Model tested: Mercedes SLS AMG
Price as tested: c£145,000
Date tested: November 2009.
Road tester: Kyle Fortune

This is the first ever all-aluminium Mercedes, but while the badge on the nose is a three-pointed star, the SLS is an AMG. It's the ultimate representation of an AMG in fact, as it's the first car that Mercedes' in-house tuner has been responsible for starting with a blank sheet of paper.

The shape is plundered from the Fifties 300SL, but updated with a modern twist. The long wheelbase, squat rear and a bonnet that seemingly stretches on forever all look absolutely sensational. Those doors are its signature, though.

Inside the drama isn't quite as intense, and headroom is tight thanks to the housings for those trick door hinges. The cabin has some real highlights though, like the beautiful circular air vents - but there are a lot of parts in there from much cheaper Mercedes models.

The aluminium bodywork means the 6.2-litre V8's 563bhp and 479lb ft of torque doesn't have much bulk to shift around - ably demonstrated by the 3.8-second 0-62mph time and (electronically limited) 197mph top speed.

The engine, a development of AMG's high-revving 6.2-litre V8, is mighty. It's got lighter pistons, dry sump lubrication, a new intake system and lots of other small but significant enhancements, the result being a fast-revving, naturally aspirated unit that's hugely flexible and thunderingly fast.

That strong V8 heart is mated to a seven-speed, dual-clutch, paddle-shifted transmission with three auto modes plus a manual option. It's generally quick and smooth, but it can get jerky in slow traffic; at high speed it's also sometimes reluctant to give you complete control.

---

---

The gearbox does little to detract from the SLS’s overall driving experience though, especially as the rest of the package is so polished. The steering in particular defines the car; turn the rim and there’s instantaneous, deliberate response.

Up the ante on a circuit, play with the three-mode ESP settings and the SLS will break traction to oversteer, the communicative, quick steering ensuring things don’t get fraught.

For all its intensity the SLS is a surprisingly benign, cosseting machine. The taut suspension does occasionally jar, but it’s worth the odd uncomfortable knock for the fine control it demonstrates elsewhere.

The flexibility of the engine and transmission ensure you can drive it like a big grand tourer, though you’d only be scratching the surface of its abilities.

For AMG’s first entire car the SLS is a triumph: it has what it takes to frighten all comers in the supercar market.