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April 3, 2008 http://www.thecarconnection.com/fullreview/mercedes-benz_sl-class_2003

  TCC Team
TCC Team

 

 

Related Articles:
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 by TCC Team (5/27/2002) 
Benz Expanding AMG’s Role (8/5/2002)

At the height of his fame and wealth, Elvis Presley was known to hand over the keys to his Cadillac if he found someone he took a liking to. He never let go the keys to his Mercedes-Benz SL roadster.

The hound dog himself would certainly be playing the same tune these days if he had a chance to drive the new SL55 AMG. Company officials like to point out it’s the fastest car Mercedes has ever built. But the top-line roadster is far more than just fast. It’s an incredibly elegant and comfortable machine, a vehicle which has a design one might be tempted to describe as “organic,” without blushing.

At first glance, watching one roar up in your rearview mirror, you might mistake it for the more conventional SL500. But a quick glance reveals a wide range of AMG details, including the modified, aero-styled body panels and distinctive, 18-inch wheels, as well as the windswept louvers over the hood and front quarter-panel vents. As with all AMG models, there are special seats, a revised gauge cluster, and a unique steering wheel.

Underhood arsenal

But what really distinguishes this version of the Mercedes roadster is what you don’t see—at least not without getting up close and personal.

Lift the hood and you’ll find a beautifully dressed, 5.5-liter, supercharged V-8. When the SL55 was first launched in Europe, it put out a hefty 476 horsepower. That was, it turned out only a wee bit more than the AMG-tuned version of the all-new Mercedes E-Class. So a few significant tweaks were made and, voila, the pony count soared to 493. Torque remained an impressive 516 pound-feet, more than enough to spin the tires and spook the guy in the ‘Vette who thought you were easy prey at a stoplight.

Indeed, the performance figures for the SL55 are unabashedly impressive. Consider their claim of zero to 60 mph in roughly 4.5 seconds. Even more impressive is the fact that this roadster can race from 0-100 and then back to 0 in 13.4 seconds thanks to the oversized brakes—14-inches up front, 13 in the rear—AMG has outfitted it with.

Like all Mercedes these days, the SL55 is loaded with electronic acronyms, from ABS to ABC, the automaker’s Active Body Control system. Throttle and braking are by wire, which allows the car to effectively anticipate what you might have in mind. But there’s a big difference between the AMG approach to electronics and that found on other Mercedes models.

Track time

At just over four miles, Road America is the country’s longest race track. It begins with a blindingly fast straight that suddenly catches the unwary driver with a series of turns and switchbacks. It’s the perfect course for a car like the SL55.

A consistent complaint about Mercedes has been the overly intrusive nature of all the electronics found on its cars. Go into a corner just a wee bit too fast and the various systems will instantly and automatically stomp on the brakes and back off on the throttle. For the average, often distracted driver, it may be a sound strategy. But it can drive a performance-minded motorist mad.

AMG’s strategy is something else entirely. As we hit the end of the long straight, the speedometer is nudging 150 and we don’t have time to scrub off much speed. We dive into the corner hard, letting the rear end slip out just a little to push us through the turn. On paper, you could write up a thesis paper on all the little things the car did to assist us. But as far as the driver is concerned, it was all virtually invisible, the electronics coming into play only when absolutely necessary.

Everything about the SL55 is designed for performance. The transmission will knowingly hold gears in a corner. The five-speed automatic may seem an odd choice, especially for AMG, which is known for it manual gearboxes. But this package is not only smooth but incredibly responsive. And in experienced hands, one can shift as fast with the manual-mode steering wheel-mounted controls as you would with a standard transmission.

AMG has tinkered with just about every detail, even the exhaust. That’s always good for a few horsepower, but it can also enhance the driving experience. The SL55 underscores its power with a pleasant, burble from its V-8. Engineers have done a great job suppressing that odd gear whine normally associated with superchargers.

The SL55’s ABC system is quick to respond to any road surface. The only time we felt it get fooled was on a particularly rough washboard dirt road.

Road trip test

Over the course of 10 days behind the wheel, we had the chance to clock plenty of miles in the new roadster in virtually every possible condition short of snow. What eventually impressed us most was not the SL55’s incredible speed and handling, but the comfort one felt at virtually any speed. All-too-often, performance cars tend to do only one thing really well. Get stuck on a side road with a low speed limit and they buck and jounce. The AMG felt as comfortable at 30 as it did at 130.

A roomy interior layout helps, of course. The SL platform offers plenty of legroom and lots of storage space, at least for a roadster. There’s a shelf between the seats where one can stow a couple of briefcases. And with the top up, the trunk has more than enough room for a long weekend’s worth of luggage. Even with the hardtop folded down, you can do all your shopping and have more than enough space to store everything away.

The hardtop convertible roof, common to all current SL models, may be the car’s neatest trick. Caught at a light when one of Michigan’s summer thunderstorms let loose, we were able to put the top and all the windows up in 17 seconds.

