Mercedes-Benz offers two distinct versions of its popular C-Class sedan: Sport and Luxury. The Luxury version stays within the Mercedes-Benz tradition with the familiar chrome grille and three-pointed star decorating the hood. Beyond this visual differentiation, you must drive both to discern the subtle handling and ride differences.

Just as the C-Class exterior styling comes in two distinct flavors, there are two distinct choices for motive power. A 3.0-liter V6 engine with 228 hp and 221 lb/ft of torque powers the C300 while the C350 gets a 3.5-liter V6 with 268 hp and 258 lb/ft of torque. Car and Driver finds the C350 is "powerful enough to make short work of tight passing situations, as well as sorting out every day traffic.”

Transmission options on the C-Class depend on the engine under the hood. The C300 has a six-speed manual transmission as standard equipment with a seven-speed automatic available as an option. The C350, available only in Sport trim, teams up with the seven-speed automatic with overdrive. The seven-speed automatic offers a manual shift feature and adaptive ability that “learns” ones driving style. Car and Driver finds the automatic transmission to be "milkshake smooth in full auto mode with ratios well matched to the engine's broad torque band." Kelley Blue Book (KBB.com) believes "the six-speed manual transmission brings out the C300's playful side." For those who must deal with winter weather, all-wheel drive is available on the C300.

With its spirited acceleration and power, Mercedes-Benz clocks the C300's zero-to-60 mph time at 7.1 seconds, and the C350 at an even more impressive 6.1-seconds.

The EPA estimates the C300 should achieve 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission and 18/25 mpg with an automatic. The automatic C350 features an EPA estimated 17/25 mpg.

Inside, the C300 Luxury gets chrome and burl walnut wood accents while the Sport features matte-aluminum or maple wood trim. The reviewers at Cars.com praised the "simple, purposeful and uncluttered" cabin design, which is complemented by either wood or aluminum accents, "both of which enhance the interior."

The interior ergonomics of the C300 are topnotch. C300 gauges are easy to read. Audio controls work two ways; basic functions are performed with convenient knobs and buttons, but settings and advanced operations are handled by a knob and dashtop screen shared with the optional navigation system.

Available folding rear seats and a cavernous trunk ensure exceptional cargo space. Interior storage is found in the door bins and center console, and there are two cupholders and a decent-sized glovebox.

The 2009 C-Class excels in handling with its independent multi-link front suspension with anti-dive geometry, coil springs and gas-charged shock absorbers. In the rear, an independent, multi-link setup with similar damping and a stabilizer bar keep the C300 on the straight and narrow.

Consumer Guide highlighted the "surefooted aplomb and little body lean" that the C-Class exhibits when cornering. While many vehicles sacrifice ride quality for improved handling, Edmunds feels that the C-Class is an exception, finding that "despite its sportier character, the C-Class is never harsh on the road." Cars.com agrees, claiming that the "new C-Class offers a nice blend of ride comfort and handling performance." Although Sport models have a slightly tauter suspension than Luxury versions, there is little difference in ride quality between the two.

Active safety equipment on the C300 is exemplary. An advanced electronic stability and traction control system is tied into both braking and the engine management computer to prevent skids and assist with extreme handling situations. Other useful driver aids include hill start control, four-wheel antilock power disc brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution control and assistance programs. Passive safety equipment includes full airbag coverage including dual stage deployment for the front airbags and side-curtain airbags front and rear.

The entry-level MSRP for the C-Class is $34,725, a price that delivers one of the most substantial and desirable cars in the midsize luxury sedan class. Driving and owning a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300 Luxury sedan is not only a pleasure, but also a testament to the owner’s exquisite taste.