Mercedes-Benz E-Class 250 Sport estate

The other day I was peering through the window of one of those posh shoe shops in London that has lots of royal crests and doesn't have a website on which you can order its products.

Not just because Jeeves-like shop assistants aren't familiar with the internet but because its shoes are too valuable to send through the post.

It's the sort of place where toffs bought a pair of shoes when they joined the Army and because they were so well-made didn't have to replace them for the rest of their lives. Exactly like this Mercedes-Benz...

At £36,415 the E-Class E250 Sport estate isn't exactly cheap. And even the least expensive model, the E200 SE at £29,875, is a bit strong.

But either of them is the final car you'll need to buy - even if you're in your 30s. They are the equivalent of handmade shoes.

2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class CGI

With details and spyshots of the next generation Mercedes Benz E-Class already out and about, the hard question still remains, what will it look like. Our graphic artist has put all the current spyshots into photoshop and come out with this:

We think the computer generated headlights are a big improvement over the current model’s twin bug-eye style and it is likely that Mercedes’ E-class team has been inspired by the current S-Class.

As far as technology goes, lane-departure warnings, an eye-movement monitor, traffic-sign identification (designed for Europe only), road-condition sensors and stability control that accounts for crosswinds, camber changes, and tyre wear are all set to be available.

Powerplants are expected to remain relatively the same with the usual V6 and V8 engines and a range of diesels. Of course the new E63 will retain its enormous 6.3-litre V8.