Car appreciation... the aesthetics, the engineering, etc

100% reliability

Is that particularly likely when buying the bi-turbo, highly strung top end engine?

By that criteria (not mentioning the speed) it sounds like you want a Subaru Outback or Volvo V60... but I don't think those are really what you want.

I don't even think my V60 with 400bhp meets your performance needs (especially for really long journeys when the ICE will be doing all of the work and you're only getting 313bhp).

BMW M340i ? It's fugly... but modern + servicing anywhere + reasonably fast + estate.

Bit small, main reason for moving from the C55 is space, or the lack thereof.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011085916502
Although it might be a bit rich even for you.

It seems you want something that'll genuinely shift, so in reality you're just looking at Beemers, Mercs or Audis. Seat, Volkswagen, Subaru and Volvo all have kinda fast estates, but it seems like they're fairly asinine suggestions compared to the C-class Wagon etc.

Panamera sport turismo, obvs.

You are of course correct when you observe that it’s crucial to have 500bhp when fetching the shopping from Saino

Sort of - Monaro is the 2 door coupe, Commodore is the 4 door version

Depends where the Sainos is really. But it does seem like you want something ubiquitous enough that it can be fixed, but also at the higher performance end of the spectrum.

With those two criteria, you're already down to fairly limited choices. I was about to suggest looking for an E Class, and then realised that's what you posted on the last page.

Guilty smile.

Volvo V60

He said 100% reliable - have Volvo ever released a car that hasn't needed multiple recalls? :P

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/best-cars/driver-power/64280/most-reliable-cars-to-buy-in-2020

Yes apparently

You have a driving licence? :-0

Does the R Class count as an estate? They even did an AMG one.

This one has a 130 litre LPG tank so you can get to the Alps in one sitting.

The AMG version would be quite fun, I think that specific one has around 100,000 more miles than I'd prefer however.

Having spent a while looking I think an E63 with around 50,000 miles is what I'm after.

This one looks like the best balance of age, mileage and price (on Autotrader).

My neighbour's R500 AMG has returned after I thought he sold it. It's automatic too.

The mechanical specification is impressive, an all-new LSA supercharged 6.2 V8 is fitted, coupled to modern full-time four-wheel drive and a six-speed auto with manual override gearbox. AP Racing have engineered an updated ABS braking system and Jensen International’s own developed adjustable front and independent rear suspension feature. Again, Jensen International have developed their own traction control system along with a limited slip rear differential and open diff to the front. Bespoke aluminium milled 19” alloy rostyle wheels are hand made with the option of summer or all-weather tyres.

I think I've said it before- ours is the best car I've ever owned. It just does everything well.
I can sit at the wheel for 4 solid hours to get to the coast for a surf, and get out and not feel like death.
And there's space in the back for a double bed. (or a single mat and a surfboard to cuddle)

So will you punt the c55? After getting all that bloody work done getting the rust sorted? Or am I getting my wires crossed?

Yeah, I'd not be able to have two AMG estates.

Jeez man, you're a sucker for punishment. Will the E Class need the same treatment do you reckon?

I had to do that work on the C55 or 1) be honest and sell the car for close to nothing 2) coat the underside with gunk and hope the new buyer didn't look 3) scrap it.

E-class - I'd hope not, it's 10 years and 70,000 miles younger.

^Famous last words

It won't need to last you that long I guess. You'll be trading it in for the worlds fastest amphibious estate within a year I'm sure ;-)

I’m having to strongly resist getting an M5 Touring, the E63 is very much the sensible choice.