Despite its onerous base curb weight, incidentally 35 kg (78 lb) lighter than last year's car, its 302-hp 5.0-L, 24-valve, SOHC V8 with 339 lb-ft of torque produces enthusiastic acceleration - 6.3 seconds to be exact. Still, single-overhead cam, 3-valve per cylinder technology seems a little dated when compared to its competition's dual-overhead cam architecture and 4-valve heads - 5-valve heads are part of Audi's arsenal. Mercedes does use twin spark plugs to get the most out of its premium fuel though, improving performance and fuel economy. This helps the SL to achieve ULEV emissions standards, an impressive feat. Its 15.3 / 9.9 L/100 km fuel economy rating is hardly bad for this class either.
It's difficult to say if fuel economy could be improved by adopting a 6-speed automatic transmission but we'll have to wait for an indefinite amount of time to find out. Mercedes has thus far bucked current trends and causes the SL500 to make due with only five forward gears. Just the same the sophisticated transaxle includes a side-to-side shifting manual mode to improve performance.
The shifter itself is surrounded by a myriad of buttons and switches, adding to the sophistication of the cockpit. That said it's hardly cold and calculated in appearance, with rich woods or aluminum trim covering the console and central stack while high-grade plastics and sumptuous leather spread across the remaining surfaces.
Standard features not already mentioned include headlamp washers, a heated windshield washer system, rain sensing wipers and xenon headlamps. Inside, the usual luxury power features are complimented by a 6-disc dash-mounted CD changer connecting to a Bose audio system, electrically adjustable steering column, power adjustable and memory equipped heated seats, driver's side knee airbag, Tele Aid and more.