The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon has been named Car of the Year at the UK Car of the Year Awards 2017

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon has been named Car of the Year at the UK Car of the Year Awards 2017, voted for by a panel of 27 of the country’s most influential motoring journalists.

Krishan Bodhani, Head of smart and Product Management, Mercedes-Benz Cars UK, commented: “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.”

John Challen, director of the UK Car of the Year Awards, added: “Mercedes-Benz has a long history of creating impressive saloon cars and the new E-Class continues this trend, raising 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."

The new E-Class is one of the safest and most advanced cars in its segment. Alongside the high standard of specification, options include the Driving Assistance Plus package, an advanced radar cruise control, with new functionality that allows the car to follow the vehicle in front. 

In combination with Comand Online navigation, the system also has Speed Limit Pilot, which can adjust the vehicle’s speed to camera-detected limits or those logged in the navigation. 

If specified with Remote Parking Pilot, the vehicle can be parked remotely via a smartphone app.

In 2016, Mercedes-Benz sold over 12,000 new E-Class Saloons. The E-Class Estate was launched in September 2016, while the E-Class Coupé is available to order now with first cars arriving from May 2017. 

For the first time, the E 220 d Saloon and Estate are available with either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.

The new Mercedes-AMG E 63 and E 63 S Saloon – which has 612 hp – comes with AMG’s 4MATIC+ system as standard. This newly engineered, intelligent system brings together the advantages of various drive configurations, including a Drift mode (only on E 63 S) that makes the car rear-wheel drive.

To complete the new range, the E-Class Cabriolet and Mercedes-AMG E 63 Estate will have their world premieres at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

The SEAT Ateca has moved one step nearer to being named the 2017 UK Car Of The Year.

The Barcelona-based car brand’s first SUV has caused quite a stir since it launched last September, attracting plenty of plaudits, not to mention new homes and awards. 

Recognising the SEAT Ateca’s broad range of talents, the judges were quick to single out its rewarding driving experience and keen pricing, while among its glowing test reviews were, “Quite possibly the only family car you’ll ever need right now.” (Ollie Marriage, Top Gear magazine) and “For driver appeal, practicality and value, the Ateca is the new standard-setter in the crossover class.” (David Motton, Freelance Journalist).

The UK Car of the Year Awards are designed specifically for the UK car-buying public, highlighting and advising on the next new car on the market, with a rigorous judging process carried out on the same roads as a typical buyer. 

The judging panel comprises 27 experienced journalists, including some of the most respected names in motoring journalism, who cover all corners of the UK and often drive in excess of 300 cars per year.

As a result of its win, the SEAT Ateca will now progress to the final round of judging later this month, where it will take on 11 other category victors in a bid to secure the overall Car of the Year title.

Cars from ten Brands have been hailed best in class after round 1 of the UK Car Of The Year 2017 awards.

• Shortlist for UK Car of the Year 2017 announced – 12 cars from 56 entrants
• Winners in categories from small hatch to performance car, as well as luxury
• Hyundai, Toyota, Renault and SEAT all register first-ever wins in the annual awards
• Overall winner to be announced on 24th February 2017

Cars from ten different manufacturers have been hailed best-in-class after the first round of voting in the UK Car of the Year Awards 2017, supported by Cox Automotive, whose UK brands include Manheim and Motors.co.uk. With the winners of the 12 categories now decided, the successful models go on to battle it out for the title of UK Car of the Year 2017.

Winning their first UK Car of the Year Awards were Hyundai, Toyota, Renault and SEAT. In the Best Small Hatch class, the Hyundai IONIQ beat off stiff competition to win, while the latest generation of Toyota’s Prius was voted Best Family Car. 

Renault’s Scénic/Grand Scénic has been named Best MPV, and in the popular category of Best Crossover the SEAT Ateca took the honours.

The UK Car of the Year Awards 2017 proved fruitful for two German manufacturers, as Mercedes-Benz and Porsche claimed two prizes apiece. In the Best Executive Car category, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class took top spot, while the S-Class Cabriolet was hailed as Best Cabriolet. The Porsche pairing of the 718 Cayman and Boxster were voted Best Coupe and Best Sports Car respectively.

After winning the title of Best Luxury Car in 2015 with its Ghost, Rolls-Royce once again triumphed in the category with the Dawn. At the other end of the driving spectrum, Ford reclaimed the Best Performance Car crown with the Focus RS, having previously won the category in 2014 with the Fiesta ST. Best Estate Car was judged to be Volvo’s V90 and the new Large Crossover category was won by the Jaguar F-Pace.

The overall UK Car of the Year 2017 will be announced on 24th February 2017. Previous winners of the award are: BMW i3 (2014); BMW i8 (2015) and Mazda MX-5 (2016).

Full list of UK Car of the Year Awards 2017 category winners:

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 Scénic/Grand Scénic

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