Mercedes-Benz C400 4MATIC

In the wake of this year’s Pebble Beach luxury extravaganza, we’re feeling particularly rich. Good timing, then, that Mercedes-Benz’s online configurator for the 2015 C-class sedan is now up and running, allowing our minds to wander and ruminate on which C we’d buy, and how we would spec it. After all, now that the C-class is no longer saddled with entry-level duty—thanks, new CLA-class!—it has grown up and is now a fully fledged luxury ride as befits a silk suit–wearing Pebble-goer. Without further ado, this is our ideal 2015 C-class—now will someone please pass the caviar and foie gras?

MODEL: Mercedes-Benz C400 4MATIC (base price: $49,515)

Currently, Mercedes is offering the new C-class sedan in just two flavors: the C300, which is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and the steroidal C400, which is powered by a 329-hp twin-turbo V-6. Both models, for now, come exclusively with Benz’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Having sampled both cars, we can say they’re excellent and oh-so-true to Benz form. That said, we’re a power-hungry bunch, so our foray into the C-class’s build sheet begins with the C400 4MATIC.

Opting for the burlier C ups the price of entry from $41,325 to $49,515—quite a jump for an additional 88 horsepower and 81 lb-ft of torque. Besides more oomph, the C400 also brings 18-inch AMG wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, automatic full-LED headlights, heated front seats, a Burmester sound system, SiriusXM, and a proximity-entry system. Standard features shared with the C300 include a 14-way power driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-folding door mirrors, a tilting/telescoping steering wheel, Benz’s new COMAND infotainment screen and touchpad controller, M-B Tex seat upholstery, Bluetooth audio streaming, a drive-mode selector, and brake-based torque-vectoring functionality.