Five of the eight engines have recently been updated, and they all gain more power or pull (or both), usually with no fuel consumption penalty. All are now perfectly adequate for the car. Petrol options range from a supercharged 1.8 to a 6.2-litre V8, but the biggest sellers will be the four- and six-cylinder diesels.

Mid-2006 changes to the steering and springs make the E-Class a little sharper into corners and a little less prone to lean. In typical Mercedes fashion, it still places an emphasis on ride comfort, whether you choose conventional or air suspension, but it's now a bit more enjoyable to drive.

Mercedes has made the new E-Class so good it almost brings into question the need to opt for the larger S-Class, such is its resistance to noise from all sources. Even the smallest diesel engine stays remarkably quiet at higher speeds.

There has been a slight price increase to pay following the range revisions in July 2006, but as the fuel economy of most models has not suffered, company car taxation scales are unaffected. Resale values remain strong, so leasing rates are competitive, and routine running costs are reasonable. A three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty and 30-year breakdown cover is provided.

E-Class reliability has not been all you'd expect of a Mercedes, but the latest model has undergone rigorous testing and features 2000 new parts. Mercedes says that glitches, particularly with electrical parts, have been removed. Build quality is excellent, even if some trim materials aren't up to Audi standards.

The revised E-Class marks the debut of a clever lighting system that changes the beam pattern according to where and how fast you are driving. It will be an option, but all models now have Mercedes's Neck-Pro anti-whiplash head restraints, brake lights that pulse in an emergency stop, and the Pre-Safe system that puts front occupants in the safest possible position if a crash seems likely.

A reach- and rake-adjustable steering wheel combines with electric seats to give a huge range of positions to suit all drivers. The dash now sports a less cluttered look, with simple rotary controls for the heating and steering wheel-mounted stereo controls. The dials look cleaner and classier than those in the previous model.

One of the best estates, the E-Class has a cavernous boot and easy-to-fold rear seats that make it incredibly versatile. Mercedes has thought of everything to make life simple.

Classic models get climate control, wood trim and cruise control, while Elegance adds on chrome and a leather steering wheel. Avantgardes have xenon headlamps, part-leather seats and window glass that reflects bright sunlight. Sport models have full leather trim. The E500 gets larger alloys and a dual-zone climate control system.