Mercedes has launched a nine-speed auto gearbox in the E-class executive saloon. Adding the 9G-tronic unit to the E350 Bluetech saloon, which is powered by a V6 diesel engine, will cut emissions to 138g/km, compared to 157g/km from the current seven-speed auto.

The German firm said that it would create “outstanding comfort and barely perceptible gearchanges”.

Land Rover has also announced that it is working on a nine-speed automatic transmission, which is expected to become available with the Range Rover Evoque SUV among other models.