Our Editors' Choice for luxury is a nameplate that has seen lots of competitors move in and out of its space over the decades. But it has held fast to its ideals of providing state-of-the-art technology and luxury to remain at the head of the class. At least that's how we feel, after sampling the new-generation E-Class. (We also feel the re-make should be regarded more as of a mid-cycle freshening).

Appearance changes are limited to lights, bumpers and a new grille. Mechanically there is much more to talk about. M-B has slipped in a new base model just for us impecunious Canadians. The E280 4Matic has a 228-hp, 3.0-litre V6 mated to a 5-speed automatic and 4Matic all-wheel drive. The continuing E350 also now comes only as a 4Matic, which means it reverts to the 5-speed autobox; the 7-speed is not yet compatible with 4Matic.

The diesel-engined E320 gets an all-new 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel and a 7-speed automatic, along with a BlueTec badge announcing the emissions technology that enables its "world's cleanest diesel" billing.

The E320's 208 max hp may not impress, but its torque is almost identical to that of another new engine -- the new-generation 382-hp, 5.5-litre V8 in the E550 4Matic.

The new flagship of the lineup is the sledgehammer-like E63 AMG, which pairs the 7-speed autobox with AMG's new 6.2-litre V8, producing 507 horses.

There's a value story here, too. The E280 is priced almost $10,000 below last year's base model.

Thundering E63 AMG for those who can afford it

Rest of range feels sedate despite strong engines