Unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show today, the E-Class will launch with four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines both equipped with nine-speed automatic gearboxes, and the latter will offer a class-leading CO2 figure of 102g/km.

The outgoing car had taken a class lead using diesel-hybrid technology, but as yet there are no confirmed plans to offer a similar model in the new car – as is available in the C-Class and S-Class range.

Instead, the E 350 e combines a four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor to produce 275bhp. This will offer a range of up to 18 miles on a full charge of the battery, contributing to an official fuel consumption figure of 134.5mpg, rivalling Volvo’s forthcoming S90 plug-in hybrid as well as the next 5 Series, which is likely to include a similar drivetrain.

New technology also 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 receive live data from the road network to give early warnings about problems ahead, 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.