Enter the all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a car that, apart from its executive styling and range of new and efficient engines, has so much technology on board that it could very well be the most advanced passenger car, in the world. I gave it a go to find out just what all the fuss is really about.

I will admit that when I first saw pictures of the E-Class, I couldn’t quite figure out if it was just a big C-Class or a smaller S-Class. When it arrived at the Autodealer office I still couldn’t quite figure it out, I guess it’s a blend of both really and that’s okay.

Audi has been photocopying its cars for years now. Mercedes-Benz seems to be doing the same thing. They say that it makes them easily identifiable as a brand. After seeing it up close, I came to the conclusion that it’s a very sharp, smart and modern looking executive sedan.

In keeping with the current Mercedes-Benz design philosophy, the E-Class also features an elongated bonnet coupled with a coupé-esque roof flowing into a sensual, broad-shouldered tail end which creates asensational silhouette in my opinion.

The model that I tested was the base E220d which featured the classic Mercedes radiator grille with the star on the bonnet.  True to the E-Class form of two sets of headlights is the incorporation of a double eyebrow for the reinterpreted daytime running lights.

My test car was fitted with the optional MULTIBEAM LED headlamps. I found them to give the car a majestically focused look while featuring an unmistakable design.

At the rear, the tail lights are framed by the vehicles body clearly identifies the E-Class as a member of the Mercedes saloon family. Another feature was the optional LED taillights which include additional highlights reminiscent of stardust.

This "stardust" effect is created by an innovative reflector technology with a specially designed surface structure for the tail light which creates a unique appearance.

Now the things that will separate this car from pretty much everything else on the road can be found inside. Unfortunately my test car did not feature the two, large LCD displays, instead it made do with just one. Still, this does not detract from the plush interior feel.

Once inside my eyes were drawn to the four rounded air-vents neatly placed below a large diagonal 12.3-inch screen with a resolution of 1920 x 720 pixels. It looks like a large iPad with its gloss black design features. To counter the modern elements, the car was fitted with a stunning real wood trim element which I really liked.

The centre console is very much the same as that found on the C-Class. It incorporates the infotainment control unit and rotary dial as well as the climate control functions. As for the screen, well it houses a sometimes bewildering world of various menus and options to customise everything from the colour of the ambient lighting to navigation controls and driving mode set ups. The problem with all of this is that it took me a good five minutes to change the radio station.

On the move the car really impressed me with the way in which it handles everything. The suspension is compliant over rough roads and the safety features are equally notable. The car makes use of various safety features which monitors the traffic around you. Things like Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keep Assist as well as Active Cruise Control all help in keeping the driver and passengers safe.

As is becoming the norm within the motoring industry, one can’t simply rely on the badge to figure out what engine is under the hood. Although it might say 2.2 on the back, the new E-Class makes use of a brand new 2.0-litre turbo diesel.

Impressively though, Mercedes have managed to squeeze 143 kW and 400 Nm or torque out of it. The car also features the brands new 9G-Tronic gearbox and a host of efficiency programs. This all helped achieve 6.8-litres / 100km over a combined distance of 642 km, with a 252 km range remaining after a week with the car.

I found the new E-Class to be a rather pleasant car to drive, even though it was fairly standard in options and looks. It is, as its design suggests the perfect blend of S-Class luxury and C-Class usability with technology to boot.

One can opt for various design packages and there is a buffet of options, however after sampling the car for a week Mercedes-Benz, has moved the goal posts for this segment quite far and I predict that this is the true start of the tech war between the German manufacturers.