One recurrent theme of contemporary Mercedes models is that you tend to need an IT degree to understand many of the car's functions. The latest Mercedes C-Class however, concentrates on build quality and simplicity of function to brilliant effect. And the 272bhp C350 variant we look at here remains the pick of the petrol models.

Although most of the C-Class sales volume will no doubt be taken up by the diesel models, here we take a look at the C350, a petrol-powered model that, at the time of launch, was the most powerful derivative in the mainstream C-Class line-up, excluding the AMG rocketship specials. With 272bhp under the bonnet, the C350 doesn't want for urge, the V6 punting it to 60mph in 6.2 seconds before running onto an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

Mercedes makes great play of the C-Class' Agility Control package, a system that features smart dampers which adjust their characteristics depending on what sort of driving is going on. When cruising, these dampers reduce their damping force for a comfortable ride but when the car is driven dynamically, maximum damping force is instantly set, firming up ride and improving body control. There's no doubt that the motorway ride of the C350 is superb, refinement is excellent and steering response is also very good. Drive the car harder and it steps up to the plate to an acceptable level although the chassis is still a few degrees off the class best. The C350's brakes deserve special mention for acing BMW's best efforts.

Get into the C350 and despite it offering a host of very modern features, it feels reassuringly familiar, many of the flat-planed surfaces and no-nonsense ergonomics harking way back to the 190E of the Eighties. Compared to some of Mercedes' more flamboyant efforts, it's a welcome throwback. Materials quality has improved massively over the previous generation model but perhaps the most interesting aspect about the design of the C350 is that it does, in effect, offer two very distinct versions.

"A very strong contender for junior executive honours?."

Go for the Elegance model and there's a very conservative look, with a traditional Mercedes grille and three-pointed star standing atop the bonnet. Specify the car in Sport trim and the car's front end looks very different with an aggressive underbumper assembly and the Mercedes badge incorporated into the grille in the style of the old SEC coupe. While this works with some colours, my test car was a Calcite White C350 Sport and the treatment smacked somewhat of the old 190's that were customised by Rude Mercs of East London. Don't go for white.

The C-Class is notably bigger than its predecessor, 55mm longer and 45mm wider, but in a welcome buck against current trends, the car has become lighter. Mercedes has also moved the engine down and back, improving the car's weight balance. The interior is supremely comfortable with decent storage space but there are a couple of ergonomic glitches. Specify the satellite navigation and it's impossible to shuttle between CD tracks or radio stations without navigating away from the visible map. There's also the issue of the voice guidance which may be too low in volume if you're listening to one of your favourite music tracks. The instinctive thing to do when the sat nav can't be heard over the music is to turn the music down. Do this while the voice command is in action and it merely reduces the voice volume yet lower. Annoying.

Mercedes also harks back to the old school when it comes to standard equipment provision. In the old days you bought a Mercedes and thanked the dealer profusely if it came with a radio. These days things have progressed but it's still rather galling to buy a top of the line C350 and then be expected to fork out extra for items such as parking sensors and satellite navigation which are fitted as standard to shopping hatches a third of the C350's price,. Of course, Mercedes will argue that this policy allows owners to specify the car exactly to their own individual tastes and that the money has been spent on the things that matter.

Run an eye down the C350 equipment list and most of the more interesting fitments remain optional. These include the Harman Kardon stereo system, the Advanced Agility package with Sports Mode and the panoramic roof. Also on the options list are the intelligent lights, keyless go, and multicontour seats. What is fitted is a 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox that has two modes, sport and comfort. Switch it to sport and the car will drop two gears rather than the one gear in Comfort mode when you really mash the throttle.

The C-Class range opens with the SE model, identifiable by its black grille detailing and rear boot handle strip but the C350 doesn't come in this guise. There are two C350 variants, the luxury-oriented Elegance and the dynamic Sport. The Elegance features black dials and eucalyptus wood inserts as standard and the Sport features aluminium trim elements that rather cheapen the look of the otherwise excellent fascia. A multifunction steering wheel, ESP stability control and a multitude of airbags are standard on both models. Prices start at £33,877, with a premium of around £1,600 for the estate version.

The C-Class is a car that isn't as expensive to run as its rather dizzy list price would suggest. The key to keeping residual values in check is to not go berserk with the options but with so many almost must-have features reserved for the options list, this is tricky, and published three-year residual figures for the C350 must, therefore, be taken with a rather large pinch of salt.

A combined fuel economy figure of 9.7 litres per 100km translates into 29.3mpg in old money, still a very respectable return for a car packing a 272bhp petrol engine, running an automatic gearbox and capable of comfortably seating four adults. Mercedes has worked hard to reduce minor crash costs, with four independently acting impact levels.

The C350 is overall a very composed package. No, it's not got the drop on the BMW 335i when it comes to chassis dynamics, but it scores a number of victories over its key rival in a number of other areas. It's bigger, more comfortable, better looking to most eyes and comes without the thrusting image. In short, it feels a more mature, better built product. The 3.5-litre engine is a good all rounder without excelling in any one area and feels pleasantly unburstable. The C350 may not hit bull's-eye in every area but it does enough to be considered a success and a very strong contender for the junior executive honours.