A RADICAL reshape in on the way for the Mercedes E-Class as the executive model gets a major makeover for 2013.

A completely new nose featuring single lens headlamps and a reworked grille bring the latest version of Mercedes' large saloon and estate bang up to date.

Other styling revisions see the bulge around the rear wheel arch disappear being replaced with smoother side lines while the rear is now dominated by bold LED tail lamps and a sharper cut to the back bumper.

The new car will be arriving in April and will also feature a raft of high technology which Mercedes will be including in the latest S-Class limo which is due to be launched later next year.

An advanced front radar coupled to a twin lens camera are capable of scanning the road ahead for up to 50 yards to give early warning of potential hazards from traffic and pedestrians.

The car's automatic emergency braking system can now work at speeds of up to 30mph while the onboard traffic sign recognition system is now capable of giving alerts for no overtaking areas and one way streets.

Automatic parking can slot the new E-Class into roadside spaces as well as car park bays and the set up is now enhanced by ‘surround view' cameras to help manoeuvring in tight spaces.

A new four cylinder two-litre petrol engine is also being introduced on the E200 and E250 models which Mercedes is claiming can average more than 48mpg with CO2 emissions of 135g/km making the E-Class one of the most fuel efficient cars in its class.

Four diesel engines will remain in the line up with the most economical being the E220 CDI which is rated at 60.1mpg with emissions of 125g/km while the new diesel/electric hybrid version can manage 69 to the gallon with its CO2 output cut back to 107g/km.

The estates, which will be fitted with air suspension as standard, are slightly less economical with the E220 diesel rated at 54.3mpg.

Inside there are minor changes including a new look to the instrument cluster, an analogue clock in the centre of the dash and on automatic models the gear selector has been moved from the centre console to the side of the steering column.

Prices will be announced in the next few weeks and are expected to be slightly higher than the current range which cost from £29,125.