A key upgrade is a carefully tuned NOVITEC high-performance exhaust system equipped with metal catalysts.

BMW has been quick to reassure fans that the Alpina experience is not being diluted.

This is aimed at owners who want their SUV to stand out from every angle.

Official figures show 442 bhp (330 kW) with another 22 bhp (16 kW) available from the ISG.

The interior and exterior of the Luce has been developed by design firm LoveFrom, part-founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive.

The upcoming C 53 will skip the plug-in hybrid system used in the AMG E 53.

Rising development bills and ongoing delays have reportedly put the programme under serious review.

Mercedes describes this as the most comprehensive update the S-Class has received within a single generation.

Pricing is still to be confirmed, but the S will slot between the standard Continental GT at R5,2m and the Speed at R6,5m.

Electrical assistance will push output beyond the current 444 horsepower figure.