Consider the term Mercedes-Benz folks use for their updated C class for '05. It's "fresh, contemporary." Not that the C Class was stodgy before. It wasn't. But the German auto maker is adding more goodies to its stable of entry-lux sports autos, particulalry in form of engine power. More on that in a minute. First, changes combine exterior styling and interior upgrades, plus driving and creature comfort enhancements.

A new dash, gauges, sporty three-spoke steering wheel and redesigned seats equal a spiffier interior. Aluminum and wood touch upscale versions. There are "sports" and "comfort" suspension settings, depending on preference. New are 17-inch spoke wheels on the sports sedan; aggressive "staggered width" ones on the coupe. Shifting (with a manual mode on "up" models) adapts to road changes and driving style.

There's a rear-drive C class for almost every taste: C230 and C320 sport coupes and sedans; lux sedans and wagons; one that brings back the V-8. (Prices move up from a high '20s base.) A C Class, as tested, had M-B's performance-boosting Kompressor that also reduces high altitude lag. In short, no gasping for air.

Powerplants include flex fuel 2.6-liter and 3.2-liter versions that can burn ethanol. And Mercedes-Benz shoehorns a gigantic 5.4 liter, seven-gear V-8 into its performance monster C55 AMG. When you get to that level, it probably takes it out of entry level. But who's arguing.