Mercedes SL

Manufacturer
Mercedes

Model
SL

Segment/Specs
Cabriolet

Hard to fault, apart from the fact you'll have to remortgage the house. And the villa.

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Performance

The lowest-rated engine is the 3.5-litre V6 with 276bhp. After that there's massive V8s and a ridiculous V12 AMG with 617bhp and a 0-60 of 4.2 seconds.

Driving

Smooth ride, and while there's not the poise of a smaller sports car it's great fun to drive.

Feel

Quiet, even with the roof down.

Price

Insurance, tax and petrol will probably bankrupt you. Choose a larger engine and thrash it and you're storing up even more financial woe for yourself, but you'll grab back a few quid when you sell it.

Quality

Superb quality throughout.

Safety

All manner of Merc-patented safety aids, plus a roll-over bar.

Space

Plenty of space for two people under six foot. Decent bootspace, unless the roof's down in which case you may be able to squeeze your pants in.

Equipment

Virtually everything is standard, and there are kits to personalise your SL. Presumably there are no furry dice.

Alternatives

Jaguar XK Convertible, Porsche 911

Pros

Great engines and ride. Build quality is excellent.

Cons

Gearboxes can't handle power from larger engines well.

Love my car!

by Katy Lennon (Manchester) - 19/10/2005 15:56:52

I've had this car for over a year now and I still love every opportunity I get to drive it. My husband bought it for my 50th birthday and it was more than a surprise when I saw it on the drive. The car is recieves a lot of attention and so it should with such an attarctive look it has. The automatic roof is excellent and is removed in no time at all, which is handy when it starts to rain. The ability of the engine is more than adequate and goes more than fast enough. Interior and Exterior is exquisite as you would expect from a Mercedes and for the price. The only thing to moan about is the boot space which is slightly less than I need!!!

Above average

by Iain Parker (Swansea, Glamorgan) - 21/12/2005 15:35:07

Ok, so this car is pretty good, but the only thing is that they are no longer exclusive. I guess people's disposable incomes are getting higher as you are beginning to see them more and more on the roads. The Mercedes SL Series is still a desirable car though.