With its well-perfected ergonomics, this handsome interior fits like a perfectly tailored garment. The driver has all the controls at his or her fingertips-a key requirement for dynamic driving.

Adopting a higher standard of materials, feel, and quality appearance led designers to a significant redesign. Many of the interior surfaces have been created by spraying a layer of polyurethane into a mold with the desired texture.

To minimize reflection, the upper segment of the dashboard is finished in Charcoal, while the lower section is finished in the dominant color of the interior. Central, side and side-window defrost vents grow out of the upper dash, as does the new instrument panel with multifunction display. The lower dash is home to side mirror adjustments, as well as the large glove box that offers 500 cubic inches of storage.

The new instrument cluster has a central LCD display within the speedometer for the standard-equipment stereo adjustments, plus odometer, trip computer and optional COMAND (Cockpit MANagement and Data) system information. Three analog gauges monitor engine speed, road speed and fuel level, while the multifunction display can call up a variety of other detailed information, including water temperature.

Dual-zone climate control with rear-seat outlets and activated charcoal filtration is standard, as is a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, genuine wood trim and an AM/FM/cassette audio system. An optional Bose 10-speaker digital audio system is available as well as a glove-box mounted six-disc CD changer.

On C240 sedans, seat height and backrest adjust electrically. C320 models come with full power memory front seats. Bose premium audio system and five-speed automatic transmission with Touch Shift are also standard on C320 models. The front seats feature headrests that expand forward, enhancing comfort and safety. All three rear seating positions benefit from adjustable head restraints and three-point seat belts, while outboard rear seats have belt height adjustments and belt force limiters.

The center console echoes the curved contour of the central dash in wood trim. Each programmable SmartKey holds memory information for seat adjustment, steering wheel, rear view mirror and the automatic climate control at the driver's preferred settings.

The C-Class comes equipped with a tilt-telescoping steering wheel, leather seating surfaces, and wood trim. The steering wheel provides large, illuminated rocker buttons for convenient control of many of the car's systems. Two rockers with eight detents control the dash display and adjustment of: trip odometers and the trip computer; audio system (radio station seek, cassette deck operation, volume, CD changer track and seek); fault or error messages (for vehicle diagnostics); clock; interior and exterior light dimming; and system language. The driver can scroll forward or back between additional "windows" using the buttons on the left side.

Passive safety is not overlooked on the C-Class. With eight airbags, smart seat belts, child seat tethers, and BabySmart child seat options, the C-Class has an impressive array of safety features. The eight airbags include dual powered front airbags, four side airbags and two head curtain airbags that run the length of the interior on either side.

The BabySmart automatic child seat recognition system, standard on every Mercedes-Benz model, deactivates the passenger-side front airbag in the presence of a BabySmart-compatible infant, toddler or child booster seat (available from Mercedes-Benz retailers).

If an airbag is deployed the standard Tele Aid system will place a call to an operator who will dispatch needed assistance. The Tele Aid service is free for one year.

The trunk is roomy, with a pass-through that allowed us to head out from the home-improvement center parking lot with a rug cleaner and a couple of mops.