With the top up, the SL55 is significantly quieter than any cloth-roofed convertible, though not nearly as quiet as a conventional sedan. Another advantage is one of security. You’re far more likely to go places with the AMG that you might not with a ragtop that can be easily torn asunder.

By the way, when the storm ended, we got back into convertible mode in a still-impressive 20 seconds.

The custom-designed AMG seats proved another big plus, especially during a 12-hour, cross-country drive. They are firm and supportive under track conditions, yet not so tight that you start to squirm during a long road trip. The “Pulse” mode, effectively a built-in massager, is a nice added touch.

There are critics who might fault the new SL for being just a bit too easy to drive. But for those familiar with the past-generation model, this is perhaps the truest sports car that Mercedes has built, certainly in recent memory.

If there’s a sizable downside to the SL55 AMG, it’s price. At $113,250, it’s a car for an aficionado like Elvis, far beyond the reach of most wanna-owns—including the TCC team. Ever optimistic, Mercedes officials like to position the car as a bargain. And perhaps if you are also considering the $130,000 BMW Z8 or the $170,000 Ferrari 360 Spyder, it really is. But it’s also a hefty $27,000 premium over the already competent SL500.

Still, that’s not likely to matter. The automaker expects to import no more than 1000 of the SL55 AMG this coming year, and it’s already got a full order bank. For those who want the ultimate blend of elegance and performance, with the neat trick of a foldaway hardtop, to boot, it’s hard to do anything but admire this roadster.

2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG
Base Price: $113,250
Engine: supercharged 5.4-liter V-8, 493 hp/516 lb-ft
Transmission: Five-speed automatic with manual mode and steering wheel shift
Length x width x height: 178.5 x 71.5 x 60.0 in
Wheelbase: 100.8 in
Curb weight: 3910 lb
EPA City/Hwy: N/A
Safety equipment: Adaptive Front Airbags, Automatic Pop-Up Rollover Bar, ASSYST emergency phone system, ABS, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Program, Electro-Hydraulic Brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Active Body Control, Belt Tensioners and Belt Force Limiters
Major standard equipment: Dual Zone Auto A/C, Air-Conditioned Glovebox, Navigation System, Power Fold-away Hardtop, Leather Upholstery, Memory Seats, 18-inch Wheels and Tires, Rain Sensor, Xenon Headlamps, Power Windows, Door Locks, Anti-Theft Alarm
Warranty: Four years/50,000 miles

 

 

 

