2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S320 CDi review from UK and Ireland

No faults.

I cannot fault this car.

The 3.2 litre straight six turbodiesel whacks out just over 200 bhp, but a colossal 500Nm (369 lb/ft) of torque from just 1800 RPM. Allied to a typically exquisite Mercedes auto box it makes a drivetrain that redefines the phrase "effortless thrust". It's aurally indistinguishable from a petrol unit too, even managing a refined burble from the exhaust under load.

Fuel consumption averages 35 mpg, a little more on a gentle motorway cruise, and a little less around town. For the grunt on tap however, it is astonishing.

Build quality is the stuff of legend. Forget recent reports of Mercedes quality slipping, this feels like it has been hewn from solid rock. Doors thunk shut with tiny, perfectly even panel gaps, the interior is silent and uses materials of beautiful quality, and the leather seats support and cosset like no other.

Cost some poor schmuck £50k new and I just picked it up at 3 yrs old in mint condition with 50k and FMBSH for less than half that.