WITH millions already sold and eight generations of E-Class under its belt, Mercedes has opted to take a more bullish stance with its ninth generation model.

From the way the car is styled to the increased emphasis on safety and driver enjoyment plus a greater focus on fuel economy and CO2, it’s clear that the gloves are off in the executive saloon market.

The E-Class has long been associated with executive travel. On the negative side, in recent years it may also have been known for a slight dip in quality. Not any more; issues regarding the latter have, according to Mercedes, been ironed out and destined never to see the light of day again.

Ordinarily you would dismiss such claims as marketing spin. In this case action followed the hot air. For most people the obvious changes centre on the car’s cabin. More plush than previous models and, refreshingly, devoid of the hard, shiny plastics that have haunted the marque of late, it’s clear that Mercedes has done its homework.

This is no niche model and has to satisfy a wide variety tastes. Yet the car you see here is no wallflower. Blending elements of both the C and S-Class, it’s obvious that this E-Class has been designed to make a bold statement. The new family resemblance is present in the car’s nose, while further back the chiselled look is reminiscent of the larger S-Class.

The same is true inside, with the cabin displaying a clever mix of C and S-Class design cues. And like with those two examples, everything appears to work beautifully. The ergonomics are spot on and the overall ambience is one of mature luxury.

Granted, most of this can be viewed as evolutionary progress. There is, however, a revolution taking place. With an increased focus on economy and emissions, Mercedes has wheeled out its BlueEfficiency programme on four and six-cylinder engined cars. Both petrol and diesel variants benefit form the likes of low rolling resistance tyres and the changes to the way the engine and power steering consume and save energy.

The overall result is a welcome reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 across the board. Predictably, the four-cylinder diesels will prove the most attractive to company car users. For the record, the 220 CDI offers 170 horsepower, emits 139g/km CO2 and returns a respectable 55.3mpg with a manual gearbox. Conveniently, the 204 horsepower 250 CDI shares those figures, with the more powerful 350 CDI boasting 231, 181 and 40.9 respectively.

The petrol variants are nice too - especially the flagship V8 E 500, but with the E-Class such a corporate-centric car their overall contribution is a small one.

Despite the obvious emphasis on improved efficiency, there’s nothing to fear when it comes to driver enjoyment. For many the E-Class will be a business tool, however its maker is also pitching it as a long distance mode of transport. As a result, it has been blessed with a fluid ride, refined cabin, direct steering and a pair of smooth-shifting automatic gearboxes. Sure, you can have a manual gearbox if you wish - and very good it is too - but the E-Class is all about luxury and effortless cruising.

All of which makes the choice between the 220 and 250 CDI models that bit more of a challenge. They are both good but, at a pinch, the 250 CDI is a little better - greater refinement, less noise, more real-world performance.

For all this talk about driving pleasure, it’s worth noting that Mercedes has ramped up its emphasis on safety. This E-Class is a huge step forward over the old car, with the cabin boasting up to nine airbags - including a driver’s knee airbag. Then there is the blind sport warning system, lane keep assist, a night vision view fed to the car’s main display screen, auto dipping and steerable intelligent headlamps and a driver attention monitor which detects the unusual movements of a drowsy pilot.

If that’s not impressive, the fact that Mercedes UK has developed its own fleet-friendly specification for the E-Class should be. The three models - SE, Avantgarde, Sport - boast increasing levels of kit, with even the SE gaining more than you would previously have experienced.

With its partial electric seats, 1eather covered steering wheel, heated front seats, CD/radio with a built in Bluetooth connection for your mobile phone, this is a big deal. The Avantgarde gains the likes of intelligent xenon headlights, full leather trim and lowered suspension while Sport models come with 18-inch AMG wheels, a Sport body kit and three-spoke sports steering wheel.

The styling may be bolder and there is a greater emphasis on safety and economy, but there’s no mistaking that this E-Class is like every other one before it: solid, dependable, attractive, comfortable, enjoyable and engaging to drive. Only this time its more revolution that evolution.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

  • Model: Mercedes-Benz E 250 CDI BlueEfficiency SE, from £28,925 on the road. On sale in UK June 2009.
  • Engine: 2.2-litre diesel unit developing 204bhp.
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission as standard, driving the rear wheels.
  • Performance: Maximum speed 150mph, 0-62mph 8.2 seconds.
  • Economy: 53.3mpg.
  • CO2 Rating: 139g/km.