In recognition of its 70th anniversary of sports car production — all started by the open two-seater XK 120 — a special 2020 F-TYPE Chequered Flag variant has been launched.

With the recent release of the all new M35i xDrive variant, however, I finally got the chance to get behind the wheel of one and fully admit it’s won me over.

If you’re not familiar with the AMG name, it is Mercedes’ designation for the performance models in the company line-up.

This not-so-mini MINI is currently the largest product sold by the BMW subsidiary, and in JCW form, combines track-ready dynamics with off-road pretensions. 

The car in question is the Audi A8 L, the top model and the largest car in the line-up. 

Unlike the original, this one is aimed squarely at empty nesters who value aesthetics and practicality.