Originally Posted by cawimmer430

Exactly.

I spoke with a BMW engine engineer at a family funeral last year and he mentioned to me how they examine the cars of the competition for their strengths and weaknesses and if it is a threat to BMW etc.

That said, I am almost positive that the new C-Class is very sporty, but it also has to pacify the traditional Mercedes crowd and hence the balance between sport and luxury. From my testdrives with the facelifted W203, I'd day they do this very well.