AT the exalted level - both in size and price - of the Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake, there is little competition.

I've been driving the awesome CLS 63 AMG from the top of the range, with a six-litre V8 twin turbo engine.

There are lower powered and more sensible diesels in the range but the AMG is pure joy.

Obviously, the performance is licence losing - without a very careful right foot - but it is also hugely addictive for a petrolhead like me.

Here we have a massive five-seat estate that looks like a coupe from most angles and one that can reel in the horizon like a minnow on a shark line.   

The huge engine is inaudible at low speeds, but Mercedes has tuned the exhaust so that when it gets to certain revs, it emits that gorgeous V8 burble and roar reminiscent of the Ford Mustang in the film Bullitt.

The ride is still sumptuous, the handling and road-holding marvellous, and I want one.

The special quick-change gearbox has four modes, the suspension is adjustable from your seat, and the cockpit looks like it came from a jumbo jet.

Every conceivable piece of equipment seems to be standard - just as it should be - until you see that lane departure warning, reversing camera and sunroof are all extras.