"It is also crucial in our quest to achieve sustainable growth, and ensuring that by 2015, two out of every three Mercedes-Benz vehicles delivered to Chinese customers will be produced locally."

With upgrades in its powertrain, driving performance and specifications, the E-Class is now more dynamic, intelligent, and refined than ever before, said Speeks.

The broader range of 15 variants with a new entry-level model also enables more customers to enjoy the brand.

Fred Duan, executive vice-president of sales and marketing at BMBS, said "for any country to prosper, it must rely on a strong backbone".

"In China, these 'backbones' are people of substance. They are led by ambition, versatility, vision, innovation, responsibility and taste, and these values remain the cornerstone of China's development," said Duan.

"Made in China, the new E-Class was designed with these qualities in mind. The New E-Class forms an emotional connection with these 'backbones' who always pursue the best."

The new E-Class comes with a new 4-cylinder or V6 BlueDIRECT turbo engine.

In addition to its 400 Nm of torque - an increase of 33 percent from its previous generation - the E 320 L now requires just 7.9 L of fuel per 100 km, a decrease of 18 percent.

Mercedes-Benz’s long-wheelbase C-class made for China	Mercedes-Benz emerges as star of Auto China