#RoadTest: 2014 #Mercedes-Benz SL 500 #AMG Date: 24 Nov 2014 Author Type: Registered Journalist Author: Julian Lurie edited by Gary Mackay Source: Autoworld.co.za I recently spent a very pleasant week with the very latest Mercedes-Benz SL500 convertible. It’s hard to imagine that the first Mercedes-Benz SL launched some 60 years ago, has continued to be developed and improved with each new generation, and without losing direction. Over the years it has gained power, size, and a great deal of luxury, and is now well honed, and offers all you could want from a SL. The latest two-seater SL-Class echoes the lines that made it a hit in the glory days of Mercedes two-seaters, however the current model looks crisper, and more masculine. From the sporty front section to the side view where the distinctive air inlets on the front wings allow the engine to breathe, to the new slim rear-end and tail-lamps blend in nicely. The SL 500 runs on six arm double spoke alloy wheels shod with run-flat 255/35R19 Conti tyres in front, and wider and lower 285/30R19’s on the rear, so no spare. However if one needs proof that the SL500 is a good looking roadster, look no further as wherever I parked, it drew a few onlookers, and some would come up to me with a barrage of questions. The electrically operated roof looks good whether it’s closed or open. Press a button and it disappears into the rear of the car in about 17 seconds, but the car needs to be still to operate it. When open, the boot still takes a reasonable 235 litres of luggage and with the roof up, capacity increases to 356 litres, which is not bad for an open roadster. The test car was also fitted with the optional panoramic vario-roof with Magic Sky Control whereby the roof changes colour at the touch of a button, from dark to transparent and vice-versa in a matter of seconds. It includes a large glass element and a roller sunblind, and makes the interior even lighter and more appealing. With the roof up, and travelling on the freeway, the interior of the new SL Roadster is as quiet and comfortable as that of the coupé, and wind noise and weather does not intrude into the cockpit. With the roof open, and cruising at the 120 km/h limit, the airflow is just enough to ruffle your hair a bit, and if it happens to be a bit cool, the ‘Airscarf” neck warmer and seat heaters will take care of that. The new Mercedes SL500 Roadster is packed with technology, including a wealth of assistance and convenience systems that renders driving safer and, in particular, more comfortable. The inside is pure luxury with a sweeping dashboard that flows into the door waistline, forming a unit at the same time it is ergonomic and geared intelligently towards the driver. The air vents on the frontal area, with their turbine look, are reminiscent of the tradition of historical Mercedes-Benz sports cars. And for those who enjoy their music while on the go, the SL is fitted with either a super Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround-sound system with front bass or the R78k Bang & Olufsen Beosound AMG system. The three-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel with galvanised spokes is flattened in its lower section and carries with it reminders of racing sport aesthetics, as does the instrument cluster, with its colour display and dials of classic design including 3D dial surrounds and backlit scales. A classic analogue clock is mounted on the dashboard and the trim elements are in fine wood. The Mercedes 500 SL is powered by 4.7 litre BlueDIRECT V8 twin-turbo engine pumping out a hefty 320 kW and a massive torque of 700 Nm, and with kinetic energy recuperation when braking and in overrun mode, as well as the Controlled Efficiency drive programme with the ECO start-stop function – not my favourite so I switch it off. It sends drive to the rear wheels via the 7speed 7G-Tronic Plus automatic gearbox. This is a truly powerful power-plant, but the performance is well harnessed by a host of electronic driver aids, and even pushed hard, it’s almost impossible to upset the balance. In acceleration tests, the SL 500 blasted its way off the line to get to the 100 km/h mark in third gear in 4.7 seconds, and has a top speed governed to 250 km/h. On the freeways the V8 motor runs very relaxed - at 120 km/h in 7th gear, the car registered just 1 800 rpm, and even at 160 km/h were it allowed, the rev needle would be at 2 500. only. Seated at the wheel, the cabin has great room and fine fittings. The seats are wide, and comfortable for all body types, thanks to 12-way adjustments and the seat extender Driving the new Mercedes SL is absolutely effortless, combining performance and comfort, and is as nimble in town as it is fast and uncompromising on the open road. In town, it is excellent in threading its way through the traffic, while the 7-speed automatic gearbox always finds a gear suited to the conditions. The speed-sensitive power steering provides greater control when parking and maneuvering. The standard suspension is semi-active and features adjustable damping, but the press vehicle was equipped with Mercedess Active Body Control, which works very well, while adjusting to the conditions. When driving on the twisty roads, it’s in its element, and it’s really surprising at just how far you can push the cornering speeds, while it tenaciously hangs to the tar. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Mercedes-Benz SL500 Convertible and was quite sorry when I had to hand it back. However all this luxury and performance comes at a price and the Mercedes-Benz SL500 Convertible is priced at R1 550 244 without the options, and the price includes a 6-years/100 000 km maintenance contract with no customer contribution and the option to extend.autoworld.
Posted on: Wed, 26 Nov 2014 04:27:05 +0000