Reviews - Mercedes

Overall Rating

Great styling, awesome performance and brilliant folding roof make the SL convertible special. It's big but is a real joy to drive, it's packed with equipment and technology, yet it's very practical.

• Superb presence; hints of classic SL heritage
• Smooth power complements impeccable manners
• First SL to boast a sophisticated steel roof

• A bit too big for a sporty two-seater
• Group 20 insurance, high service costs
• Footballers (and wives) are getting into them

Supercars are rarely versatile. This one is. One minute it is a focused high speed coupe; then at the press of a button it becomes a open top tourer, and a very fast one too. All the engine options are powerful, smooth and impressive when linked to the excellent automatic gearboxes. The smaller V6 engines are fine. For sheer drop-dead performance, the V8s and V12s move this large car at a rapid rate. It's sophisticated suspension system can easily cope, making the SL very entertaining yet reassuring to drive. Although it can sound and perform like a raw racer, SL is also very refined whether the hood is up or down. For two people it's a great way to travel, with generous luggage space and stowage. Drivers may feel intimidated at first by the sheer size of the car, and the complexity of the dashboard and controls. They get over it...

Best Models: SL500, SL55 AMG

Worst Models: SL350, auto - hardly bad, though

Replacement: 2010

• Aston Martin DB7
• Ferrari 360
• Jaguar XK8