The current E-Class doesn’t look wildly different to the old one, but it’s much changed under the skin, with new long-electric-range plug-in hybrid models (which will do a genuine 100km on electric power alone) and a high-tech cabin that offers as many as three screens in the front. The hybrids lose boot space, but that aside the E-Class is a seriously good luxury saloon with exceptional cabin quality and comfort. It feels sharp in corners too. 

The latest AMG GT keeps the thrilling V8 soundtrack of the previous version but adds curvier styling that makes the GT look more appealing than it used to. It also gets a nicer cabin, borrowed from the closely related SL convertible. You can choose from plain old V8 power, or the astonishing plug-in hybrid model with up to 805hp. The GT is now a much more serious rival to the Porsche 911 and even the Ferrari Roma. 

Classy, understated and incredibly good to drive – that has been the way of the C-Class ever since the first version was introduced in 1993. The current model doesn’t rock that boat even slightly, although of course it brings far more tech to the nameplate. The cabin is the C-Class’s real highlight, with tremendous quality and an excellent touchscreen. The plug-in hybrid C 300 e can go for more than 120km on electric power alone, while AMG versions are gloriously quick. 

While everyone debates how good EVs are or might be, Mercedes is quietly getting on with selling an electric saloon which can literally drive from one end of this country to the other without recharging. The basic EQE 300 model has a quoted range of 613km, and that’s a realistic prospect. It’s also smooth and good to drive, but oddly cramped in the back seats and boot. The EQE 350+ model stretches that maximum official range to a massive 674km. 

The EQE SUV is the answer to criticisms that the EQE saloon doesn’t quite have enough space in the back or boot. In this SUV you get 520 litres of luggage volume, and all of the rear seat space you could crave. It’s good to drive too, with tighter handling than you’d expect, and an extremely useful 614km maximum range. It’s just a shame that the styling is so anonymous, and that some of the cabin feels too cheap. 

Having been around in one form or another since the original G-Wagen of the 1970s, the current G-Class is a hugely expensive way of taking on the Land Rover Defender. It’s worth it once you experience the sheer heft of the G’s quality and solidity, not to mention its exceptional off-road performance. You can choose from traditional petrol or diesel engines, a wild AMG version with 585hp, or the new electric G, with a 455km range. 

The current GLC looks astonishingly like the old one, almost as if Mercedes were afraid of alienating its customer base with something that looked different. It is new under the bonnet, though, sharing its tech – not least its long-electric-range plug-in hybrid systems – with the C-Class saloon and estate. The cabin is exceptionally nice and comfortable, and the GLC drives with precision, but it has become expensive. The plug-in models lose quite a bit of boot space as well. 

While the all-electric EQS might make more sense from an environmental and taxation point of view, there’s no getting around the fact that the mighty S-Class still sets the standard for luxury saloons. While rivals look too gauche, or too predictable, the S-Class still rules the roost by looking both subtle and desirable. It’s also incredibly comfortable and smooth to drive but has the alacrity in corners that keen drivers crave. The pick of the range is the S 450 e plug-in hybrid with its 110km EV range.