Mercedes-Benz has announced pricing for the most powerful SLK of all time, the SLK 55 AMG. This high-performance pinnacle of the SLK range is now available to order for a highly competitive on-the-road price of £54,950.

It is powered by a new, naturally aspirated, direct-injection version of AMG’s charismatic 5.5-litre V8 engine, driving the rear wheels through a responsive seven-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission.

The new V8 engine develops 421hp at 6,800rpm and 540Nm of torque at 4,500rpm, ensuring extremely rapid acceleration: 0-62mph takes just 4.6 seconds on the way to a limited top speed of 155mph.

Yet fuel economy and CO2 emissions have been reduced by 30 per cent through the introduction of AMG’s Cylinder Management System, similar to that on Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 engines. An ECO stop/start system is also fitted so that the SLK 55 AMG uses no fuel and emits no CO2 when stationary in traffic. Combined fuel economy is 33.6mpg, with CO2 emissions of 195g/km.

The engine is paired with the seven-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission featuring three intelligent modes - Controlled Efficiency (C), Sport (S) and Manual (M).

The SLK 55 AMG is fitted as standard with AMG sports suspension featuring Torque Vectoring Brake and the AMG Direct-Steer system. As a result, it effortlessly combines the agility and high levels of lateral grip demanded by performance-oriented drivers with the long-distance ride comfort that is an intrinsic part of any Mercedes-Benz.