The Sport differs from the Luxury in its suspension tuning, wheels and tires, and lack of a hood ornament. Its interior has high-tech black and gray surfaces, rather than the warm wood tones of the Luxury model.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class always seemed to be not only the smallest of Mercedes-Benz models but also the least like a true Mercedes. That changed in 2008 with the new C-Class, a sedan with all the goodness of a true Mercedes-Benz.

Having sampled one of the vehicles last year, it was time for an encore. Rather than another turn with the base C300 Luxury, with its 228-horsepower, 3-liter V-6, it was time for the C350 Sport.

Endowed with a 268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 and seven-speed automatic, the Sport has a respectably quick 6.1-second 0-to-60-mph time, according to the company. The car’s chiseled form is taut and sporty and has a dynamic tension lacking in the 2007 model. The test car’s appearance, white with a black panoramic glass roof, was especially tasty.

The Sport differs from the Luxury in its suspension tuning, wheels and tires, and lack of a hood ornament. The Sport’s interior has high-tech black and gray surfaces, rather than the warm wood tones of the Luxury model. But once on the road, the Mercedes heritage shines through.

It’s all there: the solid structure, the firm ride, the somewhat light steering. It’s a true Mercedes-Benz. Even in its sportiest form, the C-Class has a more balanced feel than the BMW 3-Series and a bit more poshness in the signals that it sends to the driver.

The Sport’s ride is absorbent and quiet. The suspension dispenses the worst road irregularities. It all happens quickly and effortlessly. There isn’t much body lean during corners. Braking is excellent with short stops. The seats are firm and unyielding upon first acquaintance but prove comfortable and supportive for long drives. Legroom is good up front, and the deep seat cushions please taller passengers. And the tilt-telescopic steering wheel makes finding an ideal driving position easy.

Front-seat passengers will have to make some accommodation for those in the back. Headroom is excellent in the rear, but the seating position is low. The rear doors have narrow openings at the bottom. The cabin’s details mimic costlier models, with good quality plastics and leather.

Thankfully, the audio system can be tuned with a simple knob — what a luxury! But most functions are controlled via a console-mounted knob and flip-up screen. It’s not difficult to master.

The one detail that Mercedes has not corrected is the cruise-control stalk. Its location above the turn signal makes it too easy to hit unintentionally, but that’s a problem in all of its cars. Meanwhile, the panoramic roof not only looked smashing, it brightened up the interior considerably. A power sliding fabric cover blocks the sun when needed.

This little Mercedes-Benz is big on the qualities that fans of the three-pointed star will appreciate: great build quality, ample speed, agile handling and a chiseled, athletic appearance. And that’s a big deal.2009 Mercedes Benz C350 Sport

What we say: Compact car, big statement

Pro: Well balanced and stylish

Con: Can get pricey

Engine: 3.5-liter DOHC V-6

Wheelbase: 108.7 inches

Length: 182.3 inches

Weight: 3,638 pounds

Cargo space: 12.4 cubic feet

EPA rating (city/highway): 17/25 mpg

Fuel economy: 21.3 mpg

Fuel type: Premium unleaded

Base price: $38,200

As tested: $48,060