The Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG will be priced from £54,950 and order books are now open.

The most powerful SLK produced so far comes with a 5.5-litre V8 which can push the car from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 155mph.

Despite the power on offer Mercedes-Benz says the SLK 55 AMG will still return 33.6mpg and it has exhaust emissions of 195g/km CO2.

The engine is paired with the seven-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission featuring three modes - controlled efficiency (C), sport (S) and manual (M).

Options specific to the SLK 55 AMG are headed by the AMG Performance Package of revised suspension and brakes with a rear differential lock (£4,105) and the AMG Driver’s Package, which raises the limited top speed and includes attendance at an AMG ‘Power and Passion’ driver event (£2,755).