THE new Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been named the UK Car of the Year for 2017.

It triumphed over the Volvo V90 and Jaguar F-PACE which finished in joint second place, with Hyundai's IONIQ and the Ford Focus RS in joint third.

In this year's awards, which are judged by 27 of Britain's top motoring journalists, scores of the latest cars were evaluated in 12 categories.

The E-Class also took the honours in the Executive Car category, securing double success for Mercedes with the open top S-Class being voted the best cabriolet.

John Challen, UK Car of the Year Awards director, said: "Mercedes-Benz has a long history of creating impressive saloon cars and the new E-Class continues this trend and raises the bar in the executive vehicle sector.

"Stunning inside and out, it takes driver and passengers into the realms of luxury. The level of technology - and the attention to detail - at your fingertips is astounding."

Commenting on Mercedes-Benz's success in the UK Car of the Year Awards, Krishan Bodhani, head of smart and product management for Mercedes-Benz Cars UK, said: "The E-Class is one of our core models; it's at the very heart of our brand.

"When we unveiled the all-new car last year it showcased a host of innovative technology which makes it one of the most advanced cars in its segment.

"Together with its modern, comfortable cabin the E-Class presents a very desirable package - it's great to see it getting the recognition it deserves."

Launched in 2014, the UK Car of the Year Awards are supported by Cox Automotive, whose UK brands include Manheim and Motors.co.uk.

The full list of UK Car of the Year Awards 2017 category winners are:

Best Small Hatch - Hyundai IONIQ
Best Family Car – Toyota Prius
Best Executive Car – Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Best Luxury Car – Rolls-Royce Dawn
Best Estate Car – Volvo V90
Best MPV – Renault Scenic/Grand Scenic
Best Crossover – SEAT Ateca
Best Large Crossover – Jaguar F-PACE
Best Coupe – Porsche 718 Cayman
Best Cabriolet – Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet
Best Sports Car – Porsche 718 Boxster
Best Performance Car – Ford Focus RS