Proper Mercedes-Benz
Now I try the C320 CDI Elegance and it all falls into place. This is more the proper Mercedes-Benz and less the BMW tribute, not least because you can aim it via the star gun sight on the bonnet.
The softer suspension gives a more pillowy ride - it's extremely comfortable - but this Benz still stays composed through corners and its thee-litre, 168kW, turbodiesel V6 is as muscularly magnificent as ever. Here's the new C-Class in its optimum form.
There are other forms but we haven't been able to try them yet. The range will begin with the launch with two four-cylinder cars, a supercharged, 1.8-litre, C200 Kompressor (now with 138kW) and a C220 CDI, and there's a three-litre, V6 C280 as well as the two cars here tested.
Some models will be available as manuals but hardly anyone will buy them, given the C-Class's perverse, foot-operated parking brake.
They will be joined even later by a C180 Kompressor, a C230 V6 and a C200 CDI, and a V8-engined C63 AMG, plus estate cars and coupés.
Oh, and the entry-level models are no longer called Classic. They are now SE, which may be a dig at BMW, which applies those initials to posh versions. Yes, it's the clash of the Teutons again.
motoring.co.za - First test: Mercedes-Benz C-class