The Mercedes-Benz E-Class receives numerous styling changes, including a streamlined front end. There are also interior tweaks, a new suite of safety technologies and an auto stop-start system. On the diesel front, the four-cylinder E250 Bluetec sedan replaces last year's V6-powered E350 Bluetec. Finally, a more powerful E63 AMG now features standard all-wheel drive and an available S-Model package with more power still.

Although the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has received only a midcycle refresh, the list of updates is dizzying. Compared to last year's model, the 2014 E-Class is a lot sleeker and a little safer, while two of its specialty variants -- the diesel E250 Bluetec (formerly the E350 Bluetec) and the E63 AMG -- have undergone major mechanical surgery.

The current-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been one of our favorites since it debuted back in 2010. This car impresses us time and again with its trifecta of refinement, performance and cutting-edge technology. But the 2014 version's improvements are quite compelling, starting with that sleek new shape, which ditches the previous E's blocky front end in favor of a streamlined flow from nose to tail. The sedan and wagon have also lost their prominent rear fender flares, leaving the coupe and convertible to carry this torch.