QUICK SELECT CATEGORY: SEDANS // SUVS // EXOTIC // SPORTS

You know there's something different about this Mercedes-Benz from the moment you lay eyes on it. It seems lower, sleeker, meaner-looking than other models. Look closer and you'll see four chrome-tipped exhaust tubes exiting beneath the rear bumper. You'll see the word "Kompressor" on each front fender. You'll see "AMG" on the right rear and "E55" on the left. Check out the 18-inch, twin-spoke alloy wheels. The tires are huge, befitting a car that can travel 155 mph on an Autobahn. There are special AMG designs for the air dam, rocker panels and rear apron.

Inside, you must look closely to see differences. On the steering wheel, for instance, are two buttons. Move the transmission into manual shift mode and you can press the right button to upshift, the left to downshift. Our E55 also has a "Panorama Sunroof" that runs from the windshield to the rear window. If the sun is too much, a rear window sunshade raises at the touch of a button. And to help night visibility, the bi-Xenon headlights turn with the car, to better illuminate a curve.

Bottom line: This E55 is a supercar. It's an executive hot rod, the ultimate car to own if you have more than one friend and both power and prestige are your desire.