Anyone would agree that the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is one of the most significant launches this year. Not only because Mercedes-Benz are offering one of the most varied line-ups from launch, but also because of the importance this model has for the German brand.

This top slot within the executive car market is dominated by the BMW 5 series, the Jaguar XF and the E-Class. The company has stiff competition when it comes to convincing a buyer to go for the E-Class rather than one of the cars from the other manufacturers. With this new launch, Mercedes-Benz wanted to make a statement and not just launch a new model. This statement is not only made through the fact that this car is being offered in so many variants – apart from the four-door saloon there is the coupe, cabriolet and estate version – but also by having put so much research and technology into the new car, Mercedes-Benz has created a new benchmark that shall be very difficult to emulate.

The new model has a very curvy and wide shouldered coupe-like appearance – it’s a car that has a sporty exterior look but then is very spacious inside, keeping with the tradition that has been set by previous models. Reducing the overhangs by giving the car a longer wheelbase has achieved just that. The new model exudes luxury from every angle but has a very sporty look to it that is not very common to see on a car of these proportions. This new design does not hinder entrance or exit into the car – actually getting in and out both from the front and back is very easy and comfortable even for tall drivers and passengers.

Obviously, Mercedes-Benz had to create an interior to suit the car’s credentials and it has done so with so much style and passion. Getting into the car, you are greeted by very well designed and appointed seats that on our test car were upholstered with a mix or leather and cloth. The driver’s seat offered a vast array of settings and it will be very easy for any driver of any size to find a comfortable driving position. In addition, the steering wheel is adjustable for both height and reach – this adds further to the possibilities of finding a perfect fit. The rest of the interior is built to last, using the best materials available – you can feel the quality even when using the switch for the electric windows.

The car on test had the interior inserts in aluminium and piano black which gave the car a very sporty feel. You can order different combinations of both materials and colour giving the car a very personalised final look and appearance.

The driving dynamics of the new E-Class have seen the biggest improvement

The dashboard of the new E-Class is dominated by a generously sized touch-screen – 8.4 inches to be precise – which gives information about both the infotainment system including a very user friendly navigation system but also information about the driving dynamics and general car set-up. These are all controlled from a knob which sits neatly between the seats. There is smaller screen between the dials that also gives instant driver information at a glance.

The interior is another step forward for Mercedes-Benz. This infotainment system is more advanced than that in the S-Class also having touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel to control it. Customers will be able to add the optional Drive Pilot system to their car, which takes cruise control to the next level. These spell very interesting times ahead for Mercedes as their technology is simply on a level of its own.

The driving dynamics of the new E-Class have seen the biggest improvement. While driving a car of this size is sometimes tiring and very involving, the new E-Class is a breeze to drive and feels like a car of much smaller proportions. The steering turning circle is very compact and manoeuvrability is very good.

The new car is 63mm longer than the previous model and the wheelbase is 43mm longer. This change gives the car an interior that is roomier than before, adding to the already pristine passenger comfort. The car also comes with a large boot that can take any luggage the occupants would like to carry with them.

The new E-Class comes loaded with safety features including active brake assist with pedestrian detection and attention assist to prevent drowsiness. Other features available as options include speed-limit recognition with active lane-change assistant. The Drive Pilot, an optional package, represents the next step in autonomous motoring. It allows drivers to follow the car in front at a safe distance, at speeds of up to 130mph. The car can slow to a complete stop and steer round moderate bends. It recognises surrounding vehicles and even works when there are no lines in the road. The new technology claims to see around corners and through obstacles by using other drivers’ mobile phone signals and data to warn of imminent danger or congestion.

I cannot but mention the gem of an engine this car has. Apart from the fact that the new 220d has a 1950cc engine that produces 194bhp and 400Nm of torque, the engine produces only 102 to 112g/km of CO2 – an engineering feat.

Mercedes-Benz must have produced the cleanest car in this category and to top all of this the car has an average fuel consumption of 72.4 mpg. You should expect to achieve 50mpg plus given the Maltese driving conditions. The engine’s pulling power does not disappoint and you can also toggle between different driving set-ups. Apart from making the engine more aggressive, these set-ups alter the gear change responsiveness. Another interesting feature of the automatic transmission is that you can switch from full auto to semi-auto mode simply by touching the shifter paddles that are mounted on the steering. The gearbox has nine speeds giving rise to an endless assortment of driving possibilities that never leave the engine out of breath.

The most controversial aspect of the previous generation E-Class launch was its design which received plenty of criticism especially with the 2009 twin headlamp layout. This was addressed when the car was given a midlife face lift. This time around Mercedes-Benz has made it a point to come up with a design that looks fresh and sporty with curvy and modern lines.

Mercedes-Benz has produced a car that is comfortable and easy to drive with a well-designed interior. The car looks and feels that it has been built to last.