On paper, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 has everything going for it: big leaps in power and performance, better economy, lower emissions, the introduction of all-wheel-drive grip and copious new tech, including an F1-derived electric drive unit on the rear axle.

But there’s a built-in controversy with the latest version of this beloved sedan (beloved is Benz’s favoured word, though hard to argue with): it has ditched one of the world’s best-sounding V8s in favour of a 2-litre four-cylinder.