The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has always been the sedan of choice for luxury-car owners who had to stretch their checkbooks to show off the iconic chrome star.
Consequently, it evolved inside a tight design envelope that was, shall we say, a bit shy of spacious.
But with the arrival last year of the new CLA-Class "baby Benz," Mercedes was able to allow the C-Class to drift upward in size, styling and comfort -- a formula that, for the 2015 model year, has yielded undeniably the best C-Class ever.
This week, we got to drive a 2015 C300 from Long of Chattanooga equipped with a potent, 241-horsepower four-cylinder turbocharged engine and the excellent 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. There's also a twin-turbo V-6 available that makes 329 horsepower.
For now, all C-Class models on American shores have all-wheel-drive, but rear-wheel-drive C300 models will arrive later this year. For performance junkies, a more muscular AMG C-Class is in the pipeline, too.
Our well-equipped C300 test car has a sticker price of $52,105. The base price of a C300 is $40,400 before options, and the V-6 C400 starts at $48,590 unadorned.
FAST FACTS
* Model: 2015 C300 4Matic Sedan * Exterior color: Polar White * Interior color: Silk Beige/Espresso leather * Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged * Horsepower: 241 * Transmission: seven-speed automatic * Fuel economy: 31 mpg highway/24 mpg city * Dealer: Long of Chattanooga (Mercedes-Benz) * Price (as tested): $52,105
STYLING AND COMFORT
The new C-Class is a solid value, offering some of the styling prowess of the top-of-the-line S-Class in a smaller and more reasonably-priced package. From its long, regal hood to its burl walnut interior flourishes, our C-Class tester looks remarkably like a three-quarters-scale S-Class, which is saying a lot since the big Mercedes is considered one of the finest production cars on the planet.
Mercedes-Benz describes the C-Class design as "a flowing sculpture that expresses performance with confident elegance." A less lyrical assessment might note that the sedan has a coupe-like roof-line, crisp character lines at the shoulders and fancy, split-spoke wheels. Most of the body parts are aluminum, an industry trend that leads to better fuel economy and handling.
Inside, the C300 mirrors the upscale S-Class with three circular air vents at the top of the center console. There is a padded leather dash with simple lines (made possible by a free-standing infotainment screen that doesn't compromise the dash's flat architecture). The steering wheel is beefy and includes paddle shifters mated to the C300's seven-speed automatic transmission.
Mercedes-Benz product specialist Derrick Walters notes that the voice-activated telematics system in the C-Class seems to understand a Southern accent. That's a big plus for Tennessee Valley drivers like me who sometimes have trouble communicating with Siri, the iPhone helper. To test the C-Class, I asked for the directions go the nearest Krystal restaurant and got a prompt -- and accurate -- response.
Our tester was equipped with perforated leather seats in a Silk Beige/Espresso tone. Major options were a panoramic sun roof ($1,480) a premium Burmester sound system ($2,120), a head-up display ($990) and a multimedia package that includes navigation ($2,680).
DRIVING DYNAMICS
If it is to go toe-to-toe with the BMW 3-series sedans, the C-Class must have top-shelf driving dynamics, and our tester did not disappoint. Throttle response is instantaneous with no bothersome turbo lag. Steering is nicely weighted, and can be dialed-up even more emphatically with a driving mode selector. Available modes include ECO, Comfort, Sport, Sport-Plus and a programmable Individual mode.
Acceleration is aided by the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, which also provides all-weather grip. The system automatically sends the engine's torque to the wheels registering the most adhesion, and improves dry-weather handling on twisty roads as well.
Mercedes-Benz says the new intercooled, four-cylinder turbo engine makes 241 horsepower, and 273 pound-feet of torque, which accounts for its quick-of-the-mark reflexes. The C-Class also has a fuel-saving start-stop engine that shuts off at idle when you're in stop-and-go traffic. The system is so unobtrusive that I didn't even detect it until it was pointed out by the Long sales staff.
The seven-speed automatic transmission is especially slick, and can simulate a clutchless manual with the use of the steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters.
A host of cameras and sensors help envelop the C-Class in a safety cocoon. This, along with the rock-solid build quality in every Mercedes, adds to driver confidence.
BOTTOM LINE
Buyers have traditionally looked at Mercedes-Benz as the gold standard in the luxury class. The C-Class reinforces and builds on that reputation. It also benefits from the trickle-down goodness of the phenomenal S Class sedans.
Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6645. Follow him on Twitter @TFPCOLUMNIST. Subscribe to his Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/mkennedycolumnist.