2007 Mercedes Benz C280 Luxury 4Matic.

The 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class lineup has been revised and streamlined, ut the C-Class remains the most accessible of all Mercedes cars sold in the United States.

The C-Class hatchback coupes and wagons have been eliminated, nd only the sedans remain.No problem here, n our view, ecause the sedans have always represented the C-Class best.Moreover, he 2006 C-Class is powered by an all-new line of V6 engines, ith more horsepower and more advanced technology than before.The luxury models feature a high-tech seven-speed automatic transmission, nd the C350 Luxury sedan has the classic Mercedes balance of ride quality and handling.The line also includes sport models for those who want a sportier driving experience, nd that's what Mercedes has been emphasizing in its advertising.

Inside, he C-Class cars look and feel like a Mercedes-Benz, ith firm, upportive seats and mostly high-quality materials.The C-Class delivers Mercedes engineering and safety technology, ith optional all-wheel-drive that will improve traction in wet or wintry conditions.

In short, he C-Class brings the three-pointed Mercedes star to the rest of us, ith sedans starting below $30,000, r about the same price as a loaded Honda Accord or Toyota Camry.

New engines for 2006 complement the substantial C-Class updates made just a year ago.Mercedes redesigned the C-Class interior for 2005, reshened the exterior styling and further distinguished the sport models from the standard luxury sedans.A new six-speed manual transmission greatly improved shift action.New paint technology imbeds microscopic ceramic flakes in the clear coat finish, ncreasing its resistance to chipping and degradation over time.

At the top of the C-Class line, ercedes introduced the new C55 AMG, n extreme sports sedan that can knock your socks off when you floor the accelerator then pull them back up when you hit the brakes.(Or is it the other way around?)

Mercedes C-Class sales have increased four fold over the past decade, nd it doesn't take a degree in marketing to understand why.For those seeking Mercedes-Benz engineering, esign strengths and mystique in a mainstream sedan, t doesn't get any easier than the C-Class.