The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon is available to order priced from £35,935 with first deliveries in May. Customers can select from two trim levels – SE and AMG Line – plus from two engines, the E220d and E350d. The UK range starts with the E220d SE, priced from £35,935 with the E220d AMG Line from £38,430. The E350d SE starts at £44,930, and the E350d AMG Line at £47,425.

The E220d uses an all-new four-cylinder 2.0-litre bi-turbo engine producing 195bhp and 400Nm, with the nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox that is standard on all new UK E-Class Saloon models. As well as helping to create seamlessly smooth shifts, the 9G-Tronic gearbox also contributes to the E220d’s low 102g/km carbon emissions rating and high 72.4mpg economy.

By comparison the previous-generation E220 CDI Saloon, launched in 2009, produced 170bhp from its 2.1-litre engine, and returned a then-impressive 53.3mpg and 139 g/km of CO₂. Acceleration from 0-62 mph in the new E200d takes just 7.3 seconds – 0.4 seconds faster than the outgoing E 250 CDI.

First deliveries of the six-cylinder E350d are due in the summer. This produces 258bhp and 620Nm making for a 0-62mph sprint time of 5.9 seconds, while emitting 133g/km and returning 55.4mpg. These are also improvements over the previous-generation E50 CDI Saloon of 27bhp; 80Nm; 0.9 seconds; 48g/km and 14.5mpg.

The petrol-electric hybrid E350 e (279bhp; 600Nm; 6.2 seconds; 49g/km; 134.5mpg) joins the UK line-up later in 2016.

Standard specification on the SE includes Garmin Map Pilot navigation system with 8.4-inch display, Parktronic parking sensors with reversing camera and Park Pilot self-parking system, Collision Prevention Assist Plus autonomous emergency braking system, Pre-Safe anticipatory safety system (including Pre-Safe Sound, which helps prevent damage to hearing), 64-colour selectable LED interior lighting, two-zone automatic climate control, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with dual touchpads, leather upholstery with heated front seats, LED headlights and taillights, electrically folding mirrors and 17-inch wheels (18-inch on the E350d).

AMG Line models come with AMG exterior styling including unique bumpers and side skirts, 19-inch alloy wheels, perforated front brake discs, three-spoke AMG steering wheel, and Artico leather and Dynamica microfiber upholstery with seat comfort package.

All E350d models come with Air Body Control multi-chamber air suspension as standard, as well as COMAND satellite navigation with 12.3-inch display and remote online services.