The trademark grille may be ever lower and wider, but it and the three-pointed star hood ornament let the world know the car's heritage. There is one large windshield wiper, and the rearview mirrors are faired in for lower noise levels. Imitators will undoubtedly strive to catch up. Inside, the C220 is a Teutonic blend of leather and wood. M-B Tex synthetic that looks and feels like leather.
Leather is optional, though.
The walnut trim under the windshield, on the central console, and on all doors, is real. The seats feel hard at first. Several hours down the road you'll wonder how you ever sat in any others. The instrument panel has had some modifications this year to make it more similar to that in the larger E-class. Passengers in the rear seat have extra legroom thanks to the shape of the rear of the front seats, one of the many details that make the C220 stand out.