IF there is one name that signifies your status in life it has to be the Mercedes-Benz brand with its classy design, feature-rich equipment levels and all round performance.

The E350 is the prime example of those qualities.

This four-door saloon is packed to bursting with state-of-the-art technology and has looks that would fit in perfectly in a diplomatic convoy.

From the second you lay eyes on this larger than life model, you cannot fail to notice the smart 17-inch alloys, bonnet-mounted Mercedes emblem, electric glass panoramic sunroof and neat streamlining.

And that build quality is just as apparent once you take your seat behind the multi-function steering wheel.

The leather seats can be heated and adjusted in every possible direction and just when you think it can't get any better, there's the back massage function to help you relax even further.

There are top notch gadgets and wizardry at every turn and the list of creature comforts seems almost endless and includes a reversing camera, DAB digital radio, CD player and surround sound quality, a camera that recognises speed limits and notifies the driver, automatic wipers and headlights, a multi media system with seven-inch colour screen - there is even a function that warns of traffic jams ahead.

Admittedly, this sort of technology does come at a price, but the Mercedes is a premium brand car and its buyers expect nothing but the best - whatever the cost.

The car I drove was priced at £52,600 which included £15,000 worth of optional extras.

The drive itself is also pretty impressive with the 3.0-litre diesel powered engine delivering awesome power levels.

The vehicle cruises along moving smoothly through the automatic transmission and then, as and when required, delivers incredible acceleration if so desired.

The driver benefits from excellent all-round visibility and there are sensors as an added precaution.

The ride was a little bumpy at times but cabin noise was minimal - even on rougher road surfaces.

Storage is catered for via the generously-sized boot with its automatic-powered closing feature. The seats can also be folded flat to further increase load capacity and there are plenty of useful storage options scattered throughout the cabin.

Mercedes has packed plenty of safety features into this car including Driving Assistance and Lane Tracking packages.

One feature worth a mention is the Blind Spot Assist which warns the driver via an illuminated triangle in each side mirror when a vehicle is detected in the blind spot. Then there is an audible warning if the driver is indicating to pull out when a car is positioned in the blind spot.