The restyled 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. in the summer of 2011.

The front and rear end of the popular entry-level luxury sedan have been enhanced with a more distinctive design. The luxurious interior is now emphasized by a stylish new dashboard, which features a premium, fine-grain finish and stylish trim elements, as well as a high-resolution color display in the instrument cluster.

Fuel economy has been improved by as much as 15 percent, thanks to new direct-injection engines and the redesigned 7-speed automatic transmission. Five new driver assistance systems ranging from the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system through to the Blind Spot Assist are now available in the C-Class lineup. New- generation telematics offer new infotainment and navigation features.

"In terms of driveline and safety systems, the new-generation C-Class offers the comfort and safety of our luxury vehicles — and with many high-end details in the interior evocative of the new CLS, the new C-Class sets completely new benchmarks in its segment when it comes to premium look-and-feel," says Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars.

More than 2,000 new parts distinguish the newest generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class from its predecessor. The U.S. market introduction is scheduled for summer 2011 (available to order in Europe as of January 2011).

The C-Class is Mercedes-Benz's highest volume model range chalking up global sales of more than one million units since its launch in March 2007. Since the market introduction of the first C- Class in 1982 (known then as the 190), Mercedes-Benz has sold more than 8.5 million vehicles around the world.