This 2009 incarnation of the well-loved S-Class Mercedes is only subtly different from previous S-Class models. The mostly cosmetic changes are rather subtle but include a beaked grille, LED driving lights for daytime usage, a rear diffuser and lovely nineteen inch multi-spoke wheels.

The S63 actually retains the V8, 6.2 litre engine from the previous version, allowing the almost two ton car to reach 62 mph in just 4.6 seconds. The seven speed automatic gears shift seamlessly and smoothly and the AMG division of Mercedes has tried to offset the massive weight of the car by introducing the Torque Vectoring Brake system. This has been designed to make cornering as smooth as possible – no easy task in a two ton beast! What this system does is brake the appropriate inner rear wheel while the car is cornering, therefore helping it along its way with more conviction. Although a step in the right direction, it is still noticeable during cornering that this is actually a very heavy car.

From a mechanical point of view, a crosswind stabilisation function has been added, along with a variable ratio steering set-up. At £98,000 you can expect a super quiet ride when driving sensibly – hit the pedal and you’ll sound like the Luftwaffe approaching! Great stuff…