Mercedes-Benz C250 CDI Review

A sharpened interior and more power help the new C-Class stave off the luxury soft-roader trend.

It was only a decade ago that entry-level luxury sedans were a must-have. These days they still account for a large chunk of sales for the leading prestige brands, although the emergence of new soft-roader-style wagons and more affordable hatchbacks has seen their dominance eroded.

Not that it's stopped the continual improvement and competitiveness that's defined the breed, the latest example of which can be seen in Mercedes-Benz's C-Class range. A new seven-speed automatic transmission is fitted to all models while the diesels - including a new entry-level C200 CDI model - get an engine stop-start system partly responsible for further lowering fuel use.