Following a major redesign of the C-Class for 2008, Mercedes-Benz continues to refine and define its entry-level luxury sedan for 2009, making small but notable tweaks to the C-Class's design and safety features.

For starters, Mercedes adds two pelvic airbags to all C-Class trims. The pelvic airbags, which mount in the front seat-bottom cushions, join an extensive array of airbags in the C-Class, including dual-stage front airbags, front seat side-impact airbags, and full-length window-curtain airbags. In addition, C-Class Sport sedans receive a new instrument cluster, which helps to further differentiate the Sport sedan trims from the Luxury trims, and builds on design changes initiated in 2008.

Mercedes added a larger hard drive to the optional navigation system and upgraded standard features on some trims, such as the C350, which receives driver's side memory for the steering column and exterior mirror as well as the seat. The driver's side memory feature for the steering column and mirror remains an optional feature for the other C-Class trims.

As in previous years, the C-Class consists of three basic trims - the C300 and the C350, as well as the C63 AMG, which was introduced mid-year in 2008. The C300 comes in Sport and Luxury versions, both of which are available as either rear-wheel-drive sedans or with Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive. For power, the C300 retains its 228-hp, 3.0-liter V6 engine. The V6 links to a seven-speed automatic transmission in the C300 Luxury sedan, and to a six-speed manual transmission with a short-throw shifter in the Sport trim. The C300 Luxury sedan comes equipped with luxury seating, Burl Walnut trim, and a panorama roof, while the C300 Sport trim features a lowered sport suspension, sport body-styling, and a power sunroof.

The C350, available only as a Sport sedan, also features sport body-styling, as well as a 3.5-liter V6 powerplant that produces 268 hp and propels the vehicle from 0 to 60 in 6.1 seconds. Design features include 17-inch AMG six-spoke wheels.

At the top of the heap power-wise, the C63 AMG boasts a 451-hp, 6.3-liter V8 engine, which delivers 443 ft-lbs of torque at 5,000 rpm and drives the C63 from 0 to 60 in 4.3 seconds.

All C-Class sedans continue to provide a smooth ride, agile handling, a comfortable interior, and the latest safety features, as well as expected Mercedes quality. However, for 2009 the C-Class sedans face stiff competition in a market segment that also includes well-designed cars from Audi, Infiniti, Lexus, and BMW.