Mercedes CLS 55 AMG

It first appeared in the SL, and was then used in the S-Class and E-Class. The CLS 55 AMG is top of the range in the four-door sports car line-up, and is the latest big Merc to be fitted with the awe-inspiring unit.

The car arrives here next year, and is expected to cost around ΂£75,000. For that, buyers will get a similar level of kit to that in the E55 AMG, including grey leather sports seats, white-backed dials and a sports-shift auto gearbox.

And as with the E55, the CLS is simple to drive day-to-day. The two-pedal transmission and long throttle make for smooth town progress, but away from the suburbs the car comes into its own. Acceleration is startling, although over-zealous use of the right pedal can lead to Mercedes' 'Pre-Safe' accident prevention system taking over, cutting power and activating the traction control. You can't switch it off, and for keen drivers it could prove frustrating.

Otherwise, the CLS is amazing on the road. The brakes bring the car to a stop quickly, while the chassis is remarkably agile. This Merc is great for cruising, but if you enjoy more challenging roads, then there's maybe a bit too much power for the car to handle.