Available to order now ahead of first deliveries in May, the line-up is priced from £35,935 for the entry-level E220 d SE.

Two trim levels are available, SE and AMG Line, and two engines: the E220d and E350d.

Standard specification on the SE includes: Garmin Map Pilot navigation system with 8.4-inch display, Parktronic parking sensors with reversing camera and Park Pilot self-parking system, Collision Prevention Assist Plus autonomous emergency braking system, Pre-Safe anticipatory safety system, two-zone automatic climate control, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with dual touchpad’s, leather upholstery with heated front seats and 17-inch wheels (18-inch on the E 350 d).

AMG Line models come with AMG exterior styling, 19-inch alloy wheels, perforated front brake discs, three-spoke AMG steering wheel and leather and microfiber upholstery with seat comfort package.

All E350d models also come with Air Body Control multi-chamber air suspension as standard, as well as satellite navigation with 12.3-inch display and remote online services.

The E220d available from May features a 192bhp four-cylinder 2.0-litre bi-turbo engine offering a class-leading 102 g/km CO2 rating and 72.4mpg official combined fuel consumption. The 0-62mph acceleration time is 7.3 seconds.

The six-cylinder E350d follows in the summer and offers 254bhp with 133g/km and 55.4mpg and 0-62mph time of 5.9 seconds.

The petrol-electric hybrid E350e, which offers 49g/km and 134.5mpg, joins the UK line-up later in 2016.

All models feature a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox.

Options include two packages – Premium and Premium Plus – plus latest driver assistance systems such as a Lane Tracking Package (£595) that includes Passive Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Assist, and the more comprehensive Driving Assistance Plus Package (£1,695).

There’s also a Driving Assistance Plus Package with active cruise control as well as a Speed Limit Pilot, which can adjust the vehicle’s speed to camera-detected limits or those logged in the navigation.