What's more, the outside mirrors adjustment pad is awkwardly located right below the shifter. I'd prefer that the engine start button be located on the dash than on the shift knob; it does look cool, though.
The seats are ultra comfortable, and the optional seat massagers are a nice touch. But the plastic casing around the seat cushions are a little intrusive; not as much for adults, but kids climbing aboard will have their dirty feel all over them. Also, some seat adjustment controls are located on the casing, which might get their fair share of slush and calcium during the winter months.
Competition
The SL550 starts at $125,000, which is the cheapest SL you can buy, but you probably won't stop there. This tester included the AMG Sport package ($3,500) and the Premium package ($5,200), which means you're looking at a $133,700 car.
Here's some of the SL550's competition:
Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster, 380 hp, $144,800
BMW 650i Cabriolet, 360 hp, $111,500
Cadillac XLR-v, 443 hp, $115,140
Jaguar XKR Convertible, 420 hp, $111,000
Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, 355 hp, $118,400
As you can see, the SL has some serious competition, and most of them cost less.
Conclusion
The price may be hard to swallow, and a lot of people (including me) think that a $135,000 car is irrelevant in today's world. But if someone has that amount of money to spend on this car, well, I guess there's not much we can do except being jealous.
It has a few things that bug me, and the SL63 looks mighty tempting with its addictive 518-hp AMG V8, but I think the SL550 is the best choice of the line-up as a daily driver: it's fast, silent, sophisticated and smooth as silk. It's a very expensive car, but 55 years in the making makes it almost feels like it's worth every penny.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
The seats are ultra comfortable, and the optional seat massagers are a nice touch. But the plastic casing around the seat cushions are a little intrusive; not as much for adults, but kids climbing aboard will have their dirty feel all over them. Also, some seat adjustment controls are located on the casing, which might get their fair share of slush and calcium during the winter months.
Competition
The SL550 starts at $125,000, which is the cheapest SL you can buy, but you probably won't stop there. This tester included the AMG Sport package ($3,500) and the Premium package ($5,200), which means you're looking at a $133,700 car.
 |
| the SL has some serious competition, and most of them cost less. |
Here's some of the SL550's competition:
Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster, 380 hp, $144,800
BMW 650i Cabriolet, 360 hp, $111,500
Cadillac XLR-v, 443 hp, $115,140
Jaguar XKR Convertible, 420 hp, $111,000
Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, 355 hp, $118,400
As you can see, the SL has some serious competition, and most of them cost less.
Conclusion
The price may be hard to swallow, and a lot of people (including me) think that a $135,000 car is irrelevant in today's world. But if someone has that amount of money to spend on this car, well, I guess there's not much we can do except being jealous.
It has a few things that bug me, and the SL63 looks mighty tempting with its addictive 518-hp AMG V8, but I think the SL550 is the best choice of the line-up as a daily driver: it's fast, silent, sophisticated and smooth as silk. It's a very expensive car, but 55 years in the making makes it almost feels like it's worth every penny.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
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