Mercedes reveals updated E-Class

A quick glance reveals few, if any, differences from the existing model, but look closely and you'll spot the revised headlights and updated front bumper/spoiler assembly, which is now distinguished by a V-shaped central cutout and projector-style driving lights.

While visual updates are few and subtle, the real emphasis has been on ensuring the revised W211 E-Class doesn't suffer from any of the electronic glitches that blighted the original -- most notably the Sensotronic electro-hydraulic braking system, which has been the source of some embarrassing, highly publicised failures.

With this in mind, the Stuttgart boffins have turfed 2000 of the original car's parts and inserted all-new or updated replacements. The aim is to restore the peerless reliability and durability that Benzes were once famous for.

However, it's not just about reliability, there's some interesting new technology as well.

Active safety should benefit from flashing brake lights that alert the car behind when the E-Class is making a panic stop. Merc claims this technology can enable the driver of a following car to react up to 0.2sec faster -- this equates to a distance of 5.5 metres at 100km/h, potentially the difference between stopping in time and ending up in the E-Class's boot compartment.

Also standard are a tyre-pressure monitoring system and the Adaptive Brake system that debuted in the new S-Class.

The engine line-up will be topped initially by a 290kW/530Nm 5.5-litre V8 that's also borrowed from its S-Class big brother. This variant, which will be badged E500, scoots to 100km/h in a claimed 5.3sec -- not too shabby for a heavy-ish sedan.

But if you really want stonk you may choose to hold out for the subsequent E63 AMG, which gains a hand-assembled 6.2-litre V8. Belting out a not insubstantial 331kW/620Nm, this brutal Benz should have the mumbo to threaten, if not eclipse, BMW's V10-powered M5.

Keen drivers will be pleased to hear that the updated E-Class scores steering that's said to be 10 per cent more direct than before, partly in response to the widespread perception that BMW's 5 Series is a more rewarding driver's tool than the E.

Ostensibly aiding chassis balance and composure are new spring link bearings that contain lateral forces more effectively when cornering, while Elegance and Avantgarde models gain 'rebound buffer springs' that reportedly do a better job of limiting body roll when cornering.

Interior tweaks aren't dramatic, as the original package was already well resolved. There is, nevertheless, a new four-spoke steering wheel featuring thumb-operated buttons and a new control unit for the climate-control system.

Expect the updated E-Class to land here in the second half of this year.