2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500
Vehicle: 2003 Mercedes SL500 with SBC, ABC, ESP, Xenon and 5-speed Speedshift.
Performance: It is powered by a 5.0 liter 24-valver V8 that bumps out 302hp and 339 lb/ft of torque. It has to be one of the fastest V8s I have ever driven. The throttle response is brisk and linear. With the wondefully smooth 5-speed Speedshift manumatic tyranny, it feels like a rocket at any rev range. The beauty of this transmission is it allows you to rev it till redline without upshifting itself.
Handling: With every possible electronic security features like ESP and ABC, you would have thought the SL is not fun-to-drive. The result is the exact opposite. The steering provides great feedback both on and off-center. It automatically adjusts itself to feather weight in low parking speed but still doesn’t proper feedback. With the assistance of Automatic Body Control, or ABC, body roll is not an issue. I also forgive the ESP kicks in a bit too early considered its more of a luxury tourer than a flat-out handler. However, its driving experience makes the large SL feels like a lot smaller size. Its nimble and quite tossable considered the nature of this vehicle. In short, its dynamic qualities are nothing short of impressive. Also, its body strcture is so stiff that you hardly feel any cowl shakes as you press through railway track.
Brakes: This Mercedes covertible’s braking power is top-notch. Pedal feel is excellent and the stopping distance is short. With the Sensotronic Brake Control, it doesn’t have the usual brake jerky issue as you mesh the pedal.
Interior: Inside the SL, it got a great sets of superb seats that provide excellent support. All the controls are logically placed, including the dual-zone climate control. Mercedes has put all the ESP, ABC and roof switches along the side of the transmission for easier access. All the dash panels are covered with nice stitches leather surface instead of other Mercedes’s cheap hard plastic surface. The leather/wood shift knob feels great at hand, as with the steering. There’s an aroma leather smell that tells you this is one prestigous car.
Conclusion: The SL got everything any luxury convertible buyers possibly want. Performance, handling, security and class.With the 302hp V8 already provided such an awesome performance, SL55 AMG is gonna be unbelieveable with that V8 Kompressor.
OVERALL RATINGS FOR 2003 MERCEDES SL500
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Performance: 5/5
Handling/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 5/5
Built quality/fit-and-finish: 5/5
Value-for-money: 3/5
Overall rating: 5/5