THERE are some cars that are good looking and yes, some downright ugly and then there are few that are simply stunning.

This latest revised Mercedes falls into the latter category. An E Class yes, but a coupe and a vehicle that the German firm describes it as sensual. I don't know where they get that idea from, but with its swooping, aerodynamic silhouette it steals the show when parked up.

Like all German executive brands, it is pricey, the range starts £45,520, but it is packed with goodies and technology, particularly with the upmarket AMG styling.

And despite the current downer on diesels, Mercedes are not yet prepared to abandon the oil burners, with this clean two litre version proving lively and extremely economical.

Lively yes, it hits 60mph in seven and a half seconds, but still capable of delivering close to 50mpg.

Design modifications include flatter headlights that include all-LED technology and new diamond grille featuring the ubiquitous three-pronged Mercedes star, while at the rear, the two-piece tail lights, also feature LED technology. It is rounded off with stylish alloy wheels.

The interior cockpit is a high quality affair. The dashboard features a sporty looking open-pore grey ash wood and aluminium with light carbon-fibre grain. Otherwise it is a riot of Nappa leather and chrome inserts together with high-end soft-touch trim to give a real executive feel. Innovations include a new, intelligent steering wheel, the MBUX infotainment system which features augmented reality navigation and two 10.25-inch screens as standard.

Functions are controlled via the touchscreen, the steering wheel or the control pad on the central console, which can be a bit fiddly.

There is plenty of head and legroom despite the coupe shape. It seats four in comfort and despite being a two-door, entry and exit to the rear is pretty straightforward via the huge doors as the powered and heated front seats the slide forward with one touch.

This model is packed with goodies as you would expect with a near £50k car and comes with the KEYLESS-GO Comfort package which 360° camera and parking assist and 19-inch AMG alloy wheels.It also includes smartphone integration via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

On the road, the lack of noise from the power unit belies the fact that it is a diesel. The two-litre engine with an output of 194 hp has little or no engine clatter on start up and once on the move it fairly whispers along. Mated with a nine-speed automatic gearbox, the changes are seamless as the car powers its way to 60mph in just over seven seconds.

It offers three drive modes, for economy, normal or sporty driving. The car sits low off the ground and the ride is soft rather than sporty, with the agility control suspension with selective damping system designed for executive comfort.

Despite being a coupe, it is pretty practical with a large boot which swallows a couple of suitcases comfortably in its 425-litre load bay.