SUNNY DELIGHT

Mercedes has let AMG loose on the latest SL. We put it to the test against BMW's M850i Convertible

WHAT IS A REALWORLD ROAD TEST? 

THE Auto Express Real-World Road Test subjects the latest cars to our rigorous assessment processes, which are focused on buyers' needs.

We consider the merits of each car, not only the way that it drives, but also every aspect important to owners, from the space inside to the usability of the infotainment systems.

Equally importantly, we give you a clearer indication than ever of how much you can expect to pay if you place an order today, thanks to our in-depth number crunching.

THE SL badge is one of the most revered not only in Mercedes history, but also in the sports car world as a whole. Dating back to 1954 and the beautiful 300 SL Gullwing, the halo model for the Stuttgart brand has been a style icon, with six generations of classy designs that set an industry standard in understated luxury.

However, for this seventh generation the SL has taken a slightly different path. Mercedes has let its AMG performance division loose on the car's development, so does that mean we're looking at a much more hardcore, in-your-face attitude? Or has AMG gone soft and kept the qualities which made the predecessors of this SL such desirable sports cars?

Mercedes isn't the only German brand to take the heavyweight in a smart suit approach. The BMW M850i Convertible looks understated, but there's a powerful punch under the bonnet. We've brought the two together to see which is best.

Mercedes-AMG SL 55

MODEL TESTED: SL 55 4MATIC+ Premium Plus

PRICE: £147,475

POWERTRAIN: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo petrol, 469bhp