While the driving dynamics, comfort and pleasure characteristic of the German luxury carmaker are there, the latest E 220 BlueTEC also underscores the environmental credentials of the E-Class, emitting just 128 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

The E 220 BlueTEC’s drive system is powered by a 4-cylinder diesel engine with direct injection. Mercedes says the engine combines qualities which were previously considered incompatible - maximum tractive power and smooth operation - while at the same time operating on minimal fuel consumption.

Mercedes refers to the E-Class as the ‘efficiency class’, offering superior driving pleasure with fuel economy. It says 4.9 litres of diesel will get the E 220 BlueTEC a distance of 100 kilometres (NEDC combined) and its CO2 emission level of 128 grams per kilometre betters any other vehicle in the segment. As a result, the E 220 BlueTEC already meets the future Euro 6 emissions standard.

Among competitors of the E 220 BlueTEC are the 2014 BMW 535d and 2014 Audi A6 TDI Diesel. The BMW features an inline six-cylinder turbocharged 3.0-litre engine that delivers a smooth and quiet ride that can make one forget the vehicle’s a diesel, while the Audi has lag-free power delivery that nicely complements its imperturbable feel and sense of unmatched solidity and makes for satisfying back-road running and easy handling in traffic.

Fuel-efficient the E 220 BlueTEC is. Yet it’s also gutsy, generating 177 horsepower and impressive torque of 400 Newton-metres. Acceleration from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour is in 8.4 seconds and top speed is 227 kilometres per hour.

The latest model features a 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission that’s been optimized with respect to driving comfort and consumption, and there’s an ECO start/stop function

that ensures the engine is temporarily switched off when the vehicle is at a standstill.

The 4-cylinder diesel powerplant with two output levels that sits under the hood of the E 220 BlueTEC is significantly more powerful, frugal and cleaner than comparable predecessors. BlueEFFICIENCY technologies were used to achieve the greatest possible environmental compatibility, says Mercedes.

The common-rail diesel technology features up to 2000 bar of increased injection pressure, optimized combustion chambers and fast, precisely switching injectors. Fast-acting ceramic glow plugs help to improve cold-running properties.

The high torque available in all engine speed ranges is thanks to the high ignition pressure and two-stage supercharging, while two Lanchester balancer shafts help to guarantee the required smoothness of operation.