Howard, I think a gent of your standing has to be careful what car he is seen exiting from. I think you'll find the small and nimble a tad wearing after a while, as Peter has found with the smaller Merc.
The Golf R or GTI, as other have said, are excellent allrounders but also worthy of mention is the Audi S4 Avant. Very comfy, quick and happy to get it's skirts up if asked in all weathers!
