Of the two million C-Class variants (saloon, estate and sports coupé) sold since the turn of the millennium, a massive 30% went to German buyers. Today, Mercedes-Benz has revealed the replacement and there is no doubt that it is tasked with broadening the car's appeal globally.

The outgoing car (AMG versions aside) suffers from a humdrum image and has largely been overshadowed by the excellent BMW 3 Series, certainly in terms of dynamics. The new C-Class aims to redress the balance.

Initial details suggest that Mercedes does not want to alienate its core luxury car buyers in pursuit of customers that are searching for a more dynamic offering. The way this has been done is by adopting two distinct styles for the car. The traditional buyer is serviced by either the entry-level Classic trim or the more luxurious Elegance, while Avantgarde takes care of the sporty side. The latter features a more aggressive radiator grille, incorporating a large three-pointed star, which really gives the car a sportier appearance. This differentiation of the models has worked very well for BMW with its M Sport brand and should do well for Mercedes-Benz too, though Mercedes customers that want to go further can specify an AMG sports package.

We'll reserve final judgement on the styling of the new C-Class until we see the car for ourselves, but first impressions are good. The new car continues the current Mercedes design trend, though thankfully omitting the weird rear haunches of the S-Class. Instead, it manages to be individual without being weird and it looks like a big car in photographs.

Indeed, the new C-Class has grown in most directions over the outgoing car, including an increase in the wheelbase. The aim was to improve interior space and comfort. The cabin itself has quite a restrained overall shape, but good detailing and a wealth of new technology. Among the options will be an advanced infotainment system that includes a 4.0Gb music server and a 30Gb hard drive for the Europe-wide satnav. The trim materials used depend on the level chosen, with the Avantgarde models eschewing the eucalyptus wood trim of the Elegance models in favour of aluminium.

The engine range has not changed very much, with supercharged four-cylinder units on the entry-level models and a choice of three petrol V6s, as well as the C 320 CDI diesel V6. Particular attention has been paid to extracting more performance from the four-cylinder units, while reducing fuel economy and emissions. It looks like a six-speed manual gearbox will be standard across the range, with a seven-speed auto' standard on the C 350 and optional elsewhere.

Mercedes-Benz has invented a new name for the way the C-Class drives. It is called 'Agility Control' and the basic version is standard across the range. In this format, two-stage adaptive dampers are employed, along with more direct steering than the outgoing car. The tag is also applied to the gearshift. Drivers requiring a little more will be able to specify the 'Advanced Agility' package later this year, with infinitely variable damping, along with adjustment of the throttle map, steering assistance and automatic gearbox shift calibration.

With all this focus on dynamics, you'd think that Mercedes has quietly left its core safety and technology values behind, but fear not; the C-Class is loaded with the latest generation of safety gizmos, though many will be optional. The list includes PRE-SAFE, NECK PRO headrests, blinking brake lights, Intelligent Light System and Adaptive Brake.

So all this kit will mean extra weight, right? Well, yes, naturally, but the engineers at Mercedes have attempted to combat that with clever design. Most of the body itself is made up of high-strength steel alloys, but aluminium has also been used extensively and a quick glance at the specifications indicates that the C-Class is on a par with the BMW 3 Series in terms of kerb weight. We'll see for ourselves if the new car lives up to the hype when we drive it later this year.

Following a public debut at the Geneva Motor Show, the new C-Class will go on sale in Europe at the end of March and in the all-important US market only a few weeks later.

Shane O' Donoghue - 19 Jan 2007