And more than just being 'yet another' AMG model to hack down the Autobahn with at 200+ klicks, the low-slung and strikingly smooth CLS 55 AMG appears to be on the prowl, and may have BMW's V10-powered M5 in its sights.

But a 180Nm torque difference doesn't tell the full story, as the Merc is the heavier of the two and has five gear ratios compared to the Beemer's seven, meaning the 0-100km/h sprints will be very close as a result.

The all-new CLS 55 AMG car will be appearing at Mercedes-Benz sales outlets and dealerships in early 2005 in Europe, and is expected to do so at about the same time as the retail launch of the BMW M5.

One feature that appeals to both the eye and the ear is provided by the pair of chromed, twin oval tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system.

Further differentiation from the standard CLS models is ensured by a special radiator grille with three imposing, silver-painted louvers, while a subtle AMG boot lid spoiler is claimed to increase downforce on the rear wheels.

The unique four-door vehicle has it's rear wheels driven by the aforementioned supercharged AMG engine, which generates an output of 350kW (476hp) and 700Nm of torque from a displacement of 5.5-litres.

The powerplant is complemented by the AMG sports suspension and by the AMG high-performance braking system with 360mm and 330mm ventilated discs plus 8- and 4-pot callipers on the front and rear axles respectively. The addition of "AirMatic" DC semi-active air suspension with adaptive damping ensures that bodyroll is kept to a minimum, in turn giving the tyres improved contact with the road.

As with the other AMG high-performance cars, the engine power is transferred to the wheels via the AMG "SpeedShift" 5-speed automatic transmission (the M5 has a 7-speed Semi-Manual Gearbox). This brings with it number of high performance features, such as the lockup of the torque converter from 1st gear, active engine-braking downshift and the "optimal gear function"; these provide an extremely direct driving experience in conjunction with more spontaneous and up to 35 percent faster gear changes.

One of the key visual features of the new AMG street car is its wheels, which complement and indeed highlight the curvaceous design of the CLS-Class. The way the car sits on the road is purposeful and very eye-catching, and the 18-inch twin-spoke light-alloy wheels shod with 255/40 (front) and 285/35 (rear) wide-base tyres help achieve this. These powerful-looking wheels complement the new bodystyling, which in turn reflects the sophisticated coupé aesthetics (low and long) of the CLS-Class to perfection. There is even a 19-inch AMG wheel package for those who want bling, with tyres in size 255/35 and 285/30.

Step inside the new CLS and, in addition to a surprising amount of interior space, you'll notice the design of the new and rather special AMG sports seats. These new seats get special AMG perforations, double stitching, lateral piping and Alcantara panels at shoulder height for a little bit more support.

The resources BMW has channelled into the M5 will ensure that it can stand on its own four wheels in the face of a tough Merc/AMG offensive, and perhaps the ball is now in BMW's court? It could certainly escalate things by releasing another M5 variant to shame the CLS 55 AMG, perhaps a lightweight CSL M5?