MERCEDES-BENZ SL500 Review

Summary:

What we like: Engineering, Build quality, Chassis dynamics.

What we don't like: Strictly a two-seater.

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MERCEDES-BENZ SL500 review in detail:

This Mercedes roadster comes from a long line of sports models that are very much part of the company's heritage.

Though the styling is up to date, it has some lovely retro features that hark back to the strong heritage of this sports Mercedes, in particular the gills on the front guards.

The Benz SL has a highly styled leather, timber and alloy cabin, and is strictly a two-seater, with a brace of enclosed stowage bins behind the two occupants.

The big Merc can turn from a full convertible into a steel-roofed coupe by hitting the button between the seats which makes the folding hardtop lower itself in only 16 seconds. When the roof is down wind intrusion is minimal, thanks mainly to a mesh draft protector but also to clever front design that sweeps air cleanly over the windscreen.

The big German roadster uses computer-aided systems for the engine, suspension, transmission and brakes, all of which work together to ensure safety without much loss of driver control.

Mercedes SL grips the road like nothing else, but because of its mass it can't really be described as nimble as it exhibits some reluctance to change direction rapidly.