The E63s now steers with real precision and offers a composed ride thanks, to its three-chamber air suspension with variable dampers. Traction is superb, thanks to the 4Matic+ system and even – on paper at least – the car’s more efficient thanks to all those gears. That said, there’s still the menace of old here.

The exhaust fizzes, bangs and crackles like a campfire burning fireworks, and the pace absolutely relentless when you want it to be. The E63 S is still a dragster then, only one that remains adept when the straight is over and the tarmac follows some more interesting and challenging contours.