The past few years have seen Mercedes-Benz product planners systematically make their way through the lineup, increasing AMG’s role, revamping the top-shelf S-class, and adding entry-level bait in the form of the CLA-class sedan and GLA-class SUV. Until now, they have essentially left the C-class (W204 in Benz-speak) to its own devices. A mild makeover a couple of years back improved its looks but failed to address its primary shortcoming: The BMW 3-series was a better car to drive. The 2015 C-class represents the maker at its Teutonic best, tenaciously addressing previous deficiencies with measured doses of technology and style.

One look and it’s clear that the seed that flowered into the C-class was collected from the same stock as that of the S-class. The long, sculpted hood, the trademark fascia, and the posterior design have strong S-class cues, although the C-class loses some of the big car’s grace from the C-pillar back. Chalk it up to scale. The smaller, tighter body of the C-class means its highly stylized rump appears a bit less natural than it does on the more generous proportions of the zaftig S-class.

Our drive was in C250 and C400 models—U.S. buyers will see the more powerful C300 in place of the C250. Both cars get a longitudinally mounted 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that’s a near clone of the sidewinder unit found in the CLA-class. When the C300 hits the States, it’ll arrive packing an estimated 241 horsepower and 272 lb-ft of torque, as well as all-wheel drive; the rear-wheel-drive C250 we drove overseas had its output suppressed to 208 horses and 258 lb-ft of twist. The C400 will arrive in the U.S. as sampled, its 3.0-liter turbo V-6 churning out 329 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, all funneled through M-B’s 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. A rear-wheel-drive C300 will follow the 4MATIC, and the recently confirmed C350 plug-in hybrid is expected to arrive in the fall of 2015. A diesel is likely on the horizon as well, but it’s our feeling that those committed to the oil-burning lifestyle will have a couple of years to scrounge up the down payment. All U.S.-bound C-class models get a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Son of S-class

We took our first turn at the wheel in a C250, and it was immediately apparent that the S-class vibe continues to the interior. Five round vents dot the dash, the middle three resting atop a one-piece center console that terminates just below the 8.4-inch (seven-inch without the Multimedia package) infotainment screen. The look—even in basic black soft plastic—is cohesive and light-years more refined and harmonized than that of the CLA. When accented by the available wood or aluminum trim and teamed with leather, the atmosphere goes pleasantly, tastefully upscale. We found the switchgear to have the substantial feel typical of premium hi-fi equipment. Those familiar with the Benz’s COMAND infotainment system, however, will be surprised to find a small, ergonomically shaped guard positioned over the COMAND control wheel. Far from a decorative fixture, it houses a touch pad with haptic feedback that permits the operation of all infotainment functions using finger gestures.

Specifications VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear- or 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

ESTIMATED BASE PRICE: C300, $38,000; C400, $43,000

ENGINES: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.0-liter inline-4, 241 hp (mfr-s est), 272 lb-ft (mfr-s est); turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve 3.0-liter V-6, 329 hp, 354 lb-ft

TRANSMISSION: 7-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:

Wheelbase: 112.0 in

Length: 184.0 in

Width: 71.0 in Height: 56.8 in

Curb weight (C/D est): 3400-3800 lb

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):

Zero to 60 mph: 5.0-6.6 sec

Zero to 100 mph: 13.7-17.0 sec

Standing ¼-mile: 13.8-15.0 sec

Top speed: 130 mph FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST):

EPA city/highway driving: 19-22/27-31 mpg

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