These days it seems that it’s no longer enough to make the world’s most popular business saloon – a car manufacturer needs to demonstrate some commitment to the environment too.

So instead of sales graphs and talk of new engineering widgets at the UK launch of its new E-Class model, Mercedes-Benz demonstrated its caring side.

It is using coconut husks from South America as seat padding for the new car, and crushed, carbonised olive stones as filters in its fuel tanks.

The corporation is even helping to preserve the world’s smallest monkey, the Philippine Tarsier, from extinction.

The natural habitat of this tiny creature, which stands just four inches tall, had been under threat from ‘slash and burn’ deforestation in the Philippines.

But now Mercedes is using yarn from the Abaca tree to make recyclable underfloor cladding for the new E-Class -Êthus preserving the Tarsier’s habitat, and the creature itself.

The new saloon, which arrives in UK showrooms this week, is the successor to a Mercedes model that has sold some 1.3 million examples since 2002 – 70,000 in the UK.

It is Mercedes’ second-most important car in sales terms after the C-Class in the UK, with business buyers forming the main customer base.

The latest incarnation of the car is bigger and more rigid than the old car – yet boasts emissions as low as 139g/km and the ability to better 50mpg on the combined cycle.

And there are also 20 new or enhanced hi-tech features, so that the E-Class can maintain Mercedes’ tradition of being ‘engineered like no other car’.

Hi-tech features include a drowsiness monitor and lights which dip themselves when sensors detect another car ahead. There’s also an air conditioning unit which is powerful enough to run a four-bedroom house.

Naturally Mercedes, still sensitive to accusations that E-Class build quality dropped off in the late 1990s, has tested the new model to within an inch of its life.

Prototypes were driven some 20 million miles during the development process. There were 17,000 crash simulations and 150 proper crash tests.

The car also underwent a six-month development programme in the UK to ensure all the features worked properly in right hand drive form.

The E-Class may come with an impressive range of eco and high-tech features – but buyers may be more impressed by the fact that prices have been reduced by an average of five per cent across the range.

Proof, if it were needed, that even prestige brands are hurting during the global recession.

The E-Class will be available in the UK initially in saloon and coupe form, with estate models to follow.

Prices start at £28,863 for the E 220 CDI SE but will drop to £26,325 in September when the entry level 200 CDI arrives. The most expensive model, at least until the AMG cars arrive, is the E 500 Sport at £47,010.

Both coupe and saloon are distinguished by notably aerodynamic shapes – with the Coupe equalling the Toyota Prius for ‘slipperiness’. This helps boost performance and contributes to an economy rate 23 per cent better, across the range, than the old model.

The saloon looks conservative but classy – precisely the desired effect – while the coupe is a genuine head-turner.

The new 3.5 litre diesel unit is a belter – powerful and amazingly smooth to drive – but those opting for the smaller 170hp units in the E 220 CDI should not feel short-changed.

These cars offer a relaxed, unruffled drive with reasonable levels of power and excellent fuel economy. The all-important build quality looks good – though it will take a few customer satisfaction surveys to establish whether Mercedes has got it right.

There’s plenty of room for five inside and the boot is huge. The car rides well and levels of comfort and refinement are similarly high.

Ultimately, the E-Class looks a class act which should go down well with its target audience – and even customers for whom the environment is not a priority may find it ticks all the right boxes.

FACT FILE

Model: E 220 CDI SE

Price: From £28,863 on the road

Engine: 2,143cc, four cylinders, diesel

Power: 170HP

Transmission: Six speed manual, rear wheel drive

Performance: 0-62mph in 8.3 seconds

Top speed: 141mph

Economy: 47.1mpg on combined cycle

CO2 emissions: 159g/km

Length: 4,868mm

Weight: 1,735kg

Servicing: Variable

Warranty: Three years/unlimited miles