Mercedes-Benz is a pioneer in this area and the C63 AMG features a number of innovations that are also available on the larger E-Class and S-Class models, including seven airbags as standard plus the PRE-SAFE system. This makes use of the moments before an imminent accident to prepare the vehicle and its occupants for a collision. This involves pulling the seatbelts taut, adjusting the front seats and closing any open windows (including the sunroof).

It’s no surprise therefore that the C-Class gained a maximum five star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests.

The C63 features the same level of practicality as the standard C-Class. The saloon has a decent boot (which is bigger than the BMW M3 and Lexus IS F) which is more than capable of carrying a couple of suitcases, plus a wide opening makes loading easy. The five-door has 485 litres of space which isn’t huge for an estate – plus this is only 10 litres larger than the saloon.

However fold the seats down and this opens up to a useful 1,500 litres plus there are four anchoring rings and two clever pop-out hooks to secure anything in the boot. Inside the cabin, there are a number of storage areas, such as the roomy air-conditioned glovebox, door bins and an armrest that doubles as a cubbyhole.