eMercedesBenz (Enlarge photo)

15/08/2008 06:45. "Say what you will about the SLK’s recent facelift, which marks the halfway point in the life of the second generation, but there’s no getting away from the 55 AMG’s menacing presence – our glossy black test car looked both intimidating and understated. The intelligently configured and bank-vault solid cabin is still a lesson in ergonomic clarity. And then there’s that massive 5439cc V8 stuffed into the nose.

Because the 55 was such a hit with buyers in Europe and America, Mercedes decided not to drop the new 6.2-litre V8 into the SLK. Customers like the 5.4-litre – and after just a few miles in the 55, you’ll understand why. It initially doesn't feel that quick - flick the seven-speed automatic transmission into drive, and the SLK wafts... // eMercedesBenz