SOUNDTRACKS don't come much more distinctive than those of a Mercedes AMG.

And the latest composition on the SL 63 is nothing short of a masterpiece.

Quad exhausts clustered in the rear diffuser on the latest supercar from the Mercedes' high performance team deliver a symphony unique to V8s from AMG's Affalterbach workshops in southern Germany.

It's a feature which makes driving an AMG absolutely compelling and on the new SL it can be enjoyed roof up or down.

The AMG take on the latest generation of Mercedes' classic roadster will be going on sale in the summer priced from around £112,000.

That's some £20,000 more than the regular SL500 which will be arriving almost at the same time.

With a twin turbo 5.5-litre engine hand built by the AMG engineers the SL 63 develops 537bhp - 564bhp with an optional performance package.

It adds some £10,000 to the cost but makes the SL 63 the most potent of roadsters.

As such top speed is restricted at 186mph, 0 to 60 flashes up in 4.2 seconds and the experience as the AMG goes through its paces is one of the finest.

Even without the performance pack it can manage 0 to 60 in 4.3 seconds although the top speed is taken down to 155mph.

Rivals are few and far between, mainly from the Porsche, Jaguar and Ferrari stables and in every way the SL 63 AMG is part of the supercar elite.

Like the SL on which it is based, the AMG has the bonus of a retractable hardtop making it not only a performance car for all seasons but also outstandingly stylish.

Retro features from the SL such as fluted side and bonnet vents are embellished by two bright blades across the grille and another separating the front air intake from the road.

At the back there is a subtle boot spoiler - made from carbon on the performance version - while all round the SL 63 looks highly purposeful, roof open or closed.

The cockpit is a heady blend of luxury and technology - more plush than its rivals. Leather abounds while the controls for the active body systems flank the bite sized gear shift.

While the SL 63 may bear the Mercedes star on the grille, the AMG symbol is embossed on the top of the gear lever - the only car badge to include an apple tree in its design, a feature taken from the Affalterbach coat of arms.

For the first time the AMG logo is now also stamped on the ignition key so there is no mistaking this for an ordinary Mercedes when you take out the fob.

Neither will you fail to spot the difference when you open the bonnet where a plaque with the name of the engineer who built the engine is fixed to the top of the block.

On the road the SL 63 is taut and precise no matter what is asked. The power is easily controlled but arrives decisively on demand making the seven speed dual clutch transmission flash through the gears.

There's a lovely double de-clutch effect and a blip in the revs on the over-run while the box itself is multi-mode with settings ranging from stop/start eco driving to race track launch control.

The car is beautifully balanced, especially with sports suspension engaged, and although the electronic power steering has been tuned to deliver a direct feel it could be more engaging.

While the SL 63 is undoubtedly accomplished, the overriding characteristic is smoothness, even when working through the gears manually using the paddle shifters.

With an aluminium body, weight has been pared down by 125 kilos compared to previous models and the attention to detail in making the car lighter even includes a carbon fibre boot frame.

The result is full blown supercar performance with fuel economy which would not disgrace a family saloon not so long ago - 28.5mpg on average with CO2 emissions of 231g/km and that's regardless of which state of tune the engine is in.

Luxury touches include a Swiss-made IWC analogue clock on the dash, an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system and Internet connectivity from the Mercedes COMAND online system.

It's even got the hands free boot opening system from the SL - which works by waggling your foot under the back of the car - and the Mercedes ‘magic' screen wash system with its water jets housed within the wiper blades.

Active cruise control, a full set of anti-collision systems and driver aids are also carried forward from the standard SL.

With such a combination of sophistication and high performance the SL 63 AMG has all it needs to curry favour with those who delight in the finesse of these most exclusive of Mercedes models - and the noise they make.