Once the preserve of successful Irish builders and African despots, the sleek and luxurious Mercedes S-Class has reached the top of the political pile in the Republic.
Last month the Taoiseach took delivery of a new long-wheelbase S350. In the past, generations of Taoisigh were transported by the S-Class' smaller sibling, the Mercedes E-Class - the model still in use by the majority of the Cabinet.
The chosen S-Class, along with another for President Mary McAleese - who has already enjoyed the comforts of a previous model, was purchased from MDL Distributors by the Government Service Agency (GSA).
Usually, the long-base S350 retails for approximately €123,000 before one starts to add on any little extras such as "dynamic multi-contour front seats featuring massage function" at €3,700.
However, the Government Service Agency, one of the biggest fleet customers enjoyed by Mercedes in the Republic since it replaces models after 100,000 miles on the road, secured both cars for a little over €110,000.
Despite questions being put to the Department of Justice, it is still not clear why officials decided to upgrade both the Taoiseach and the President to the S-Class.
Questioned, the Department of Justice said: "The purchase of replacement cars for the President and the Taoiseach were individual, separate transactions and were undertaken by the GSA after consideration of legal advice on procurement. They did not come within the scope of the purchase of cars for Ministers in general which is the subject of ongoing discussion with the GSA." The contracts were not put out to tender, as is the custom with Government contracts.
The S-Class is the vehicle of choice for over 90 per cent of top political leaders around the world, according to one survey, while its current "near perfect" incarnation has made motoring buffs tremble at the knees.
Mercedes Benz purrs when it describes the fruits of its work: "Take a seat and enjoy the S-Class at its most attractive - in the long-wheelbase version," declares the company's website.
"With 10 centimetres more legroom, passengers in the rear will appreciate the comfort the long-wheelbase S-Class has to offer. In the long-wheelbase version of the S-Class, it doesn't really matter where you're heading - it's all about the journey. After all, it offers you plenty of space to relax while you're on the move."
More prosaically, it goes on: "And even to work, if you need to - folding tables are available as an optional extra. The luxurious on-board comfort is rounded off with leather appointments and electrically adjustable, heated front and rear seats, fitted as standard."
The Taoiseach's new car will have to be kept out of sight when he attends environment functions, given the German model's thirsty fuel reputation.
Despite the Government's declared determination to cut greenhouse years, the S350 guzzles over 10 litres of fuel for every 100 kilometres.
The car is also about €40,000 more expensive than the Lexus 450H GS - the €70,000 hybrid car that Ministers Dick Roche and Noel Dempsey are in line to receive shortly.