The Mercedes-Benz SL is a tough competitor up against the likes of the Jaguar XK, BMW 6 Series and the Porsche 911. In a sector packed with magnificent looking cars, you really need to look past the aesthetics and do some homework to find out which ones are as much about substance as they are style. Mercedes identified key areas in which to make the SL the more appealing option. For example it's mostly made up of aluminium and as a result has shed some serious weight to make it a more efficient and agile machine. It uses the fantastic BlueDIRECT engines across the board in the form of two AMG models, a V8 biturbo and V6 which are ruthlessly quick. The AMG models in particular are giving even the Maserati GranTurismo a serious run for its money in terms of speed. Naturally with cars of this size, practicality isn't top of the list but the SL is actually decent enough in that regard. Even with the roof stowed you still get around 364 litres of storage. In terms of driver and passenger space you will find the cabin a very comfortable place to be. Even with the roof up there's no intrusion on head space. It can be quite noisy with the roof down, which some drivers will love, but there's the option of getting a wind deflector built in which does help.

• There are some nifty optional extras there but they're disappointingly expensive

• Comes with a generous amount of kit as standard
• Very comfortable and well-built cabin
• Practicality is impressive, even with the roof stowed
• Decent economic engines to choose from
• Excellent AMG versions available
• Good looking car all round. Has a sophisticated, classy feel to it
• It's a very quick car