Unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show today, the E-Class is larger than its predecessor but makes widespread use of aluminium and ultra-high strength steel to reduce weight, and it’s more aerodynamic than the Tesla Model S.

Launch engines will include the likely big-seller, the E220 d. This uses a new 193bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine, replacing the old 2.1-litre unit, and returns up to 72.4mpg with CO2 emissions of 102g/km with its standard-fit nine-speed automatic gearbox.

Shortly after launch, the E-Class will include an entry-level four-cylinder diesel with 148bhp, and a 258bhp six-cylinder diesel. A plug-in hybrid with CO2 emissions of 49g/km will be available in the near future, but Mercedes-Benz has not confirmed a replacement for the diesel hybrid offered in the last generation.

New technology includes a more advanced cruise control system capable of actively keeping the car in its lane and adjusting the speed at up to 130mph. The E-Class can also receive live data from the road network to give early warnings about problems ahead, can drive in and out of tight parking spaces controlled via a smartphone app, and perform semi-autonomous lane changes.

Pricing has not been revealed as yet, but all UK versions will be fitted with the sport grille rather than the slatted version with the bonnet-mounted star.