Powerful proportions give the new C-Class a distinctly sporty look, with a much more rounded roof and a smoother front and rear. At the same time the characteristic ribbed Mercedes radiator grille with the centrally positioned star and the eye-catching ellipsoid front headlamps clearly identify this car as a member of the Mercedes family. The sleek new C-Class features a unique interpretation of the familiar elliptical headlight design, resembling overlapping ovals with a figure-eight outline.

Though it seems significantly larger than the predecessor C-Class, it's longer by less than an inch. Aerodynamics are a key component of design, and the C-Class excels with an improved drag coefficient of 0.27. Furthermore, seemingly minor details add up. The A-pillars are shaped to minimize wind noise at speed, as are the door seals and side-view mirrors. Airflow over the windshield wipers is minimized for noise as well as air turbulence. A notched sunroof deflector effectively eliminates interior booming.