Mercedes-Benz. The name is synonymous with excellence and luxury. As innovators, Mercedes-Benz has not only evolved throughout the history of automobiles, but has done so ahead of the industry’s every curve. And each year brings substantial change to an award-winning fleet.Among Mercedes-Benz’s most changed models this coming year is the C-Class, the company’s best-selling line. Though the C-Class Sedan was once generally considered an entry-level model (a distinction now enjoyed by the CLA-Class Sedan), the 2015 line is inching ever closer to the luxury of the superior S-Class—only without the accompanying price tag. Here’s why.The 2015 C-Class Sedan is more elegant, bigger, tech savvier, safer, stronger and more nimble that it’s predecessor.Two versions of the sedan are available, both with 4MATIC all-wheel drive standard: the C300, featuring a 241-hp turbo-4 engine; and the C400, featuring a 329-hp biturbo V-6 engine. Both have increased power and up to 20% of additional torque. Yet, they boast higher mpg and lower emissions than ever before, courtesy of advances like high-pressure Direct Injection, rapid-multispark ignition and ultralow friction.On the exterior, a sleek aluminum and steel body is punctuated by sculpted taillamps, round vents and Mercedes’ distinctive grille. The new model is not only lighter but also longer and wider than past C-Class Sedans. Inside a noticeably roomier cabin, the cascading console features a brand new touchpad that responds to gestures for navigation and entertainment. Other interior features include a Nappa leather wrapped wheel and FrontBass® technology. C-Class Sedans come standard with LED low beams and can be upgraded with Mercedes-Benz’s P01 Premium Package, which includes state-of-the-art Burmester® surround sound, SiriusXM Satellite Radio and KEYLESS-GO.The C-Class can also be equipped with an mbrace app suite: a tech system that seamlessly connects the driver to the outside world. Mbrace can be connected to the owner’s phone or computer and includes a variety of apps, remote vehicle features, Google and Yelp search engines and an emergency assistance program.Mercedes-Benz is leading the industry in style, but also in groundbreaking safety features—starting with a design that helps driver’s focus on the road ahead instead of the machine inside. A Head-Up Display puts important information in the driver’s line of sight with virtual imaging. Meanwhile, the car can independently spot hazards, then alert its driver, engage the brakes and even respond autonomously to help avoid collisions.Additional safety features include futuristic COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, which uses radar to monitor traffic, and ATTENTION ASSIST®, which monitors the driver for signs of drowsiness.On the road, the seven-speed auto transmission C-Class is agile and confident. Four-wheel multilink suspension is paired with AGILITY CONTROL®, designed to give the driver an overall smoother ride and more control around corners. A new, optional suspension innovation—AIRMATIC—uses pressurized air to improve performance. AGILITY SELECT allows drivers to personalize the car’s driving characteristics like shift points, throttle mapping, steering feel and the ECO Start/Stop system. And for even greater control, the C-Class Sedan can be set to manual shifting.This is a C-Class model both worth a test drive and the price. The C-Class Sedan is more advanced than superior classes even ten years ago, but pricing starts competitively at $40,000.Visit Benzel-Busch for a test drive and view our C-Class inventory, here.