Mercedes SL Review

Mercedes SL

Rating

Summary

Recommended. Effortlessly talented luxury roadster that's growing old gracefully. Expensive to run but very exclusive.

Review

Mercedes has always allowed its SL roadsters to enjoy long model lives, with the current incarnation maturing nicely, especially when compared to some more modern rivals.

The key to the SL's appeal is the effortless way in which it does things. This isn't the sort of sportscar to force owners into making sacrifices. Rather it combines impeccable day-to-day comfort with enormous performance and impressively keen driving dynamics.

As always the SL is a strict two-seat roadster, limiting practicality compared to some '2-plus-2' rivals. But both occupants enjoy plenty of space and an easily adjusted driving position, while the boot capacity is reasonable for a car in this segment - more than up to the sort of cross-continent touring the car has been designed for.

The folding retractable hard-top is painless to operate and transforms the SL from a snug coupe to an open-topped roadster with a minimum of hassle. Refinement is very good with the roof up and wind buffeting is well contained with it down. All-out chassis response isn't a match for ultra-sporty rivals like the Porsche 911, but the roadholding is taut enough for most.

The basic 350 V6 version is more than powerful enough for most - hauling the SL from 0-62 mph in just 6.6 seconds and has the additional merit of vaguely realistic running costs. The more powerful 500 V8 is barely quicker and considerably more thirsty, while the V12 600 and two 'AMG' versions add yet more horsepower and require cavernous pockets to keep on the road.

Breakdown

Styling

Like its predecessors, this SL's design is already ageing well. A fine looking car from the outside, although some of the cabin switchgear is starting to feel a bit old.

Handling

Don't come here looking for a white knuckle ride. The SL is supremely composed over twisty roads with effortless, safe roadholding.

Comfort

Impressively refined with the roof up and with a pleasingly pliant ride quality over broken road surfaces.

Quality & reliability

Solidly constructed, if not quite up with previous generation SLs in terms of perceived indestructability. Some of the switchgear, from last generation S Class, is starting to feel old.

Performance

Basic 350 V6 gives strong urge, with the rest of the range getting progressively sillier. The 65 AMG version has performance to embarrass everything except the most exotic supercars, but comes with a pricetag to match.

Roominess

Only two seats, but spacious by roadster standards for two occupants. Boot capacity is impressive with the roof up, but is small and difficult to access when the roof is stowed.

Running costs

Residual values are still impressively sturdy, but the high initial asking price means there's plenty of value to lose. Servicing and insurance are both expensive and the fuel economy of all but the basic 350 V6 is fairly terrible.

Value for money

More expensive than most obvious rivals, including the Jaguar XK coupe. Standard equipment levels are excellent, though.

Stereo / Sat nav

The powerful audio system copes well when the roof is in place, although it struggles to make itself heard above boulevard-cruising speeds with the roof down. Satnav is excellent.