About this car in Florence

Florence and Bologna are two business cities an hour apart, and many people who rent a car here end up making that crossing at least once. The GLE 63 S is well suited to it: from the outside a black GLE like any other, underneath a 612 hp twin-turbo V8 with all-wheel drive, the most powerful version of the large Mercedes SUV. On the A1 motorway, with its long tunnels through the Apennines, it cruises in near silence and gets you to a meeting rested.

On the way back, if there is time, leave the motorway and take the old SS65 instead, the historic Mille Miglia road over the Raticosa and Futa passes. It is slower, but it is one of the great driving roads near Florence, with long series of bends through the woods, and the GLE's all-wheel-drive grip lets you enjoy it without feeling the car's size. The limit outside towns is 90 km/h, and dipped headlights must be on by day.

From 15 November to 15 April signed Apennine roads require winter tyres, and this car has them in the cold season, so the route stays open to you in winter as well. Toll barriers accept cards and cash. The GLE is handed over at Firenze Peretola, Pisa Galileo Galilei, Santa Maria Novella or your hotel, as set up when you book, with insurance included and 24/7 assistance.

• 612 hp V8: the most powerful GLE, in understated black
• Quiet on the A1 to Bologna, lively on the SS65 passes
• Five seats, all-wheel drive and winter tyres in the cold season