Mercedes has started taking UK orders for the new E-Class. Prices start at £35,935 for E 220 d SE. Other models in the starting line-up include the E 220 d AMG Line from £38,430, the E 350 d SE from £44,930, and the E 350 d AMG Line at £47,425.

The petrol-electric hybrid E 350 e (275 BHP; 443 lb/ft; 6.2 sec; 49 g/km; 134.5 mpg) joins the UK range later in the year.

The E 220 d uses an all-new four-cylinder 2.0-litre bi-turbo engine producing 192 BHP and 295 lb/ft, with the nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox that is standard on all new UK E-Class Saloon models. This gearbox contributes to the E 220 d’s low 102 g/km CO2 rating and high 72.4 mpg economy. By comparison, the previous-generation E 220 CDI Saloon produced 168 BHP from its 2.1-litre engine, and returned 53.3 mpg and 139 g/km of CO2.

First deliveries of the six-cylinder E 350 d are due in the summer. This produces 255 BHP and 457 lb/ft; making for 0-62 mph in 5.9 sec, while emitting 133 g/km and returning 55.4 mpg. These are improvements over the previous-generation E 350 CDI Saloon of 27 BHP; 59 lb/ft; 0.9 sec; 48 g/km and 14.5 mpg.

Standard specification on the SE includes: Garmin Map Pilot navigation system with an 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 touch-pads; leather upholstery with heated front seats; LED headlights and taillights; electrically folding mirrors and 17-inch wheels (18-inch on the E 350 d).

AMG Line models come with AMG exterior styling including 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 E 350 d 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.

Two options packages – Premium and Premium Plus – are available, as well as a large number of individual options, colours and trims. Premium (£2,795) includes panoramic glass roof, Keyless Start and a front-seat memory package; and Premium Plus (£3,895), which adds to these features with a 13-speaker Burmester Surround Sound System with 9-channel amplifier and 590-watt output and the Multibeam LED Intelligent Light System. This uses 84 individually controlled LEDs to provide extensive illumination, with the Active Light System switching individual LEDs on and off to provide maximum lighting without dazzling other road users.

Next-generation driver assistance systems include a Lane Tracking Package (£595) that features Passive Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Assist, and the more comprehensive Driving Assistance Plus Package (£1,695).

The Driving Assistance Plus Package includes Drive pilot, which combines Distance Pilot Distronic – which can maintain the vehicle at a set distance behind other vehicles – with new functionality that allows it to follow the vehicle in front. In combination with Comand Online navigation, the system also has Speed Limit Pilot, which can adjust the vehicle’s speed to camera-detected limits or those logged in the navigation. Also included are: Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function; Evasive Steering Assist; and Pre-Safe Impulse Side. If a lateral impact has been detected, this last system inflates a chamber in the side of the backrest to move the driver or front passenger further from the danger zone.

Comand satellite navigation with 12.3-inch widescreen display is standard on E 350 d models and £1,495 on the E 220 d. The accompanying 12.3-inch widescreen cockpit display is £495.