It's not just about pure sales numbers. The A-Class has actually been Benz's biggest seller in 2014 although that is likely to shift with the arrival of a new generation C.

It's also about brand image. As the first full-size Mercedes-Benz in the line-up, the C-Class is seen as an entry point towards full membership to the three-pointed star club.

So, more than any other model in its range, Mercedes-Benz must get the C-Class right. If that means playing it safe (figuratively and literally) then that is just smart policy.

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The new C-Class (designation W205) is indeed new from bumper to bumper. It is longer, wider and fractionally lower. But the styling changes are conservative apart from the new face. It is instantly recognisable as a C-Class, as it should be.

We found ourselves behind the wheel of the C250 this week, which sits mid-table, above the entry-level C200. Our example had plenty of extra kit, including the Comand Package (including a premium sound system), Vision Package (sunroof, head-up display), Seat Comfort Package and AMG Line Package, boosting the price from the mid-$60,000s for a standard C200 up to $92,474 drive away.

The changes inside the cockpit are substantial but by no means radical. Despite a further leap forward in terms of technology, environment comforts, and a host of features which border on sci-fi, the ambience is decidedly classical, perhaps even more so than its predecessor. One colleague described the blend of old and new as almost "steampunk". I'm not entirely sure what that means but it sounded cool.

Some of that techno stuff comes as part of the Command Package and isn't standard but is worth talking about nevertheless. They include a 21.3cm colour display and a touchpad located between driver and passenger seats. The touchpad works like those on a laptop computer with the added function of literally being able to draw numbers with your finger for dialing. We didn't quite master it but it is nifty.

The gear shift, meanwhile, is a stalk located where the indicator would be on a Commodore or Falcon. We've seen it on other Mercedes-Benz cars and still find it awkward (a left turn can cause you to inadvertently knock the car into neutral). You would get used to it.

The ride and handing feels softer and less sporty than its two most obvious competitors. Around Lake Gardens and Lake Wendouree, at least, the compromise is a good one. Out of town, the difference is only noticeable when pushed, but it does feel more for the "mature" driver.

The 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, with 155kW peak power and 350Nm torque is also relatively leisurely compared with its number one rival, again hinting a slightly different market. Comparatively speaking, it is a luxury cruiser rather than a sports sedan, much as we've come to expect from a C-Class.

Despite the impressive technological wonders - the C-Class most definitely feels like the mighty S-Class's smaller sibling in that regard - ultimately it has retained much of the character of its predecessor. The C-Class does what it has always done very well but with more.

Welcome to the club.

Your local dealer is: Mercedes-Benz Ballarat: 5331 3717

Mercedes-Benz C250

ENGINE: 2.0-litre turbo-charged petrol four

POWER: 155kW at 5500 revs

TORQUE: 350Nm at 1200-4000rpm

TRANSMISSION: seven-speed automatic

DRIVE: rear-wheel-drive

FUEL: petrol premium, 6.0-l/100km combined (ADR81/02)

BRAKES: ventilated discs front, solid discs rear, with ABS, brake assist, stability control and collision prevention assist

ANCAP SAFETY RATING: five stars

FEATURES: leather upholstery, driver assistance package, reverse camera, keyless entry and start, display audio with Bluetooth connectivity and satellite navigation, 19-inch alloy wheels

PRICE RRP: $68,900 plus on-road costs

PRICE AS TESTED: $92,474

OTHERS TO CONSIDER:

AUDI A4 S LINE: from $65,000

BMW 328i: from $69,400

LEXUS IS250 F Sport: from $65,230