Mercedes has introduced a new line of performance add-ons for the E-Class, called MercedesSport. The brand of styling accessories will eventually filter through its entire range.

Sporty Mercs have all towed the AMG line until now by way of branded styling packs - a strategy BMW follows with M Sport versions of 318ds and the like.

However, from now on Mercedes customers will be able to open up the MercedesSport catalogue and pick from a myriad of performance-suggesting, non-AMG styling parts, all designed and built by the same team that did the cars. Much of it is 'add-on' stuff, so it doesn't require removal of body panels to fit and is thus, theoretically, cost-effective.

Items on offer include front aprons, side skirts, rear spoilers, air diffusers, lightweight alloys, lowered and stiffened suspension, perforated brake discs and painted callipers, sporty steering wheels, stainless steel pedals and illuminated entry panels.

We've not been given any price examples, but Merc claims it's all reasonably priced. Or as the press release puts it: 'thanks to their intelligent design, these products impress with their attractive price/benefit ratio.' We couldn't have said 'cheap' better ourselves.

Mark Nichol - 24 Feb 2010