MERCEDES AMG E63

All AMGs nowadays have to scare the old folk and wake the dead but, most importantly, plug an emotional wormhole in the flawed soul of their owners. That’s their job, that’s what they do and here is yet another perfect example. Look at the mouth on this monster, sculpted around the gaping air vents fashioned to feed a pair of extremely thirsty twin-scroll turbos. Less engine capacity than its predecessor (4.0 litres down from 5.5) but tons MORE grunt – a breathtaking 612hp, if you will. Plant the throttle in any gear and be prepared for an explosion of power that refuses to abate all the way to the rev limiter. It’s thrilling and terrifying in equal measure.

Driving the thing is like being caught in the middle of a civil war, volleys of cracks, pops and bangs coming at you from all sides. I found myself clinging on for dear life. Then I remembered to breathe and suddenly this gorgeous, exquisite feel and feedback began to filter through in between the phenomenal acceleration and deceleration under braking.

It’s by no means the shortest sports saloon the world has ever seen but it’s so light and well-balanced you just can’t tell – think Scalextric Mini circa 1977.

Exciting? Yes. Handsome? Yes. Potential owner’s psychological state questionable? Yes.

Price: €125,000