Mercedes Benz C-Class 2008

For those of you that either want to upgrade your current Benz or finally make the leap into German luxury sedans, Mercedes released pricing for the US-bound C-Class, and the cost of entry is approximately $2,200 less than the outgoing model.

The new C-Class benefits from a freshly styled exterior that’s one of the more handsome designs to come from the automaker in recent years, and its new pricing structure undercuts its competitors, including the BMW 3-series and Lexus ES350.

If you’re stingy with the options list, you can get a manual transmission, but once you get into the higher-end versions, the automatic is standard and the price goes up accordingly. Two models are available: the 228 HP C300 and the 268 HP C350, with the former coming in at $31,200, while the latter bumps up the price another $5,300 (not including the $775 destination charge). Right out of the box, the C300 comes with 17-inch rollers, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, an LCD display, eight-way power seats up front and a power sunroof. Not bad for an entry-level Merc.

Look for the new C-Class to hit dealers on August 7, with AWD models coming the following month.

All the details are available in the press release after the jump.