There's no doubt about it - the latest incarnation of the Citroen C5 has its fair share of features that you won't find in most of the rivals.
The Mondeo-challenger boasts acoustic laminated glass, directional headlights and self-levelling suspension. It even has a driver's back massager built into the seat. But the honest truth is that none of these features - or gimmicks - will be the reason that it's likely to be a big hit.
The simple fact is that the new Citroen will sell on its good looks. For the first time since the earlier Xantia, the French giant has a medium sector saloon that's as pretty as a picture.
Gone is the boat-like profile and slab-sides of the old C5 and in its place is an athleticism and a grace of lines that puts even a design like the Mondeo in the shade.
From some angles - particularly the rear - it could be a German marque, possible BMW or Audi. Which is exactly what Citroen aimed for, because it is the Teutonic badges that constantly score high marks in the premium medium sector.
But looks aren't quite enough if the new four door saloon is going to sustain high interest and satisfaction - the level of build quality must also match up. And early signs are that the new C5 is living up to expectations if the cabin is anything to go by.
Typically, it's a bit longer and wider than the last model - though lower - and there's more cabin space. The severe sloping tail narrows down rear visibility a bit, but headroom is fine.
There are three trim levels and a choice of two petrol engines - 1.8-ltre 127bhp, and 2.0-litre 143bhp - and four diesels, 1.6HDi 110bhp, 2.0HDi 138bhp, 2.2HDi 173bhp, and 2.7HDi V6 208bhp.
In the current climate where mpg and emissions speak louder than out-and-out performance, Citroen expects the diesels models to outsell petrol 70% to 30%. Prices range from £15,595 for the 1.8i SX to £24,395 for the 2.7HDi Exclusive. Interestingly none of the versions bar the flagship Exclusive wears a badge declaring its status.
Citroen makes the point in its publicity blurb that the C5 is "Reassuringly German. Unmistakenly Citroen". You understand just where they are coming from when you sit behind the wheel. Because despite the heavy duty, high quality plastics and the substantial seats, there's something rather different.
Only when you drive away does it become obvious - the steering wheel turns - as you would expect it to - but the central boss remains statica bit of pure Citroen quirkiness.
It's quiet, smooth, refined and extremely comfortable. But if it is a sporting drive you are looking for, the C5 lacks the fine edge of dynamism that has managed to set the Mondeo apart from worthy and competent rivals like the Passat and Laguna. There's nothing wrong with the handling and the roadholding is tenacious but it is not a saloon that begs to be pushed faster into bends.
I drove three diesels - the 2.0-litre, 2.2-litre and topline 2.7-litre. Sadly I wasn't able to get my mitts on the 1.6HDi. Of those three it was the 2.0-litre - expected to be the best seller - that most impressed. In VTR spec, which is the middle trim level, and costing £18,495, it represents a lot of car for the money.
The 138bhp four cylinder engine notches up just 157g/km and manages 57.6mpg combined, and has loads of torque and enough straight line urge to better 11 seconds to 62mph. Top speed is an ample 127mph. Its bigger brother, the 2.2-litre felt only marginally livelier, while the V6 leaps into an altogether different category with a silky V6 diesel and double the torque of the two litre petrol model. Of course, you pay for it in terms of fuel economy and emissions - 33.6mpg and 223g/km.
Despite having four doors without a hatch, Citroen has ensured additional practicality by allowing access to the rear from the boot and fold-down rear seats. Not so practical for families, though, is the fact that there's just one cup-holder in the front part of the cabin.
The C5 enters the fray as competition is really getting tough thanks to the new Mondeo and the soon-to-be-released new Honda Accord. But it is well equipped to cope, and the glamorous Citroen could well be a front-runner