2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
For 2008, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is available in Sport and Luxury (above) trim.

While most people may associate Mercedes' famed three-pointed star with the company's big luxury sedans or opulent convertibles, more people buy the entry-level C-Class. But besides being one of Mercedes' best-selling models, the C-Class is important because it lures younger buyers to the brand--buyers Mercedes hopes will later move up to its higher-line models as their needs and financial positions change. So it's important that these buyers be satisfied with their purchase.

It seems most buyers have been. Now in its fourth design generation, sales of the C-Class (initially called the 190) have trended upward over the years, as have sales of Mercedes in general. With the introduction of this new-generation C-Class, the company seeks to further expand its appeal by taking the same car in two distinct directions: Luxury and Sport.

Two-Faced Flyer
For the first time on a Mercedes-Benz, buyers get a choice of two distinct "looks"--and the difference isn't marked with just scoops and spoilers. The new C-Class is offered in Luxury and Sport models, their names leaving little question as to their focus. Luxury versions of the C-Class get a traditional M-B sedan front end with a chrome-encircled grille carrying three bars and a thin vertical divider, along with the famed three-pointed star atop the hood and 17-inch five-spoke wheels. Sport versions follow the trend of Mercedes' SUVs and sports models with a much larger star moved down into the center of a grille consisting of three bold crossbars. It also adds a more pronounced lower front facia, bodyside spats, and dual-width (rears wider than fronts) 17-inch six- or seven-spoke wheels, or optional dual-width 18s. A taller nose (likely a sop to European pedestrian-safety standards) and sweeping bodyside crease lend a more important air to both versions of the littlest Benz.

2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sport (above) has a bolder looking star and
grille than its Luxury counterpart.

­Inside, Luxury interiors are done in two-tone black/gray or exclusive "cashmere beige" with walnut trim and a four-spoke steering wheel. Sports are cloaked in black with aluminum or dark (almost black) bird's-eye maple trim, a three-spoke wheel, silver instrument surround, and rubber-studded aluminum pedals. On both, the standard upholstery is leather-look vinyl, with real leather optional. Interior materials befit the price and pedigree, though the monotone Sport models--particularly with the dark maple trim--might look bland to some.

Size Matters
For the next generation of its luxury compact, Mercedes returned to a familiar formula: add inches. Wheelbase grows by nearly two, length by nearly four. Oddly, neither results in much more rear-seat legroom; statistically it's up by less than half an inch, hardly enough to quiet current complaints of a shortage. In fact, at 33.4 inches, it's statistically the tightest of any sedan in the class save for the Lexus IS.

While front-seat placement of an average-size driver won't pinch the knees of an average-size person behind, it might be a problem for two six-footers sitting in tandem--and a six-footer is about the limit in back for headroom. There's scant toe space for rear-seaters, and a low-mounted seat cushion puts most adults in a knees-up position. Upon egress, smallish doorways force larger feet to adopt an unnatural angle to thread through the lower opening, and backsides will likely catch the wheelwell arch upon exit. But then, this is Mercedes' smallest sedan, and there has to be some justification for spending around 20-grand more for an E-Class.

2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Luxury's interior is done in
"cashmere beige" with walnut trim and a four-spoke steering wheel.

While back-seaters may feel shortchanged, those in front won't. Mercedes' traditional comfortable seats come with eight-way power adjustment, and combined with a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, help tailor an accommodating driving position for almost any physique. Tall front headrests can't be seen over when backing, but they're narrow enough to easily be seen around, and only the side roof pillars block a significant amount of visibility, mostly over the left shoulder. Interior storage could be better. Aside from the normal door map pockets and glove and console boxes, there's only a pair of open console cup holders for small items.

With the stretched wheelbase and longer overall length comes an increase in trunk capacity; it's up by 0.7 cu ft to 16.8 in total, making it the largest of any sedan in the premium compact car class. Ordering the optional split-folding rear seat will add more space. (A bit odd, as it's commonly standard on sedans costing a third as much.)

2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Sports are cloaked in black with aluminum or dark (almost black) bird's-eye maple trim,
a three-spoke wheel, silver instrument surround, and rubber-studded aluminum pedals.