1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Review

Just about everyone recognizes the Mercedes-Benz SL two-seat coupe/convertible, which radiates elegance and wealth.

The current-generation SL arrived as a 1990 model, but strongly resembles SL models from the 1970s and 1980s. It thus seems as if the SL has been around nearly forever.

The first Mercedes SL was a sexy, but hard-edged semi-race 1954 coupe with flip-up doors and awful ventilation on hot days. But the SL became more of a luxury car than a sports car beginning in the early 1960s.

The 1998 SL500 V-8 costs $79,900--or a whopping $10,000 less than the 1997 model. At $125,000, the new SL600 V-12 costs a bit more than the 1997 model. Last year's six-cylinder model is gone.

Neither SL is for bargain hunters, who go after the smaller, less powerful, $39,700 Mercedes SLK two-seater, which is fairly new.

The 389-horsepower SL600 provides blazing performance, but the 315-horsepower SL500 goes as fast as most folks would want, hitting 60 m.p.h. in about six seconds and providing quick merging and passing.

Put either SL model on a racetrack and you'll find they both accelerate strongly to an electronically limited 155 m.p.h.

The steering, brakes and suspension work so well that the car always feels as if it's on your side, although the steering feels a bit numb and some will find the ride too firm.

No manual transmission is offered, but the smooth, electronic five-speed automatic shifts efficiently and adapts to an individual's driving style and to changes in road grade.

Miles per gallon? It's really not much of an SL buyer consideration, but the car delivers in the low teens in the city and low 20s on highways. Another drawback is a nicely shaped but small trunk.



In 1989, I drove one of the latest-generation SL500s through small towns in Portugal during a media introduction for the car, and everyone looked at it as if it was their ultimate dream.

That's exactly how many folks regard the auto in this more prosperous country. The U.S. sales for the SL rose 17.1 percent last year to total 8,025 units, and many SLs are seen in wealthy areas such as Beverly Hills, Calif.

``A used SL also is desirable, especially in Chicago,'' said Mercedes spokesman Steve Rossi.

But prospective buyers should be careful. The SL is quite strong, but maintenance and parts aren't cheap for new or used models.

The SL comes with a standard removable hard top, but often is regarded as a convertible because many owners drive with the top down when it's warm. The top quickly lowers and raises with the push of a button, even locking itself in place with no need for driver involvement. However, the soft top's rear window is plastic, instead of glass, because it must fold during the lowering process.

The SL has a bridge's structural rigidity, which helps make it feel larger than it is. The SL500 weighs 4,165 pounds, while the SL600 is nearly 4,500 pounds. That's a lot for a two-seater with only a 99-inch wheelbase. The Chevrolet Corvette two-seat convertible has a 104.5-inch wheelbase and weighs 3,246 pounds.

But one reason for the SL's weight is its robust construction. And it's loaded with equipment and safety items that add pounds. The SL500 has just about every comfort and luxury item one could think of, and the SL600 has even more equipment, such as Mercedes' Electronic Stability Program.

That item makes it just about impossible to spin out of control and is a $990 option on the SL500, which has standard traction control, front and side air bags and a pop-up roll bar.

The SL also has anti-lock brakes with Mercedes' new Brake Assist feature that detects an emergency stop by the speed the brake pedal is applied and then applies full braking force faster than a driver could.

Powerful Xenon arc-discharge headlights that cut an intense, purple-blue swath through the night are standard on the SL600 and a $960 option for the SL500. One unique option is a $3,600 removable hard top that differs from the standard hard top in that it has a glass sunroof.

Gauges in the posh, no-nonsense SL leather interior have an old design, but can be read at a glance. However, the fuel economy gauge is more annoying than informative. The supportive seats initially seem too firm, but are comfortable on long drives.

Despite its high performance, the SL is an extremely smooth, quiet car that makes drivers of all ages and skill levels feel comfortable almost immediately, although some controls may call for the owner's manual to understand.

For hard chargers, the SL is offered with a $4,970 Sport Package that has larger wheels and tires and aerodynamic enhancements. But most hard chargers go after cars like a Porsche 911. Buyers of an SL generally are more laid-back, although they want plenty of performance if they need to get somewhere fast.