HerHighway took to the streets to test drive the newly updated 2012 Mercedes Benz C250 it was absolutely beautiful, elegant and gracious on the road. In other words! Because it's a Mercedes Benz, you know that the C250 is going to come well dressed... and ready to make you look good -- whether you're going to a black-tie social function or the local farmer's market. My week-long test drive of the Mercedes Benz C250 was all over Southern California. Starting with the top open and sun shining, we headed for Rodeo Drive to grab a few pairs of Gucci shoes and matching bags of course.
At first glance, we noticed the new C250's cosmetic improvements: stylish new front and rear fascias, modified headlamps, and new LED daytime running lights/tail lamps. Plus, you can choose between the four-door sedan and the sportier two-door coupe. But there's so much more to this classic beauty than meets the eye.
Inside the C250's redesigned cabin, HD radio, Bluetooth audio streaming and a USB port are now all standard equipment. The C250 is also outfitted with a power sunroof and luxurious MB-Tex upholstery. Five adults ride comfortably! The navigation system in our test-drive vehicle did a great job of helping us negotiate L.A. traffic on our way to the ABC7 studios to make my guest appearance to talk about traveling safe; the segment included showing how to pack the Mercedes trunk, load up the family and I shared my helpful tips for traveling with and keeping the children (and your spouse) occupied.
I was extremely impressed by the extensive line-up of high-tech safety features. In addition to the stability and traction control systems, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, active anti-whiplash front head restraints and nine airbags, the 2012 C250 includes the Mercedes Benz ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system. It's a very intuitive system that warns you with a strong vibration of the steering wheel if you begin to drift out of your lane without a turn signal being activated. The C250 also integrates adaptive high-beam assist, park assist, lane keeping assist and blind spot assist.
Beyond its great looks (just like my new Gucci shoes), comfortable interior and advanced technology, the 2012 C250 has the spirit of a true sports sedan. Powered by a 201-hp 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the C250 has plenty of get-up-and-go. A seven-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode is standard on every C-Class model; the fuel economy is amazing, considering the C250's exceptional performance. In city driving, it's rated at 21 mpg, and on the highway you could get up to 31 mpg depending on heaviness of your designer right shoe.
Some of my favorite luxury features are the Burl Walnut wood trim, panorama roof, smart key, heated seats, lumbar support, spacious trunk with split-folding rear seats for all my shopping bags even the big ones. The new C250 is among the most accessible models in the Mercedes Benz line-up sold in the United States and comes with a standard four-year/50,000 mile warranty which is highly impressive.
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I knew within an hour that I'd never own anything else. And I haven't. Nor will I.