For those in the market for a luxury vehicle, one of the first ports of call will be Mercedes-Benz. The manufacturer’s E-Class range has a history of opulent interiors, lashings of equipment and no-nonsense styling. The German automaker’s 2014 incarnation continues on this fine tradition.

Exterior

Mercedes-Benz has ironed out some of the aggressive, more masculine styling features of the previous E-Class range. Nevertheless the new-look front end regains some sporty characteristics despite a complete reworking that makes it appear cleaner and more open. The rear quarter is also smoother, slimmer and a lot more elegant compared to the creased look of its predecessor.

For the first time ever, the E-Class gives customers a choice of two different grilles, something that has been standard on C-Class models for some time. In addition to the classic three-pointed star on the bonnet for luxury models, sporty editions feature Mercedes-Benz’s iconic motif integrated in the radiator grille.

Interior

You come to expect an interior full of luxurious and fine materials from Mercedes-Benz and the E-Class certainly doesn’t disappoint. Some of the most notable features include a redesigned dashboard and gauges, stylish analogue clock, classic metal switches and a choice of contemporary trims.

The cabin’s individual panels are perfectly placed and flush against each other with the whole interior’s fit and finish incredibly well refined. With a huge range of options and the ability to fully customise the interior, the E-Class can be individually tailored to specific customer requirements.

Equipment

Safety and comfort are two of Mercedes-Benz’s key areas of focus for the E-Class range and this is reflected in the equipment on offer. Its Intelligent Drive system features ultra-modern sensors like the Stereo Multi Purpose Camera positioned behind the windscreen near the rear-view mirror. This addition provides spatial vision with a full range of 500 metres to identify oncoming vehicles, pedestrians, traffic signs and road markings.

Other standard features are Collision Prevention Assist, Direct-Steer and Attention Assist, the latter of which alerts the driver to drowsiness or a lack of concentration. Further passive and active optional extras with the aim of protecting the driver and passengers mean the new E-Class is “one of the safest cars in the world” according to Mercedes-Benz.

Performance

The different E-Class models come with a range of petrol and diesel engines offering varied levels of power, efficiency and performance. However all power trains feature an eco start/stop system to improve miles per gallon. Although a new four-cylinder petrol engine has been introduced that promises the best emission figures in its class, performance is likely to have been severely compromised. AMG versions will be hitting 0-62mph in around four seconds however.

Drivers will be given the choice of a six-speed manual transmission with short-shift travel or a 7G Tronic Plus automatic gearbox with either a gear lever or flappy paddles.

Overall

Mercedes-Benz’s revised E-Class range has been given a more sleek form but still maintains a high-level of luxury and impressive standard equipment. With safety and comfort well catered for, the automaker’s executive range will once again be a market stalwart.

Sleek is chic

Late last year, Click Tempus looked at the return of the 38mm men’s watch and how recent trends suggest that the days of overzealous grandeur are becoming an out-dated fashion of the past. The same could be said about the new E-Class, which favours simplistic and sophisticated design. Of the watches featured, you can see how the Tissot PRC 200 or TAG Heuer Aquaracer echoes Mercedes-Benz’s understated yet elegant ideals.