Should you buy one?

It may lack a big, raucous V8 up front to compete on equal terms with the noise and performance of an Audi RS6, but don’t discount the Mercedes-AMG E53 too hastily. This is still a very involving and fun car to drive, and the way it conceals its 2,300kg is astonishing. Be in no doubt, the E53 is an excellent performance car.

What we like

Sure, it might lose out to the Audi RS6 on outright pace but, despite being heavier and a wee bit less powerful, it’s at least as precise and arguably more fun to drive on a twisty road. It can also match the RS6’s abilities as a comfortable and refined long-distance cruiser, too. And let’s not forget the E53 has a trump card.

This is a plug-in hybrid with a sensible official range. Therefore, it could a) potentially save you a heap of cash at the pumps, and b) save you even more in benefit-in-kind payments. Actually, a lot more cash, because right now you’ll pay 8% in BIK, while all its rivals will see you paying 37%.

What we don’t like

The main issue with this car isn’t its hefty weight, as it happens, but its hefty price. It’s £90,860 on the road, and that’s the ‘cheap’ one: the E53 Premium in saloon guise. You can keep going all the way to £118,110 if you want the top-spec Edition 1 trim and an estate. Agreed, none of its rivals come cheap, either, but a BMW M3 or an Alfa Romeo Giulia offer similar performance for less cash.

Then there’s its practicality. Sure, this is a large, comfortable five-seater, but what about luggage? Whether it’s the saloon or estate, the E53’s reduced boot volume will surely prove to be a limitation too far for some.