Jaguar logo     Related Articles:2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 by TCC Team (5/27/2002)  Benz Expanding AMG’s Role (8/5/2002) At the height of his fame and wealth, Elvis Presley was known to hand over the keys to his Cadillac if he found someone he took a liking to. He never let go the keys to his Mercedes-Benz SL roadster. The hound dog himself would certainly be playing the same tune these days if he had a chance to drive the new SL55 AMG. Company officials like to point out it’s the fastest car Mercedes has ever built. But the top-line roadster is far more than just fast. It’s an incredibly elegant and comfortable machine, a vehicle which has a design one might be tempted to describe as “organic,” without blushing. At first glance, watching one roar up in your rearview mirror, you might mistake it for the more conventional SL500. But a quick glance reveals a wide range of AMG details, including the modified, aero-styled body panels and distinctive, 18-inch wheels, as well as the windswept louvers over the hood and front quarter-panel vents. As with all AMG models, there are special seats, a revised gauge cluster, and a unique steering wheel. Underhood arsenal But what really distinguishes this version of the Mercedes roadster is what you don’t see—at least not without getting up close and personal. forumLift the hood and you’ll find a beautifully dressed, 5.5-liter, supercharged V-8. When the SL55 was first launched in Europe, it put out a hefty 476 horsepower. That was, it turned out only a wee bit more than the AMG-tuned version of the all-new Mercedes E-Class. So a few significant tweaks were made and, voila, the pony count soared to 493. Torque remained an impressive 516 pound-feet, more than enough to spin the tires and spook the guy in the ‘Vette who thought you were easy prey at a stoplight. Indeed, the performance figures for the SL55 are unabashedly impressive. Consider their claim of zero to 60 mph in roughly 4.5 seconds. Even more impressive is the fact that this roadster can race from 0-100 and then back to 0 in 13.4 seconds thanks to the oversized brakes—14-inches up front, 13 in the rear—AMG has outfitted it with. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMGEnlarge PhotoLike all Mercedes these days, the SL55 is loaded with electronic acronyms, from ABS to ABC, the automaker’s Active Body Control system. Throttle and braking are by wire, which allows the car to effectively anticipate what you might have in mind. But there’s a big difference between the AMG approach to electronics and that found on other Mercedes models. Track time At just over four miles, Road America is the country’s longest race track. It begins with a blindingly fast straight that suddenly catches the unwary driver with a series of turns and switchbacks. It’s the perfect course for a car like the SL55. A consistent complaint about Mercedes has been the overly intrusive nature of all the electronics found on its cars. Go into a corner just a wee bit too fast and the various systems will instantly and automatically stomp on the brakes and back off on the throttle. For the average, often distracted driver, it may be a sound strategy. But it can drive a performance-minded motorist mad. AMG’s strategy is something else entirely. As we hit the end of the long straight, the speedometer is nudging 150 and we don’t have time to scrub off much speed. We dive into the corner hard, letting the rear end slip out just a little to push us through the turn. On paper, you could write up a thesis paper on all the little things the car did to assist us. But as far as the driver is concerned, it was all virtually invisible, the electronics coming into play only when absolutely necessary. Everything about the SL55 is designed for performance. The transmission will knowingly hold gears in a corner. The five-speed automatic may seem an odd choice, especially for AMG, which is known for it manual gearboxes. But this package is not only smooth but incredibly responsive. And in experienced hands, one can shift as fast with the manual-mode steering wheel-mounted controls as you would with a standard transmission. AMG has tinkered with just about every detail, even the exhaust. That’s always good for a few horsepower, but it can also enhance the driving experience. The SL55 underscores its power with a pleasant, burble from its V-8. Engineers have done a great job suppressing that odd gear whine normally associated with superchargers. The SL55’s ABC system is quick to respond to any road surface. The only time we felt it get fooled was on a particularly rough washboard dirt road. Road trip test Over the course of 10 days behind the wheel, we had the chance to clock plenty of miles in the new roadster in virtually every possible condition short of snow. What eventually impressed us most was not the SL55’s incredible speed and handling, but the comfort one felt at virtually any speed. All-too-often, performance cars tend to do only one thing really well. Get stuck on a side road with a low speed limit and they buck and jounce. The AMG felt as comfortable at 30 as it did at 130. A roomy interior layout helps, of course. The SL platform offers plenty of legroom and lots of storage space, at least for a roadster. There’s a shelf between the seats where one can stow a couple of briefcases. And with the top up, the trunk has more than enough room for a long weekend’s worth of luggage. Even with the hardtop folded down, you can do all your shopping and have more than enough space to store everything away. The hardtop convertible roof, common to all current SL models, may be the car’s neatest trick. Caught at a light when one of Michigan’s summer thunderstorms let loose, we were able to put the top and all the windows up in 17 seconds. With the top up, the SL55 is significantly quieter than any cloth-roofed convertible, though not nearly as quiet as a conventional sedan. Another advantage is one of security. You’re far more likely to go places with the AMG that you might not with a ragtop that can be easily torn asunder. By the way, when the storm ended, we got back into convertible mode in a still-impressive 20 seconds. The custom-designed AMG seats proved another big plus, especially during a 12-hour, cross-country drive. They are firm and supportive under track conditions, yet not so tight that you start to squirm during a long road trip. The “Pulse” mode, effectively a built-in massager, is a nice added touch. There are critics who might fault the new SL for being just a bit too easy to drive. But for those familiar with the past-generation model, this is perhaps the truest sports car that Mercedes has built, certainly in recent memory. If there’s a sizable downside to the SL55 AMG, it’s price. At $113,250, it’s a car for an aficionado like Elvis, far beyond the reach of most wanna-owns—including the TCC team. Ever optimistic, Mercedes officials like to position the car as a bargain. And perhaps if you are also considering the $130,000 BMW Z8 or the $170,000 Ferrari 360 Spyder, it really is. But it’s also a hefty $27,000 premium over the already competent SL500. Still, that’s not likely to matter. The automaker expects to import no more than 1000 of the SL55 AMG this coming year, and it’s already got a full order bank. For those who want the ultimate blend of elegance and performance, with the neat trick of a foldaway hardtop, to boot, it’s hard to do anything but admire this roadster. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG Base Price: $113,250Engine: supercharged 5.4-liter V-8, 493 hp/516 lb-ftTransmission: Five-speed automatic with manual mode and steering wheel shiftLength x width x height: 178.5 x 71.5 x 60.0 inWheelbase: 100.8 inCurb weight: 3910 lbEPA City/Hwy: N/ASafety equipment: Adaptive Front Airbags, Automatic Pop-Up Rollover Bar, ASSYST emergency phone system, ABS, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Program, Electro-Hydraulic Brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Active Body Control, Belt Tensioners and Belt Force LimitersMajor standard equipment: Dual Zone Auto A/C, Air-Conditioned Glovebox, Navigation System, Power Fold-away Hardtop, Leather Upholstery, Memory Seats, 18-inch Wheels and Tires, Rain Sensor, Xenon Headlamps, Power Windows, Door Locks, Anti-Theft AlarmWarranty: Four years/50,000 miles       Related Articles: 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 by TCC Team (5/27/2002) Benz Expanding AMG’s Role (8/5/2002) At the height of his fame and wealth, Elvis Presley was known to hand over the keys to his Cadillac if he found someone he took a liking to. He never let go the ...