From the front of the car, the signature Mercedes-Benz 3-pointed star sits nestled in the center of the chrome grille. Attractive flush-mounted halogen headlights are placed on either side of the grille, and clear-lensed turning indicators smoothly flow from headlight to fender.

Small wipers rest at the bottom of both headlight assemblies and operate in conjunction with the windshield wiper only when the headlights are switched on. Small ellipsoidal front foglights are found below the headlights, and are integrated into the front spoiler.

The single-arm windshield wiper was interesting to watch and a seemingly stunning example of Mercedes-Benz engineering prowess, but ultimately it was ineffective at cleaning our windshield.

Following the taut skin over the sloping nose to the steeply raked windshield and back to the tapered rear leaves an impression of cleanliness and size. The shapes are simple and flowing; thoroughly contemporary, but avoiding both the wind-tunneled blob and creased and folded designs that too often plague modern styling.

Smooth-faced 8-spoke alloy wheels, shod with 16-in. Pirellis, fill the wheel wells with fluid grace.