted in a triple tube shroud with a silver finish. The steering wheel also features a custom perforated leather overlay that playfully calls to mind the design of an AMG.

The upgrade in interior quality extends to the safety features. Drivers of the C-Class are now protected by a variety of features that are designed to interact with the driver to prevent poor driving, including the Attention Assist, which makes the steering wheel vibrate if the car senses that it has wandered from its lane, along with a Blind Spot sensor that will alert the driver to any objects in that zone.