The new Mercedes-AMG SL 55 is the beginning of a new age for this legendary roadster.

Formerly a two-seat grand tourer, the SL now wants to be a true sports car, and it’s certainly got the credentials for it - its chassis was developed by AMG, and under the bonnet is a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8.

However, if it wants to prove itself as something more than a Sunday afternoon cruiser, it’s got to prove itself to the king of usable drop-top sports cars - the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet.

Can the new SL beat Stuttgart’s best? Join Richard Lane as he finds out.

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