Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Redesigned for 2015, the Mercedes-Benz C300 is so impressive that it scores near the top of the sports sedan segment. The new C-Class has a beautiful interior and delivers a driving experience that is close to ideal when it comes to balancing performance and comfort. Simply put: The C300 delivers the driving pleasure people expect from the brand. For those new to the brand, we think you'll find the C300 comfortable, quiet, agile, and altogether well done.

The opening bid for a base, rear-wheel drive C300 starts around $40,000. However, our test car, which represents what most people buy, rang in at $47,560. It included 4Matic all-wheel drive, blind-spot assist, sunroof, heated seats, and Premium package (Burmester stereo, LED headlights). Among four-cylinder sports sedans, this is the higher end of the price spectrum, where it competes directly against the BMW 330i. Making liberal use of the options list can send the sticker into the stratosphere.

Buyers signing for the base C300 get a 241-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine. The next trim, the AMG C43, bumps up to a 362-hp, 3.0-liter turbo V6. And the top-level AMG C63 comes with a fire-breathing 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that puts out between 469- and 503 hp. The C-Class is built in Alabama, alongside Mercedes' SUVs.