2011 Mercedes-Benz SL 550 Review (video) Editor's Review | Page 3

A high-utility, high-luxury posh-rocket


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I Say

84%

By Justin Pritchard
Friday, October 21, 2011
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Summary Rating:

Complete Rating

Styling (82%)
Accessories (84%)
Space and Access (93%)
Comfort (82%)

Performance (85%)
Driving Dynamics (82%)
Safety (85%)
General Appreciation (90%)

Styling
Exterior (90%)
Interior (80%)
Exterior fit and finish (80%)
Interior Fit and Finish (80%)
Accessories
Convenience and equipment (90%)
Instrumentation and controls (70%)
General ergonomics (80%)
Heating / ventilation / air conditioning (80%)
Sound system (100%)
Space and Access
Front space and access (90%)
Cargo space and access (90%)
Storage capacity (100%)
Comfort
Seats (90%)
Driving position (80%)
Suspension and ride (80%)
Noise level (80%)

Performance
Acceleration (90%)
Engine output (90%)
Transmission (80%)
Fuel consumption (80%)
Driving Dynamics
Steering (80%)
Handling (90%)
Braking (80%)
Manoeuvrability (80%)
Safety
Traction and stability control (90%)
Mirrors (80%)
Visibility (80%)
General safety (90%)
General Appreciation
General Appreciation (90%)

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Gripes?
Complaints? Brake pedal feel is numb and mushy, and some road surfaces coax that rigid jiggle, typical of convertible cars, out of the body. Lastly, some of the advanced controls inside do take a bit of getting used to before they become second nature.

End of the day, this was, and remains, one of the world’s foremost convertible driving experiences – at least on this side of the six-figure pricing ballpark. Mercedes has been perfecting the SL for decades, and it sort of shows. For a comfy, refined, big-dollar convertible, this machine basically just does everything right.

New to this market segment? Be sure to check out the BMW 650i and Jaguar XKR convertibles as well. Pricing for the SL 550 starts around $126,000.

Monster fixed-piston brakes with cross-drilled rotors scrub off speed in a jiff when required. Watch it with this car – it’s seriously quick. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com)

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Topics: mercedes, exterior, review, sl-class, sl550

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Editor's Review Highlights

	No red lights
	Mushy brake pedal feel Sometimes-jiggly ride
	Great looks Plenty of space for occupants and gear Powerful, silky-smooth engine Exclusivity and status