Mercedes tell us that the cabin has been inspired by the interiors of exclusive yachts and if nothing else, you do feel a sense of occasion in this car. The dashboard is beautifully laid out and bung full of nice, high quality materials. Cherry tree wood is among the varieties of woods used as is smoked oak. Sounds a lot like a decent whiskey, but there’s no doubting that this, and the mixture of aluminium detailing, amounts to a real feeling of class.

The switchgear is robust and the dash layout is logical. It’s a very pleasant place in which to sit.

If you do end up feeling a bit battered after a long drive then you have probably got the seat setting wrong because Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake comfort levels are excellent. Supportive seating, with a wide range of adjustments, coupled to a silky smooth ride and a quiet cabin gives this car a serenity that’s hard to match. The 350 CDI, in particular, glides over the bumps.

The engines are refined although the 250 can get a little vocal when pushed hard. The AMG is loud but that visceral engine roar is entirely welcome when you put your foot down.