If on-going motoring expenses are a primary purchasing factor, Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG running costs will immediately rule this out as a potential choice.

With only one engine and gearbox combination on offer, the sole offering returns a claimed 28.0mpg on the combined fuel consumption cycle.

Giving that some real world perspective, our test figure hovered around 21.5mpg, meaning around 378 miles before replenishing that 80-litre fuel tank. Factor in that more expensive super unleaded is its fuel of choice and it’s clear this is not a car to take the running costs of lightly.

Putting it into perspective, with a twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the S63 AMG is more fuel efficient than slower 12-cylinder-engined rivals from Audi and BMW.

Unsurprisingly, that thirst for petrol means that Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG emissions aren’t low either.

Official figures state the S63 AMG produces 237g/km of CO2 placing it in VED road tax band L.

There’s no escaping this is an expensive state of affairs but it’s worth noting there is a band for cars more polluting than the S63 AMG. That such a large, heavy and fast car has snuck out of the dearest price bracket without the use of a hybrid drivetrain is a reflection of the Mercedes’ engineering.

Today’s models enjoy the peerless levels of longevity the brand is famed for and today’s Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG reliability levels are no different.

This is currently the flagship model at the very pinnacle of the Mercedes range and consequently everything works beautifully and is built impeccably. Pore over the S63 AMG’s bodywork and cabin with a fine tooth comb and you’ll struggle to find anything that doesn’t feel like it’s built to last.

Such impressive quality levels and all that on-board technology do pose the potential question of how expensive might things be to replace or fix as the car ages. While it’s difficult to know for sure, glitches on some cars will inevitably surface years down the line and expensive new Mercedes-Benzes often prove to be painfully expensive to maintain as they approach old age.