The SL65 AMG is the quickest SL of them all, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just over four seconds flat. It uses the 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12 engine, rated at 604 horsepower and a staggering 738 pound-feet of torque. Regrettably, we have not driven the new SL65 AMG.

The sensible SL to buy, if buying an SL can be sensible, is the SL550. It delivers plenty of performance. Its new 5.5-liter double-overhead-cam, 32-valve V8 engine delivers 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. That's 80 additional horsepower and 52 foot-pounds more performance than the previous SL500, a car that was already quick. And the more expensive, more powerful models don't get the SL550's new seven-speed automatic.

All the versions we drove had enormous acceleration, but they also had huge brakes with ABS, EBD, ESP and traction control, enough braking power to pull down small buildings with a single stomp, with excellent pedal modulation and linearity.

Summary

Over the years, we have driven every version of the SL including restored 1957 models, the square-topped Pagoda models of the Sixties, the fixed-roof and removable roof 450 SLs of the Seventies, and down through the rest of the line, and enjoyed every one. These are beautiful, beautifully made, stately luxury sports cars made in small volumes for customers who tend to be repeat buyers. Today, we have the safest, quickest, flattest-handling and prettiest SLs in half a century, and MBUSA is trying hard to keep the lid on the luxurious prices.

New Car Test Drive contributor Jim McCraw filed this report from Palma, Majorca, Spain.

Model Line Overview

Model lineup:Mercedes-Benz SL550 ($94,800); SL600 ($132,000); SL55 AMG ($128,800); SL65 AMG ($186,000); SL550 50th Edition

Engines:382-hp 5.5-liter V8; 510-hp 5.5-liter turbocharged V12; 510-hp 5.5-liter supercharged V8; 604-hp 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12

Transmissions:7-speed automatic; 5-speed automatic

Safety equipment (standard):frontal airbags, side-impact airbags; electronic stability control, ABS, EBD

Safety equipment (optional):none

Basic warranty:4 years/50,000 miles

Assembled in:Bremen, Germany