’15 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

C400 pricing begins at $48,590, plus $925 handling charge.

U.S. C-Class sales begin in September.

New C-Class less wedge-shaped than previous model.

Seats firm, comfortable.

Metallic-looking trim on IP actually high-grade plastic.

Switchgear real metal, much like in S-Class.

Central controller combines rotary knob with small horizontal touchpad.

Mercedes designed in short overhangs for better handling.

Air suspension available in new C.

Passenger-side instrument panel abrupt and edgy.

New C-Class interior represents massive overhaul.

Center stack steeply raked and appears to float.

Mercedes hopes to take sales lead from BMW 3-Series.

New C-Class sits lower than predecessor.

Cranberry red accents beautiful.

Cranberry red only available as authentic leather for $2,300.

4Matic all-wheel drive standard until 2WD model arrives next year.

Build quality appears first-rate in early production versions evaluated.

Sport-plus setting shuts off stop/start and allows gears to be held longer.

Cabin climate settings adjustable with brilliant graphics.

"Agility" switch in center console allows dialing in preferred settings.

Three ambient colors available; S-Class offers several more.

Drive settings can be selected with steering-wheel buttons.

ECO display encourages conservative driving.

New C-Class built for first time at Mercedes plant in Alabama.

Central touchpad gets hot in summer sun.

Black ash wood veneer distinctive, with deep pores.

All three back seats comfortable.

Off-white interior soothing.

Mercedes expects 85% of C-Class customers to pick 2.0L turbocharged 4-cyl.

Mercedes expects 85% of C-Class customers to pick 2.0L turbocharged 4-cyl.