Key Points: AMG Night Package, Premium Plus Package, Sliding Panoramic Glass Roof, Burmester® Surround Sound System

The W213-era Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the fifth generation of the model, introduced in 2017 to succeed the W212/S212. The development process stretched over 48 months, during which Mercedes-Benz produced 1,200 prototypes and drove a combined 12 million kilometres in some of the world's toughest conditions, from sub-zero temperatures to dry, hot deserts. The most technologically advanced car Mercedes had ever produced, it won countless awards from automotive publications, including the 2021 Motor Trend Car of the Year.

The W123 has a design similar to that of the larger W222 S-Class and the smaller W205 C-Class. While its predecessor had a tighter surface and harder edges, the W123 is curvier and more flowing. Its front end features Mercedes’ familiar bullet-shaped headlights and an upright grille, while its rear end gets a pair of LED taillights that extend into the quarter panels. The W213 E-Class' front bumper is reminiscent of the facelifted W212's optional sport kit (dubbed the AMG Sports Package), and features two air intakes united by a mesh grille.

The interior is home to two 12.3-inch full HD screens housed within a single unit for a widescreen effect. Mercedes-Benz claimed a first for the automotive industry, adding a pair of touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel, which respond to finger swipes to control the car's infotainment system. The more traditional controller is also retained on the centre console.

The W123 E-Class has semi-autonomous driving via the Drive Pilot system, which enables the car to negotiate bends on the motorway while maintaining a safe distance from slower moving vehicles in front, at speeds of up to 130 mph. Meanwhile, the Steering Pilot function uses visible road markings to navigate bends at speeds of up to 81 mph. The car is able to scan the area and surrounding traffic if road markings are unclear, in order to maintain lane discipline. Other innovative features include Active Brake Assist and Evasive Steering Assist.

Introduced in 2019, the E 53 AMG variant of the E-Class is powered by the ‘M256’ 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six with the EQ Boost mild hybrid system, producing 429 hp and 384lb-ft of torque, paired with the AMG Speedshift TCT nine-speed automatic transmission.

In Night Edition Premium Plus guise, the E 53 features the Night Package, a Burmester audio system, a panoramic glass sunroof, keyless go and 20-inch dual five-spoke alloy wheels.