2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Roadster
by Jim Prueter -08/2008
A perfect blend of luxury and performance
Now I know how Cinderella felt, except I had a full week instead of one night. Driving the new 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550 gives you a glimpse of the kind of world those with big money live in. Everything about the vehicle says, “I have it made.”
If you’re fortunate enough to have an extra hundred grand lying around, you could do worse with the money, I suppose, than to spend it on the SL550. And many have since the first SL was introduced more than fifty years ago. SL models from all generations have since been lavishly restored and command many times their original price.
For 2009, the SL underwent a minor facelift, receiving a new front end with a larger Mercedes emblem on a more angular single-bar grille. Blockier single-look headlamps replace the four-headlamp look from last year. The lower front valance angles out rather than in. New side vents on the front fenders remind me of shark gills. The SL also gets new side mirrors.
The back end receives less change with most of the rework below the bumper on the lower valance. It’s modest, but somehow just enough to noticeably improve the look.
For 2009 the SL-Class comes in four varieties: the SL550 ($96,775), SL600 ($136,975) and two ultra-high-performance AMG versions, the 63 ($132,875) and 65 ($191,575). The two AMG models come with hand-built engines that deliver 518 and 604 horsepower respectively; the SL600 with a V-12 engine delivers 510 horsepower.
We tested the SL550 equipped with a 382-horsepower, 5.5-liter V-8 engine that delivers outstanding acceleration and performance. Only those needing more bragging rights at the country club will find the more expensive SL models necessary.
Still, $96,000 for the entry-level SL puts you in an elite class and clearly separates you from the masses. All SL models have a retractable hardtop that takes just 16 seconds to fold into the trunk for top-down motoring. Our test car came equipped with the optional glass roof ($1950) that looks terrific and is worth the price. Still, the mesh shade for the glass roof didn’t do much to stop the hot sunlight from intruding into the cabin. Even with the top down, there is some usable luggage space in the trunk.
Inside everything about the interior exudes luxury with so much rich Nappa leather, it’s nearly intoxicating. The seats are incredibly comfortable and adjust to fit nearly every size driver. Really tall drivers will want more leg and knee room though.
For 2009, Mercedes restyled the large gauges which are now even easier to read. There’s an all-new navigation system that’s much easier to see and operate than before. The audio system has been integrated into the center unit and is, again, easier to use.
Mercedes also offers its Airscarf technology on the SL550, which we first tested on the smaller SLK roadster. On the SL, it’s part of a $3750 package. Air vents incorporated into the headrests blow hot air around your neck to keep you warm so you can enjoy top-down driving on cooler days. We didn’t get a chance to try it out on the SL, but we liked how it worked on the SLK we tested.
Of course, the real joy of the SL is in the driving. Everything is silky smooth, powerful and completely effortless. The seven-speed automatic transmission never failed to impress. With seamless shifting up and down, it always seemed to be in the right gear for maximum performance.
As expected, handling is precise, cornering flat with no body roll. Steering is exceptional. Luxury cruising at its finest is made even more enjoyable by the deep, supportive, comfortable seats.
With top up or down, wind noise is negligible, but wind buffeting and air turbulence in the cabin with the top down is excessive, even with the wind blocker in place.
As expected in this price and class of vehicle, safety gear abounds. The SL features dual front, side and driver’s knee airbags, active body control, adjustable suspension with level control, stability and traction control, antilock brakes with brake assist and front and rear park assist.
The SL is a joy to drive and an ultimate luxury performance touring car. Of course, no one “needs” a car like this but it isn’t about need. It’s more like a reward. It wasn’t easy turning back into a pumpkin after our weeklong loan from Mercedes-Benz. It’s easy to fall in love with this car.
