Here is a car that just has an incredible amount of appeal to me: breathtaking acceleration (it’s a heartbeat quicker than the new Corvette for about the same money), aggressive good looks, power retractable hardtop roof, luxuriously appointed cabin and a three point star up front.

AMG is the high-performance wing at Mercedes-Benz that takes production automobiles and turns them into performance beasts for both road use and serious racing.

The AMG letters stand for the two founders, Hans-Wertner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, with the G letter signifying the company’s hometown of Grossaspach, Germany. There is now an AMG version of virtually every Mercedes automobile, and all feature muscle-bound engines, performance suspensions and connotative accents inside and out to set them apart from their more common siblings.

I tested the SLK 350 in January and was thoroughly delighted with the new makeover from the previous generation SLK roadster. What I wanted to test at the time was the AMG version, so imagine my enthusiasm when Mercedes asked me to take one off their hands for a weeklong test drive.

The AMG is equipped with a 5.5-liter 355-horsepower V-8 engine, up from the standard 268-horsepower V-6 in the SLK 350. The only available transmission is the new AMG Speedshift seven-speed automatic.

AMG styling cues include longitudinal gills on the front valance just around the sides in front of each wheel. These two slots promote airflow through the radiator and oil cooler. Chrome-ringed front fog lights with black grille elements complete the valance modifications. Aggressive looking fin blades are featured on the hood near the windshield.

Wheels are increased to 18 inches and are fitted with 16-spoke AMG wheels and appear more luxury versus performance. It’s a matter of personal taste, but they wouldn’t be my first choice and look a bit aftermarket.

Other AMG modifications include sill bulging and extended side skirts just in front of the rear wheels. Around back are large quad tailpipes and a subtle lip spoiler that Mercedes claims reduces lift by as much as 36 percent. Smoked taillight lenses and AMG badging seemingly more as a warning than a moniker complete the look.

Inside, the SLK 55 receives Napa leather appointments, AMG steering wheel, AMG monogramming on the tachometer gauge, and sports seats.

As one would expect when cramming a huge 5.5-liter engine in a small two-seater, performance is serious and thrilling. The SLK is just a tick quicker than the Corvette I tested in April and miles ahead of it in terms of luxury and refinement.

The SLK 55’s AMG suspension may be too firm for some drivers. Arizona streets and highways, for the most part, aren’t filled with potholes and broken pavement where the firm ride might get old in a hurry. However, here in Arizona I wouldn’t think twice in using it as a daily driver or for a long road trip.

Other than needing additional legroom for this too-tall driver, my lone complaint is with the AMG Speedshift seven-speed automatic transmission. To begin, the transmission on upshifting is terrific and superbly executed with no delay in changing gears. Shifts are lightening quick and smooth. Engage full throttle at 65 mph in seventh gear and the transmission instantly and seamlessly kicks down four gears for head-snapping acceleration.

My complaint is with decelerating downshifts, when the vehicle noticeably jerks with the feel of a too-soon manual transmission downshift. It is especially noticeable for passengers who asked if I would mind not doing that with every stop.

My other transmission complaint is the manual shift mode. With seven gears, it’s easy to get lost in the shifting sequence and gaps between some gears are wider than others. With 376 pound-feet of torque, it is difficult to match gears with the engine revs and driver and passenger end up with a continuous herky-jerky ride experience. You’re better leaving the transmission in auto mode and let the vehicle do what it does best. The SLK 55 begs for a manual transmission which, sadly, is not available.

The base price of $60,500 (including a $1,300 gas-guzzler tax), while certainly a lot of money, seems a good buy given the major performance package of the AMG. My tester included a few options including navigation system, an upgraded Harman/Kardon sound system, airscarf neck warmer and bi-xenon headlamps.

Of course this car turned a lot of heads, especially with the Diamond Silver exterior color. When asked about the price the most frequent comment was “Hmmmm, I would have thought it was at least $100,000.” Enough said.

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