Mercedes-Benz used the 2006 New York Auto Show to launch its refreshed E-class range with around 2,000 individual parts changed.

At first glance you may not notice the detail styling changes, which are mainly centred around a more dynamic front-end including a new front bumper and grille, new headlight styling (though the same overall shape) and he use of LEDs for the parking lights. Inside, the changes are also subtle, but bring the new E-class into line with the newer Mercedes-Benzes launched recently. Upgrades include new colours and materials, elliptical buttons on the steering wheel and new climate control switchgear.

Strengthening the case for the top-selling E-class will be more powerful engines with no increase in fuel economy and despite this the four and six-cylinder models receive no price increase. Mercedes-Benz claims that the E-class took a massive 30% of the executive saloon market in Western Europe in 2005 and it's not hard to see why when the range is so wide. The outgoing line-up encompassed 122bhp to 476bhp versions, where as the new car starts at 136bhp and rises to 514bhp.

Most of the new parts on the new E-class go into the cutting edge active safety systems, including the adoption of the S-class's 'PRE-SAFE' system that primes the various safety devices when it is detected that a collision is unavoidable. Also new to the E-class is 'NECK-PRO' active restraints, which reduce the likelihood of whiplash in a rear-end impact. The new flashing brake lights (under hard braking only) should help approaching drivers to slow down before that accident in the first place. On top of these items, Mercedes-Benz now offers its 'Intelligent Light System' on the E-class as an option.

Mercedes-Benz has not ignored drivers either; the new E-class features 'DIRECT CONTROL', which is intended to make the E-class more enjoyable to steer with less body roll and more feedback though without a loss of comfort.

Prices have yet to be announced in full, though there are not as many changes as the new specification might suggest.

Shane O' Donoghue - 13 Apr 2006