The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class has finally, officially, been revealed, the new saloon promising to be safer and greener than ever. The completely redesigned saloon debuts a number of new technologies from Mercedes-Benz, every E-Class coming with new 'Attention Assist' driver monitoring, which senses driver drowsiness. Attention Assist is just one part of a huge list of safety, performance enhancing and environmental improvements to the executive saloon that goes on sale in the UK this June.

Nine engines will be offered, all featuring direct injection to improve economy and emissions significantly over the outgoing model range. As much as 23% has been shaved from the E-Class's consumption figures, Mercedes achieving the reductions by a combination of smaller more efficient engines (offering as much or greater power outputs than those they replace), a more aerodynamically efficient shape, the adoption of low rolling resistance tyres, on demand engine auxiliaries and start-stop functions on some models.

Underlining the economy drive is the combined consumption figure of 53.3mpg and 139g/km of CO₂ that the new four-cylinder diesel engines boast; the four-cylinder E 250 CDI achieving those figures despite offering an improvement in torque of 44lb.ft over the outgoing 280 CDI V6 turbodiesel.

It's not just the diesels that offer a big increase in fuel economy and emissions either, as the adoption of direct injection on the petrol line up has resulted in a 20% fuel saving.

As ever safety scores highly among the model range enhancements. Every new E-Class comes with the Attention Assist system, while new features like Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist are also offered. Pre-Safe, with nine airbags, is included across the entire range, as is a new Active Bonnet that helps reduce injuries by popping upwards to reduce the severity of a pedestrian impact.

Optional equipment also now includes technologies debuted in the S-Class saloon. E-Class customers can order night view assist and automatic emergency braking, which both utilise infra red and radar technology.

It's not all about safety though, with driver and passenger comfort being paramount. Every E-Class comes with two-zone automatic climate control, while an optional luxury climate control system allows individual passengers even greater choice in setting their preferred temperature.

The design inside and out gets a more edgy look, Mercedes binning the E-Class's characteristic rounded headlamps for a more assertive looking rectangular quad set up. Inside, the E-Class benefits from a completely revised fascia that shares its simple, neat styling with the C-Class. On sale in June, the new E-Class should quickly build on the 10 million sales that its preceding models have achieved. No mention of AMG or estate models as yet, but expect them to be unveiled soon, the performance flagship and load lugging versions of the E-Class hugely popular models in the extensive range.

Kyle Fortune - 11 Jan 2009