THE new Mercedes E-Class Coupe is now on sale but with deliveries from April 2017 that puts it firmly in the upper echelon of the new road tax system introduced for new cars first registered on and after April 1 2017.

This is a CO2 emissions-based tax system with premium surcharge over £40,000 list price adding to leasing and running costs – increases likely to make current models more attractive in the short term as existing rates continue for pre-April cars.

The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé has prices starting from £40,135 for the E 220 d. The E 300 is available from £41,025, while the E 400 4MATIC starts from £50,775.

This means all three are in line for the premium surcharge of £310 p.a. in the second to sixth years road tax on top of the standard rate of £140 p.a.

But first comes the CO2 emissions-based first year road tax that is higher than the current ‘showroom tax’ and the table below shows how the costs mount.

How new road tax impacts on new Mercedes E-Class Coupe

The new Mercedes E-Class Coupe

The E-Class Coupé is available with a choice of one diesel and two petrol engines. The E 220 d features a 2.0-litre diesel engine, capable of generating 194hp and 400Nm.

It emits just 119g/km of CO₂ and can achieve up to 61.4mpg on the combined cycle and can reach 62mph from standstill in 7.4 seconds.

The E 300 uses a 2.0-litre turbo-charged petrol engine with an output of 245hp and maximum torque of 370Nm. It emits 160g/km of CO2 and delivers up to 40.4mpg, while it can sprint from 0 to 62mph in 6.4 seconds.

The E 400 4MATIC has a biturbo 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine generating 333hp and 480Nm, while emitting 189g/km of CO2 and delivering up to 33.6mpg. It can reach 62mph from standstill in 5.3 seconds.

The new E-Class Coupé is available in one highly-equipped trim line: AMG Line. Standard specification includes sports exhaust system (E 300 only); 19-inch five-twin-spoke alloy wheels; high performance LED headlights and tail lights; parking pilot including parking sensors and reversing camera; belt feeder; Magic Vision Control; ambient lighting with a choice of 64 colours; 8.4-inch infotainment screen with Garmin navigation system (Comand Online with 12.3-inch screen is standard on E 400 4MATIC); split folding rear seats; Active Brake Assist; steering wheel-mounted touchpads; Artico and Dinamica upholstery and heated front seats.

The Premium equipment line is optionally available for £2,795 and includes Memory package; panoramic sunroof; and Keyless Go comfort package. The Premium Plus equipment line (£3,895) adds Multibeam LED intelligent light system and Burmester surround sound system.

The Lane Tracking package is available for £595 and includes Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist.

The £1,695 Driving Assistance package includes Drive Pilot; Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function; Evasive Steering Assist; and Pre-Safe Plus. Drive Pilot includes Steering Pilot; Active Lane Change Assist; Active Emergency Stop Assist; Distance Pilot Distronic; and Speed Limit Pilot (in conjunction with Comand Online).

Comand Online is available for £1,495 (standard on E 400 4MATIC) and adds a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. When combined with the £495 12.3-inch cockpit display, this creates a widescreen cabin effect. Air Body Control air suspension is available for £1,495 (standard on E 400 4MATIC).

In conjunction with the Premium or Premium Plus packages and the 360° camera, customers can also opt for Remote Parking Pilot which allows the vehicle to be parked using a smart phone. To activate Remote Parking Pilot, an £89 subscription (valid for three years) must be purchased from the Mercedes Connect me store.