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Welcome to one of the world's most exclusive clubs. Its members are the most powerful on the planet. You do not treat them lightly. Especially as until now it has been a strictly Italian affair.

This is the 500 Horsepower Club. These cars can get to 60mph before you can say 'Cosa Nostra.' Members include the Ferrari 575M, the Lamborghini Murciélago, the Pagani Zonda and now the Mercedes CL 55 AMG.

This German interloper earns its membership thanks to a supercharged version of the same V8 that powers the CLK 55. But the addition of a Kompressor to the package brings power up to the magic 500bhp level.

This car isn't just the daddy of the Mercedes-Benz range. It's the Godfather.

On the autobahn, it's brutal. Acceleration up to the 155mph limiter is beyond belief - a relentless wave of sheer power. In Britain it would be a crime wave within moments of take off, accelerating to 62mph from rest in 4.8 seconds and to 120mph in 16.3.

Each prod of the accelerator is met with a NASCAR-like roar from the engine, a swoosh from the supercharger and a mighty kick up the rear. Even at 100mph the auto 'box kicks down two gears to fire the car on even harder.

After the first hit, it becomes addictive. Every time the lane clears ahead, I have to nail it. There is no choice. And each time I'm forced to use the brakes, to feel the amazing retardation of eight-piston calipers gripping ventilated discs aided by ABS and Brake Assist, it's like I'm pausing to reload an Uzi for the next shoot out.

But although the CL 55 AMG is tough enough to scare off almost any rival, it also looks sharp and sophisticated enough to blend into any social group, from street gangs to presidents. It's big, but beautiful. AMG's additions are quite subtle; a new front spoiler and bumper, side skirts and a rear apron with aerodynamic diffuser. The wheels are 18-inchers and two sets of twin pipes exit the rear.

The interior is almost unchanged from the normal CL, but the seats are of AMG design and the steering wheel incorporates AMG's Speedshift button selectors. With a reprogrammed Active Body Control system, the CL corners in a manner that belies its bulk, with next to no body roll or dive under braking. And the power steering, which is finger light at low speed, weights up brilliantly.

I switched the ESP off and, yes, I burned rubber and slid sideways, but I soon saw sense and switched the electronics back on for fear of retribution if I damaged it. After all, at £91,260 a life of crime is the only way I'd be able to afford to pay for it.