There's some consolation in driving the open-air SLS, and not just the ability to openly gawk at our sumptuous surroundings. Without the insulating factor of the closed-in hardtop, we're treated to one of the most glorious engine notes in all of auto-dom.
Whuffling and rumbling docilely through the congested streets of this tiny town, the SLS AMG erupts in an enraged wail once we hit the open road. It's impossible to resist punching it in the many tunnels that drill through the alps – the exhaust pops, crackles and blatts – echoing off the walls in an intoxicating blend that's music to our ears.
The 563-horsepower, 6.2-litre V8 is positively electric when on the boil – especially when mated to the seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission that produces some rather animalistic growling and gnashing of its own.
Given the right setting (and it couldn't get more right than this), topless motoring has a sense of occasion. Leisurely cruising, the warm sun on your shoulders, a cool breeze gently ruffling your hair – there's undeniably a sybaritic appeal. But for me, the novelty wears off once we depart the coastline and head for the alps.
Fortunately it's a gorgeous day, and the roof is only the touch of a button away – but I generally get fed up with the taste of my own hair and despise having hat-head. Mercedes-Benz has done an admirable job of eliminating most of the buffeting, and the AIRSCARF, which initially seems a bit contrived, feels wonderful on the neck should a cold breeze arise. My "do" stays relatively snarl-free, as does my temperament.
But that's as far as luxurious amenities go - there's no remote door or trunk opener, no seat chiller, no butt-massaging feature. AMG Director Christoph Jung readily admits this was intentional, leaving the opulence to the rest of the stable. AMG wanted to preserve the essence of a pure sports car by keeping the SLS's weight down – and luxurious trifles add heaviness.
That's not to say that the SLS's cockpit is spartan – far from it. There's beautifully stitched leather, a carbon-fibre trimmed console in our tester and subtle metal trim throughout. A special-edition interior, available in 2013, is ethereal in white and features gorgeous quilt-stitched leather seats.
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| The 563-horsepower, 6.2-litre V8 is positively electric when on the boil – especially when mated to the seven-speed. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush/Auto123.com) |
Whuffling and rumbling docilely through the congested streets of this tiny town, the SLS AMG erupts in an enraged wail once we hit the open road. It's impossible to resist punching it in the many tunnels that drill through the alps – the exhaust pops, crackles and blatts – echoing off the walls in an intoxicating blend that's music to our ears.
The 563-horsepower, 6.2-litre V8 is positively electric when on the boil – especially when mated to the seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission that produces some rather animalistic growling and gnashing of its own.
Given the right setting (and it couldn't get more right than this), topless motoring has a sense of occasion. Leisurely cruising, the warm sun on your shoulders, a cool breeze gently ruffling your hair – there's undeniably a sybaritic appeal. But for me, the novelty wears off once we depart the coastline and head for the alps.
Fortunately it's a gorgeous day, and the roof is only the touch of a button away – but I generally get fed up with the taste of my own hair and despise having hat-head. Mercedes-Benz has done an admirable job of eliminating most of the buffeting, and the AIRSCARF, which initially seems a bit contrived, feels wonderful on the neck should a cold breeze arise. My "do" stays relatively snarl-free, as does my temperament.
But that's as far as luxurious amenities go - there's no remote door or trunk opener, no seat chiller, no butt-massaging feature. AMG Director Christoph Jung readily admits this was intentional, leaving the opulence to the rest of the stable. AMG wanted to preserve the essence of a pure sports car by keeping the SLS's weight down – and luxurious trifles add heaviness.
That's not to say that the SLS's cockpit is spartan – far from it. There's beautifully stitched leather, a carbon-fibre trimmed console in our tester and subtle metal trim throughout. A special-edition interior, available in 2013, is ethereal in white and features gorgeous quilt-stitched leather seats.
 |
| There's beautifully stitched leather, a carbon-fibre trimmed console in our tester and subtle metal trim throughout. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush/Auto123.com) |