2015 Mercedes C-class reveal at the Detroit auto show

We got our first look at the new 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-class sedan last month in a series of photographs released by the German automaker. Now, amid the melee of the Detroit auto show, we finally get to see the fourth-generation C-class in person. As expected, the new car does a great impression of a baby S-class with a strong front end, plenty of side-sculpting and a gentle slope to the rear.

Underneath is a new high-strength steel platform and mostly aluminum body that's said to be 220 pounds lighter than today's C-class. Due in part to the weight savings, Mercedes says it's achieved a 20 percent fuel-economy improvement without any sacrifice in performance.

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Mercedes C-class at the Detroit auto show.

The new C-class sedan increases 3.7 inches in length to 184.5 inches, and width extends 1.6 inches to 71.2 inches. A 3.1-inch-longer wheelbase, at 111.8 inches, gives the car more interior space and better packaging, according to Benz. The trunk gets boosted to 16.9 cubic feet.

Powertrains include a 2.0-liter turbo four developing 235 hp and 273 lb-ft for the base C300 4Matic. The C400 4Matic gets a 3.5-liter turbo V6 with 329 hp and 354 lb-ft. A seven-speed automatic gearbox is the only transmission offered. 4Matic all-wheel-drive models will be the first to hit our shores, with rear-wheel-drive C-classes expected by March 2015.

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The luxurious 2015 Mercedes C-class interior.

Where's the C63 AMG? Its successor will get a new twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 and should arrive in U.S. showrooms near the end of 2014.

The new C-class will offer optional Airmatic air suspension with automatic self-leveling for improved high-speed handling and added towing stability. A new electro-mechanical steering system handles the turns.

And now for the safety stew: Standard equipment includes Distronic Plus, a radar-based cruise control; Brake Assist Plus to detect stationary vehicles and pedestrians, and provide automatic braking if the driver fails to react. Together with traditional airbags, the new car offers so-called pelvis bags for the driver and front passenger, a driver-side kneebag, and new window airbags and side airbags for the rear-seat passengers. Infotainment and multimedia features include an optional head-up display, Burmester sound system, various apps and Internet connectivity.

All U.S.-market C-class sedans will be built at Mercedes' Tuscaloosa, Ala., plant that also manufactures the ML, GL and upcoming GLK. Future coupes and convertibles will be produced at a Mercedes factory in Bremen, Germany.

The car, codenamed W205, is set to reach North American showrooms in September 2014. Pricing will be announced closer to launch, but expect a base MSRP around $38,000.

For studio shots and more, be sure to check out our first look at the new C-class.

About the Detroit auto show

The North American International Auto Show, known to most as the Detroit auto show, continues to serve as a barometer for the entire industry. This year, we'll expect to see the new Chevrolet Corvette Z06, the 2015 Ford Mustang and the BMW M3 and M4. The 2014 Detroit auto show is held at Cobo Hall in Detroit, Mich., and is open to the public from Jan. 18-26.

By Andrew Stoy