The E Coupe is the new CLK kid on the block. New muscular body, aggressive lights, spoilers and wheel vanes give it a menacing look that grabs you from the start. It’s a welcome change.

So is the outstanding engine. Torque is ever-present and the sheer acceleration is delivered in a straight line with a total lack of drama, in comfort, silence and an overriding sense of safety, embarassing a few ‘true sportscars’ on the way.

Gear changes are inconspicuous and quick and although it second-guesses you in manual mode, in auto it’s bliss. The computer is pretty quick and intuitive when it comes to downshifts.

The suspension is more tuned to comfort than anything else. It treats you as if you were a precious gem, separating you from the tarmac, which feels at odds with the powerful motor.

There’s a lack of rear space if anyone tall is planning to spend any amount of time there, but the boot makes up for that, swallowing several large cases whole. It does work well as a GT, which I suppose is what it was designed for.