Most Mini E users recharged their cars at home, and some did so only two or three times a week rather than every night.

While waiting for their new cars, customers can pop into the on-site cinemas, check e-mail on a bank of computers, munch freshly made snacks or get their hair done.

In short, the E-Class embodies what it means to be a smart car: to communicate well with itself, the road and other cars, plus anticipating and responding to the needs of the driver and passengers.