Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (02-11) - Review

Review by David Ross on 17 April 2009

The SL name has a great heritage in Mercedes-Benz history and this model holds true to its predecessors. It's expensive, exclusive and elegant while the metal folding roof means it's a convertible which can also be as refined and quiet as a coupe. But it's not just all about looks. The SL packs some serious performance thanks to a choice of great engines ranging from a 3.0-litre V6 up to the 5.5-litre V12 with more than 500bhp. It may not handle as well as similarly priced sports cars from Porsche for example, but few cars can match the style, refinement and pace it offers. It was facelifted in April 2008 with a more aggressive front end, improved steering and updated engines.

4 out of 5

Other Mercedes-Benz reviews

4 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£61,600 - £109,355

Used price range:

£10,099 - £79,072

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Sleek and purposeful styling, effortless performance, coupe feel with roof up

Expensive to buy and run, 2008 facelifted models not as elegant

For the review of the latest Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Convertible click here

Driving & Performance

Performance

5 out of 5
"The SL was launched with a choice of V8 or V12 engines in 2002 - the V8 in the SL500 musters 306bhp..."
Handling

4 out of 5
"The long bonnet of the SL makes it appear bigger than it actually is - the car is shorter than a..."

Comfort

Comfort

4 out of 5
"Being a two seater allows pretty generous room in the cabin, although you have to be fairly agile to..."
Practicality

3 out of 5
"The hard roof means little sacrifice is made for having a convertible and clever packaging has freed..."
Equipment

4 out of 5
"Standards of trim are fairly comprehensive - even the SL350 gets the essential luxuries,..."
Behind the wheel

4.5 out of 5
"The SL offers a combination of opulence and efficiency inside, but perhaps doesn't feel as special..."

Costs

Running costs

2.5 out of 5
"If you have the sort of money to indulge in an SL then you won't be too concerned about the running..."
Green credentials

1 out of 5
"The SL is not a green choice. The lowest emissions are 236g/km of CO2 on the 350 model which can..."

Safety & Reliability

Safety

4 out of 5
"Although it hasn't undergone an independent crash test, the SL protects occupants well. There are..."
Reliability

3.5 out of 5
"Some Mercedes-Benz models from the early 2000s drifted a bit in the quality stakes, but this SL..."

Buying & Selling

Buying new

2 out of 5
"The SL350 is a good all-round package despite being the bottom rung of the SL ladder, and since..."
Buying used

3 out of 5
"Fairly strong residual values throughout its lifetime mean it's difficult to find a good,..."
Selling

3 out of 5
"The SL350 is the most accessible SL and should be easiest to sell. Thirstier V8 and V12 models may..."