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From its exterior, the V8 flagship looks great, with a chrome V8 badge, unique graphics and alloy wheels to ensure everyone else on the road knows exactly what you are driving. And it is just as impressive on the road, with a combination of 680hp, 3,000Nm of torque and ZF's excellent AS-Tronic automatic transmission, making it an absolute joy to drive.

Although initial acceleration is superb, with smooth and rapid block gear changes, it is during mid-range acceleration that this  engine really shines. In fact, we were thankful for the steering-wheel-mounted speed limiter to keep us legal. It makes light work of inclines too, changing up through the gearbox on even the steepest Bavarian hills we put in its path.

The cab is amazingly quiet, with minimal wind, road and engine noise. At one point we even opened the window in the hope of hearing what the V8 sounds like - only to discover that it is whisper quiet. Full marks for driver comfort too the stylish dashboard and leather-trimmed cab giving it a prestigious car-like appearance.

Our only complaint with this truck is that it might be a little too refined and composed, and therefore lacking in the flare that Europe's most powerful truck deserves. We feel that fleets who buy one of these as a flagship tractor might want a bit more excitement, some flamboyancy, and a growling engine that sounds as good as it performs. This is Keith Richards with nicotine patches and mineral water.

MAN describes  it as the Rolls Royce of the truck world, but we wonder whether they would have been better off producing a Ferrari instead.