Sitting out there at the end of the hood, gleaming in the sunlight and constantly reminding owners how successful and wealthy they are, the chrome three-pointed star is the most palpable perk of Mercedes-Benz ownership. The glitter is fading, though, because the entry-level luxury C-Class is moldering while competition from Acura, Audi, BMW, and Lexus erodes the importance of having one of the most recognized symbols of success twinkling away in the driver’s field of vision. In an effort to retain consumer interest in its entry-level luxury sedan, Mercedes is boosting power with a new V6 engine and is offering European customers an impressive diesel version of its aging C-Class for 2006.

In addition to a couple of new engines, Mercedes-Benz offers a new Sport Edition and revised alloy wheel designs on the 2006 C-Class.