City may have ambitions to become the Premier League's top club, but Chelsea's emphatic victory and impressive display underlined their desire to remain one of Europe's leading lights.
And after falling behind to a debut goal by Brazil star Robinho, Chelsea showed character to hit back with goals from Ricardo Carvalho, Frank Lampard and Nicolas Anelka to make it seven successive victories over City.
There was an electrifying atmosphere at Eastlands where Shaun Wright-Phillips made an emotional homecoming after returning from Chelsea.
British record buy Robinho and Argentinian Pablo Zabaleta made their debuts in front of a rare sell out crowd which featured many fans with tea towels on their heads and wearing Arabic dress as a tribute to City's new owners.
City made a dream start when Robinho fired them ahead in the 13th minute from a free-kick which took a deflection off the shoulder of Lampard, who was stood in the defensive wall.
Carvalho, who conceded the free-kick which led to the goal, quickly made amends as he levelled the scores within four minutes after firing home from a Lampard corner following help from John Terry and Joe Cole.
Florent Malouda headed against the crossbar and Anelka had a shot well saved as Chelsea took control late in the opening half.
That dominance continued after the restart and was rewarded again in the 53rd minute when John Obi Mikel, Lampard and Malouda made a speedy break which ended with Lampard powering his way into the penalty area and crashing home an unstoppable left-foot shot.
Chelsea sealed victory in the 69th minute with a well-taken goal from City old boy Anelka, who was put clean through on goal by an inch-perfect pass from Joe Cole and he slotted the ball low past keeper Joe Hart.
But there was still drama after Chelsea captain Terry was sent of in the 77th minute for hauling back City striker Jo in the centre circle.
City were unable to make the most of their numerical advantage as Chelsea's defence, which was reinforced by the introduction of Alex, held firm and Luiz Felipe Scolari was able to preserve his unbeaten start as manager.