Mercedes SLK 55 AMG

But it's a reduction that's welcome. After all, the excess of muscle is the CLS's worst enemy, and as the SLK is much lighter, putting 476bhp through the rear wheels would be too much for even the most capable driver.

Without the blower, the SLK is still breathtakingly quick. It sprints from 0-60mph in only 4.9 seconds, accompanied by a fabulous exhaust note, while the seven-ratio Speedshift auto gearbox allows changes with steering wheel-mounted paddles. Unlike the CLS, you can also turn the ESP driver aid off, giving you more flexibility to set the car up properly. Yet it never gets out of shape, as the traction control takes over before the chassis hits its limits.

The SLK has a totally different character to the CLS. It's more rewarding and balanced, and one of the most desirable cars in the AMG line-up.