2002 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Review

The redesigned Mercedes-Benz SL500 is the type of car once called a "dream boat.'' That description still is appropriate. The power of the Mercedes-Benz nameplate is shown by the fact that the automaker got away with offering its last-generation SL-Class flagship model from 1990 to 2002--an awfully long time to go without change. But then, the pre-1990 model endured an astonishing 18 years. The new SL500 has been worth the dozen-year wait. For one thing, this early 2003 model has a retractable metal hardtop that lowers or goes up in 16 seconds at the touch of a button. The nicely shaped top allows convertible driving kicks and provides more interior security and quietness--along with more comfortable cold-weather driving.

Styling is drop-dead gorgeous, with sleek bodywork streaming rearward from the headlights as if organically and exquisitely shaped by Mother Nature. The new rock-solid car is slightly longer, lower and wider. Front fender vents are reminiscent of those on the 1950s and 1960s Mercedes 300SL sports cars.

But the SL500 is mainly a posh high-speed touring car--not really a sports car. That's the way most of the comfort-oriented SL-Class buyers want it. The SL-Class started out as the raw, high-performance "SL'' sports car. That early 1950s model was the best sports-racing car of its day, with wins at events including the grueling LaCarrera Panamericana road race in Mexico and the 24-hour Le Mans race in France.

The 1954-57 300SL production coupe version of that car was sensational with its pioneering fuel injection and flip-up doors. That model is now valued at about $245,000, but Mercedes had a hard time selling it after its first year because it was costly and rather stark. Also, the unusual doors made it awkward to get in and out. Mercedes also had a hard time finding buyers for the also-costly 1957-63 convertible version of the car, even though it had conventional doors.

The automaker thus decided to make a long series of "SL'' two-seaters that emphasized luxury and comfort, starting with the 1963 230SL. If you wanted a true sports car, you got a Ferrari, Maserati or Lamborghini. However, the latest 155-mph SL-Class model is sportier than any SL since the 300SL models. That's partly because it's loaded with high-tech electrohydraulically controlled items such as an active suspension and stability control system that helps keep the two-ton car stable during fast driving.

The SL500 is very safe, with such items as a sensor-controlled roll bar, side air bags and an unusual driver-side knee air bag. Brakes are even designed to stay dry in the rain; on other cars in wet weather, brake discs stay wet until the wheels make one turn. This new model is very well-equipped, but futuristic options include radar cruise control that maintains a set following distance from vehicles ahead. Then there's the Keyless Go system, which features a card that looks like a credit card and replaces the electronic ignition key.

If the driver has the card in a pocket or bag, touching one of the door handles or trunk lid handle unlocks the car. Once inside, the driver need only touch a heat-sensitive pad atop the gear selector to start the engine. There also are optional 18-inch wheels, instead of the standard 17-inch ones, for better traction. And there's an available new tire pressure monitoring system that not only reads the air pressure in each tire, but also air temperature, which influences the pressure.

The SL500 even is the first Mercedes to use the world's first electronic brake system. It produces short stops, but uses an overly soft brake pedal, which is really an electronic switch that triggers release of pressured brake fluid. The brake and active suspension systems are too removed in feel from conventional mechanical systems of true sports cars.

Most SL-Class buyers won't mind, or even notice, all the electronic gizmos. But true driving enthusiasts will head for, say, the nearest Porsche dealership. However, the steering is precise and handling is quite good, although the car's weight easily can be felt when making quick maneuvers. The supple, advanced suspension provides a smooth ride, although the low factory recommended tire pressures (26 psi front, 29 rear) have something to do with that.

The smooth 5-liter (hence the "500'' designation) V-8 feels as if it should have more than a 302-horsepower rating. It has a dual-path intake manifold that boosts torque at low engine speeds and propels this rear-drive car to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. Careful here--a driver must keep an eye on the speedometer because 85 mph comes up real fast and feels much like 60 mph in a regular car. However, the accelerator pedal has a long travel to allow a driver to easily modulate forward motion. The five-speed automatic transmission upshifts seamlessly and downshifts quickly and can be shifted like a clutchless manual gearbox.

Fuel economy is an estimated 15 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway. Some fairly large sport-utility vehicles do better. But, after all, the SL500 is a high-powered, 4,045-pound machine. The quiet, roomier interior has a traditionally large, thick Mercedes steering wheel. Some controls are overly complicated and gauge numbers should be larger. Also, a tall driver with long legs will wish his seat moved back a few more inches. It took lots of tinkering with the driver's power seat controls to get that seat in a comfortable position.

And the plastic pull-out storage trays under the seats are flimsy for such a well-built car. The console has a large console bin and there are convenient door storage areas with flip-open tops. There is sufficient trunk space for two golf bags, or whatever. The stowed top raises a bit to allow easier access to items at the bottom of the trunk. The new SL500 has the style and features to remain modern for many years. Maybe even a dozen.

2002 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500

Price
$85,990
Likes
Wonderful styling. Very fast. Comfortable. Retractable metal hardtop.
Dislikes
Very heavy for a two-seater. Driver seat should move back farther. Small trunk.