Five-Point Inspection: 2015 Mercedes-Benz C400 4Matic

1. New Engine

The W205 C-Class launched late last year with two engines to choose from: a turbocharged inline four-cylinder powerplant and a Biturbo V6. I drove the latter.

It offers 328 hp at 5,250 RPM and 354 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 RPM. In plain English, that means the V6 C-Class ought not to feel like it’s out of breath easily and I’m pleased to report that it doesn’t.

The boosted aluminum V6 doesn’t feel overwhelmingly powerful, but that’s what the soon-to-arrive C450 AMG Sport is for. It uses a re-tuned version of the same engine to offer more power and a more attainable option for someone who wants a sportier sedan without paying an all-out AMG entry fee.

But the point is that the C400 feels richly powerful without going too far.