Can I buy a new E-Class now?

Yes, and no; the order book is open but the first cars won't arrive until May; you'll need at least £35,395 for the entry-level E 220 d SE. The six-cylinder E 350 d SE arrives in the summer and will set you back £44,930.

What do you get for the money?

The E 220 d comes with a new twin-turbocharged diesel engine that produces 195hp and 400Nm; Mercedes claims 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds. Fuel economy and emissions figures are 72.4mpg and 102g/km respectively. Equivalent figures for the E 350 d are 258hp, 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds, 55.4mpg and 133g/km.

A petrol-electric E 350 e hybrid will join the range later in the year with some impressive on-paper economy and emissions figures including a theoretically possible 134.5mpg and 49 grams of CO₂ per kilometre.

Standard equipment on the SE includes leather upholstery, two-zone climate control and Garmin Map Pilot navigation with an 8.4-inch display. Safety and convenience systems include the Park Pilot self-parking system, Collision Prevention Assist Plus autonomous emergency braking system and Pre-Safe anticipatory safety system.

There is also an AMG-Line trim level that features new bumpers, side skirts and 19-inch alloy wheels on the outside. On the inside you get an AMG steering wheel plus Artico leather and microfiber seat upholstery.

Are there any options?

Yes, plenty. There are two option packages, Premium and Premium Plus, with a range of other features, colours and trims available at extra cost. Premium (£2,795) includes a panoramic glass roof, Keyless Start and front-seat memory. The Premium Plus package (£3,895) adds a 13-speaker Burmester Surround Sound System and the Multibeam LED Intelligent Light System. This uses 84 individually controlled LEDs, with the Active Light System to switch individual LEDs on and off, providing maximum illumination without dazzling other road users.

Active Lane Assist and Passive Blind Spot Assist are available in the Lane Tracking Package for £595 or the Driving Assistance Plus Package at £1,695. The latter package also includes Distance Pilot Distronic, which can maintain a set distance from other vehicles and also follow the vehicle in front.