E-Class lights up Detroit show

The wraps are officially off the new Mercedes E-Class, which made its debut at this week’s Detroit Motor Show. And dazzling is the only word to describe it!

The dramatic new look follows on from the company’s radical makeover of its range. But the centrepieces of the design are those sharply styled headlights – the world’s first to incorporate Adaptive High Beam Assist.

The optional technology features a windscreen-mounted camera to sense traffic on the road ahead, and automatically dips the headlamps so it doesn’t blind drivers. Main beam is activated if it’s all-clear.

Other clever features on the car – due on sale from June – include blindspot and lane-keeping technologies, night vision from the S-Class and a drowsiness detection system.

Proving its commitment to cutting emissions, the firm will introduce its BlueEFFICIENCY package as standard on all UK cars except the V8 models. This means low-resistance tyres, energy-saving components and a shift-up light on the dashboard, with stop-start arriving by the end of the year on some models.

Under the bonnet, there are three newly developed four-cylinder common-rail diesel engines – all more efficient than before. For example, the E250 CDI has more torque than the previous E280 CDI, but uses around 23 per cent less fuel, and delivers 53.3mpg.

Other oil-burners will be the E220, E200 and the E350. A powerhouse E63 AMG will also feature in the line-up. Prices are set to start at around £28,000.