Major moves for Mercedes lineup

The C-Class is restyled for a sportier look, although the changes are so subtle -- check the grille -- it's doubtful that anyone but an owner of last year's car will immediately notice. There's a six-speed manual transmission on the option list and the five-speed automatic has been upgraded. All-wheel-drive is an option on sedan and wagon versions. The 349-horsepower C55 AMG version, at more than $54,000, is the powerhouse model.

The restyled SLK is considerably changed from the previous model, borrowing many of its visual cues from the flagship SL sports car models. It's now longer and wider and has an all-new interior. The only engine is a 3.5-liter V6 that turns out 268 horsepower. It's available with either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic.

Overall, the changes have turned the SLK from a weak performing boulevard cruiser into a legitimate sports car.

At the top end, Mercedes is shaking up the traditional notion of a four-door luxury coupe with the CLS, which is a sharply styled sedan with a profile of a big coupe. Based on the E-Class chassis, the CLS will come with a 272-horsepower V6 and a 306-horsepower V8. Both use a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Because this rakish sedan promises to be the next "It" status car from Mercedes, it's one of Bankrate's 10 most exciting cars of 2005. Check out the full road test.

Elsewhere, the only other major news is the return of a turbodiesel to the E-Class, though the 3-liter V6 will only be available in 45 states due to tighter emission standards in states such as California and New York.

-- Posted: Feb. 15, 2005