AMG-developed roadster packs a serious punch, with its twin-turbocharged eight-cylinder engine

The Mercedes-AMG SL 55 is the entry point to the eight-cylinder variants of the Mercedes-AMG SL.Its message is clear – with a revised raison d’être. The SL is going Porsche 911 hunting, and it has variety to help it.There are three V8-engined variants (with the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 being a PHEV) and a four-cylinder model with the motor made famous by the A45 AMG super-hatch. Each on sits in an all-new chassis, as the SL moves into more sporting territory than it previously occupied.Prices for the SL 55 start from around at £150,000, which gives this AMG plenty of competition, not only from Porsche but also Maserati and, at a push, Aston Martin. How well does it stack up? Let’s find out.