This mature Merc is like a fine wine

AS a somewhat mature motoring journalist it’s rare to drive a new car today that was first conceived before even I was born.

But incredibly the first MercedesBenz E-Class took to the road way back in 1946.

And it speaks volumes about this stalwart of the luxury German car maker that since that year some 14 million E-Class saloons and estates have been produced.

Not that there’s anything antiquated about the newest version of this class act which boasts the looks, performance and on-board technology to rival any newly created upstart.

And having evolved over some nine decades you can be pretty sure this 10th generation range has long since had any possible teething problems ironed out.

The new AMG Line Night Edition Premium Plus estate model driven here is low, sleek and sophisticated.

Lowered suspension, low profile tyres, power domes in the bonnet

and AMG body kit all combine to give this Mercedes a strong sporting bias.

But while the exterior is dramatic the interior is sophisticated thanks to the use of grey open-pore ash wood veneer on the centre console, dashboard and doors.

Often the interiors of Mercedes estates tend to lean towards the use of mainly black trim but the grey ash is stunning.

The Night Edition Premium Plus package includes a whole host of extra features including 20-inch AMG alloy wheels, a panoramic glass sunroof, Burmester surround sound system and a memory package which includes electrically adjustable front seats.

The addition of the £1,695 driving assistance package adds a whole host of safety features including active blind spot assist, active braking assist and evasive steering assist.

And this car even comes with active cross wind assist so if you are struggling to keep the car straight because of a cross wind it will apply the brakes to the appropriate wheel or wheels to counteract the affect of the wind.

The latest version has a new-look grille, front bumper and headlamps as well as redesigned tail lamps, not to mention two 12.3-inch displays in the wide screen cockpit.

Under the bonnet is a 3.0-litre straight-six diesel engine delivering 330 bhp via a column change, ninespeed automatic gearbox - and what a beauty. Quiet and smooth during normal driving but powerful enough to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end when you hit the accelerator hard.

And with a choice of five different selectable driving modes ranging from Eco to Sport+ there is something for every occasion.

This 4MATIC version also means you get four-wheeldrive so the road holding is impeccable, allowing you to use all the power this engine has.

Add to that some 640 litres of boot space beneath the powered tailgate and a hefty 1,820 litres with the rear seatbacks lowered and you have a car which meets all needs.

The central touchscreen gives a dual view when reversing, one of the area behind the car and the second a bird’s eye, 360-degree view so going backwards is almost as simple as going forwards.

And when you are the lead car at a traffic-light controlled junction the view of the junction appears in the screen as you stop in case you don’t have clear sight of the lights.

Now that is going the extra mile.

And to complete the E400 package there’s a fragrance system which regularly pumps a perfumed smell into the car to keep the interior fresh.

I can’t really think of much more that could possibly be added to enhance this car any more. It’s certainly one that’s already gone on my list of all-time favourites.

A fragrance system regularly pumps in a perfumed smell to keep the interior fresh