2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Stepping Into The Spotlight

The V6 C400 4MATIC will be AWD-only.

Mercedes-Benz has broken free from the repetitive cycle of trying to convince entry-level luxury shoppers that what they really wanted was a sports car with four doors.

329 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of twist are respectable figures for the C400's 3.0-liter biturbo V6.

While fuel consumption data has yet to be officially released by Mercedes-Benz, on the European cycle the sedan is 20 percent more efficient than it was the year before.

Like so many of its competitors it can be dressed up in sport-oriented trim or a more traditional look, each of which features its own unique front fascia.

The C-Class features mature, organic lines and attractive proportions.

All signs point towards success for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

A seven-speed automatic transmission is included with each and every version of the new C-Class.

The C-Class offers available contrasting leather sport seats.

The Burmeister stereo system is adequate.

You can expect the base gas-powered C300 to be offered in both rear and all-wheel drive configurations.

Don’t be alarmed if you’re a well-heeled adrenaline junkie: the full-on AMG edition of the car is coming.

The C-Class features available LED headlights and standard LED tail lights.

Being pretty on the outside is a big part of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class’ personality.

The entry-level 2.0-liter, four-cylinder unit in the C300 will put out 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque .

The C-Class passenger compartment is uniformly excellent in appearance and craft.

The resolution on the top-down camera view is outstanding.

Just because you’re not exciting doesn’t make you boring – sometimes it just makes you the sensible choice.

There’s a car-perfuming system taking up valuable glove compartment space.

Those seeking the ultimate in fuel-sipping will want to wait for the turbodiesel version of the C-Class.

There's a novelty touchpad extended over the car’s COMAND dial interface.

Driving the Mercedes-Benz is an exercise in composure befitting the image the company has built for itself in the mid-size and full-size segments.

The car also features generous room front and rear for passengers of all ages.

This is a sedan that puts luxury first, with dynamics that are pleasing in everyday driving but which don’t cross the line into sports car territory.

Mercedes-Benz has also done its best to stuff the C-Class with technology, including a raft of new safety gear borrowed from the pricier S-Class.

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has traded the pursuit of gymnastic athleticism for the smooth precision of a professional billiards player.

Well-executed wood paneling, and a simple instrument layout are highlights of the C-Class’ cabin.

The C-Class breaks away from the sport sedan trope to deliver a more traditional luxury experience.

I did not enjoy the unwelcome interruptions of the sedan’s automatic engine start/stop system.