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2008 Mercedes-Benz SL Class Features Review

July 5, 2008

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Delivers all the usual high-end features
Edmunds

Extensive list of standard features
ForbesAutos

Adaptive cruise control is optional
ConsumerGuide

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class offers a tempting variety of standard and optional features, but the COMAND system is one that this 2008 Mercedes-Benz could do without.

When it comes to standard features, the various models of Mercedes-Benz's 2008 SL-Class offer generally the same loadout. Kelley Blue Book says that the base "SL550 has dual-zone automatic air conditioning, the COMAND system," as well as "navigation, Bose audio," and "power tilt/telescopic steering wheel." Moving up trim levels, Edmunds writes that the extra standard features on the Mercedes-Benz 2008 SL600 include "a power trunk closer and the Keyless Go start system," while the AMG versions add "an AMG-exclusive steering wheel with shift paddles."

The one gripe that reviews read by TheCarConnection.com raised with the standard features on this 2008 Mercedes-Benz was that the COMAND controller “complicates some audio and climate settings, and most adjustments require multiple inputs," according to ConsumerGuide; such a design is both annoying and potentially a safety hazard.

Optional features on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class don't disappoint. Cars.com loves the "optional dynamic multicontour seats, which include all sorts of fancy adjustments," including "a power-extendable seat cushion and a massage setting." One of the more outlandish options available on Mercedes-Benz's 2008 SL-Class is mentioned by Road & Track, which writes that the SL-Class can be outfitted with "granite trim, cut .6mm thin and using a proprietary but expensive laminate process." Kelley Blue Book rounds out the options list on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class by mentioning "stand-alone options include Parktronic, Distronic automatic cruise control, panorama glass panel roof with a power sunshade and a power trunk closer."

Conclusion

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class comes preloaded with a nice array of features, but the COMAND system may drive you to distraction.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Delivers all the usual high-end featuresEdmundsExtensive list of standard featuresForbesAutosAdaptive cruise control is optionalConsumerGuide The 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class offers a tempting variety of standard and optional features, but the COMAND system is one that this 2008 Mercedes-Benz could do without. When it comes to standard features, the various models of Mercedes-Benz's 2008 SL-Class offer generally the same loadout. Kelley Blue Book says that the base "SL550 has dual-zone automatic air conditioning, the COMAND system," as well as "navigation, Bose audio," and "power tilt/telescopic steering wheel." Moving up trim levels, Edmunds writes that the extra standard features on the Mercedes-Benz 2008 SL600 include "a power trunk closer and the Keyless Go start system," while the AMG versions add "an AMG-exclusive steering wheel with shift paddles." The one gripe that reviews read by TheCarConnection.com raised with the standard features on this 2008 Mercedes-Benz was that the COMAND controller “complicates some audio and climate settings, and most adjustments require multiple inputs," according to ConsumerGuide; such a design is both annoying and potentially a safety hazard. Optional features on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class don't disappoint. Cars.com loves the "optional dynamic multicontour seats, which include all sorts of fancy adjustments," including "a power-extendable seat cushion and a massage setting." One of the more outlandish options available on Mercedes-Benz's 2008 SL-Class is mentioned by Road & Track, which writes that the SL-Class can be outfitted with "granite trim, cut .6mm thin and using a proprietary but expensive laminate process." Kelley Blue Book rounds out the options list on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class by mentioning "stand-alone options include Parktronic, Distronic automatic cruise control, panorama glass panel roof with a power sunshade and a power trunk closer." ConclusionThe 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class comes preloaded with a nice array of features, but the COMAND system may drive you to distraction.  2008 MERCEDES-BENZ SL-CLASS STYLING | [8 out of 10] Cars.com: "One of Mercedes-Benz's most stunning designs" ForbesAutos: "Slickly operating, power-retractable hardtop is a show in itself" ConsumerGuide: "Sporty, sophisticated dashboard" Mercedes-Benz introduced the general ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL spans a vast price range, with the top-of-the-line, very exclusive SL65 AMG almost twice the price of the SL550. At the bottom, the SL550 competes against the Cadillac XLR, a vehicle that, much like the SL, straddles the line between luxury car and true sportscar. The XLR, with its Corvette sportscar roots, arguably feels a little more entertaining to drive than the SL550, though the Cadillac has more road and wind noise and isn't nearly as refined overall. The Jaguar XK Convertible compares in appointments to the SL, but the new XK drives more like a sportscar, with more pep than the numbers might suggest and a light, agile feel on a curvy road that the SL sorely lacks. Likewise, the top-performance Cadillac XLR-V and Jaguar XKR match up to the SL55 AMG. The Porsche 911 Cabriolet is also a worthy alternative to the SL-Class, offering responsive handling and track-ready performance, but it has a bumpier ride, and like the Jaguar XK, it has a soft-top arrangement and a noisier cabin. The Aston Martin V8 Vantage and Audi R8 are two other alternatives to the AMG cars that both have more overt--some would say exotic--styling inside and out, which makes them more attractive than the AMG cars if pure horsepower isn't what drives you.

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See the Mercedes-Benz SL Class in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

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