Mercedes SLS

With a 6.3-liter V8 engine under its long purposeful hood, the Mercedes SLS offers eye-watering acceleration. If you hire a Mercedes SLS, expect to reach 60mph from a standstill in less than four seconds and to be able to reach a top speed of over 190mph. Despite this 21st-century performance, the car has retro styling features recalling great Mercedes of the past. Look out for the spectacular gull-wing doors and the big non-turbocharged engine. You’ll soon hear the throaty roar of this muscular unit – it sounds almost as good as it goes.

This large head-turning two-seater features an all-aluminium body - its light weight helps the immense performance. Other supercar features include the rear wing that rises automatically to improve the handling as you drive and the state-of-the-art adaptive suspension. Extraordinary standard features include red sports seat belts and a built-in system to record your own 0-60mph times.

Those dramatic doors are still the most sensational feature of the SLS. When you unlock the car, the handles spring out of the surface and then retract when the door is closed again and lifting open the doors is helped by gas-struts.