The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has a supremely luxurious and comfortable interior, with all models featuring the Mercedes-Benz ‘MBUX’ dual screen instrument and multimedia arrangement. In the top-spec AMG E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ the dash is dominated by an upright digital display in front of the driver flanked by a large central screen to the left and an additional panel for the front passenger beyond that. Trim elements range from piano black, to highly polished wood veneer, open pore wood trim and carbon-fibre.

Standard equipment highlights for all E-Class variants include multi-zone automatic climate control, high-end audio, synthetic and genuine leather upholstery, multi-screen instrument and multimedia displays plus Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity. There’s also ambient interior lighting, a head-up display, keyless entry and start, augmented reality navigation, a 360-degree virtual top-down camera view, LED exterior lighting and alloy rims.

The Mercedes-Benz E200’s 2.0-litre turbo four produces 150kW/320 and sends drive to the rear wheels via a nine-speed auto transmission. The E300’s 2.0-litre turbo four sends 190kW/400Nm to the rear wheels via a nine-speed auto. The 2.0L E300e plug-in hybrid produces a combined 233kW/320Nm. The Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ is powered by a 3.0-litre, turbo-petrol, in-line six-cylinder engine working in concert with an electric motor housed within the car’s nine-speed (torque-converter) automatic transmission. Drive goes to all four wheels via an electromechanically-controlled clutch distributing power between the front and rear axles. Overall outputs are 450kW/750Nm.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class and its Mercedes-AMG derivatives are five-seaters. Power-adjustable front seats with memory are standard from the entry E200 model up, with performance-focused front seats offered on the AMG.

The Mercedes-Benz E200 accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds and has a top speed of 240km/h. The E300 accelerates from 0-100km/h in around 6.5 seconds and has a top speed of 250km/h. The E300e plug-in hybrid will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.2 and hit 250km/h. Mercedes-AMG says the E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds and reach a (governed) maximum velocity of 280km/h.

The Mercedes-Benz E200 and E300 both have a claimed combined cycle fuel economy figure of 7.2L/100km, which with a 66-litre tank translates to a theoretical range of 920km. The turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid E300e’s 50-litre tank and 2.5L/100km official consumption figure add up to a theoretical range of around 2000km. The Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4Matic+’s official fuel consumption figure (1.7L/100km) and 50-litre tank capacity translate to a range approaching 3000km! But to bring that down to earth somewhat, on test CarsGuide saw a (dash indicated) average of 6.4L/100km, which equates to a more realistic, but still lengthy, 780km between fills.