Living as I do in the Borders and having driven its twisting and tortuous country roads for years, there are few better places to put a new car through its paces. For my ‘April Car of the Month,’ I decided to start with a classy car – the Mercedes CL500, two door, four seat saloon.

This 5,400cc V8 powered machine is quick given its weight of 2.5 tonnes. Getting on for 400 horse power and an electronically controlled top speed of 155 mph, it is no slouch. For those who like to know these things: 0-60 is achieved in 5.5 seconds and fuel consumption is around 20 miles per gallon of petrol if not driven hard. However, if you are going to spend £80,000 plus £10,000 on extras as this car had, then why buy it unless you want to drive the tyres off it, at a legal speed of course!

Big brakes and tyres keep it on the road and it does handle well, but when pushed to the limit on the tight country roads the front end did not want to turn into the corner. In most cases when a crisis was about to happen the computerised management system took control and all was well again. Throttle lag and axle tramp were evident when accelerating from a standing start, but the traction control system soon took over with loads of engine grunt and a deep throaty exhaust behind. It all made for an exciting ride.

On a private airfi eld it was possible to put the pedal to the metal and let it go, and at around 130 mph it is fun to drive and still very stable. As you would expect it comes with all the gizmos. Cruise control, voice command, which alters the automatic seat and steering wheel settings as well as the Sat Nav System, were easy to use and understand. The CL500 has a long bonnet and the Advance Parking System does mean that the boot and bumper area are kept intact from walls and other objects by a warning system visible on the dashboard, complete with audible warning.

For those of you who want to be, or think you are, Lewis Hamilton, the car comes with three gear change systems. Comfort Mode for those who like to go out for Sunday runs, Sports Mode for those who like to go for chips on Saturday night before the football programme starts and finally the Manual Mode, which is controlled by two paddles on the steering wheel, just like a Formula 1 racer: good fun once you get the idea. On the motorway the 7 gears give great fl exibility, which ultimately help save fuel. There is a facility to adjust the ride height and seats are comfortable with loads of adjustments that can be dialled in for future personal settings in the steering wheel.

Even the rear seats are comfortable, though there is not a lot of leg room. What about the boot size you ask? Yes, it will take two sets of golf clubs at a push and there is still space for some luggage. Ninety litres of petrol tank capacity plus 11 litres reserve should take you 450 miles until refuelling is required. This car came in silver but there are many other options available. If there is not enough power here the AMG CL65, V12, 6 litre engine will get you to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds if you really need to beat the Ferrari off the line as the lights change to green. However, you will need to spend around another £50,000 for the privilege.