For There's no denying the appeal of the exhaust warble or the neck-snapping acceleration. Plus, this is the cheapest model to have Merc’s Active Body Control system as standard.

Against The throttle is over-aggressive, so it tends to jolt the gearbox as it struggles to iron out the vast surge of power.

Mercedes-Benz SL Open

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

Here is everything that's great about the SL: fantastic looks, great performance and the Active Body Control system. This, our favourite model, is so good that there's no need to spend any more.

What Car? readers say

3.894737


Key facts

0–60mph
5.4 secs
Top speed
155 mph
Average mpg
24.4
Tank range
429 miles
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Features

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Size

View the whole Mercedes-Benz SL Open range

Cheaper

More expensive

Read in full

The full Mercedes-Benz SL review


Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

With the Mercedes SL, engine choices are quick (V6), quicker (V8) and astoundingly quick (V12). The V6s are commendably strong and powerful, but the V8-engined SL500 is not only faster, it also has some crucial extra features, such as the Active Body Control air suspension. We reckon this is enough to make it worth the extra cash over a V6 – and that the SL500 is so good that the more expensive versions seem unnecessary.

On top of the three-year unlimited-mileage warranty, Mercedes cars also come with the Mobilo breakdown assistance package that provides you with assistance on the road for up to 30 years in more than 30 European countries. Different benefits apply, depending on what the problem is, and full details are available from the Mercedes Customer Assistance Centre.

Reader test team says:

Mercedes-Benz SL Open 350 2dr

I have now got used to the looks of the face lift model, and think its a beautiful vehicle. It's a wonderful car to drive with perfect steering, and a…

Colin McKenzie

4 out of 5 stars

Mercedes-Benz SL Open 500 2dr

A beautiful, top of the range Mercedes, for not much money! On the road: This car is more of a cruiser than a sports car, due to its heavy…

Matthew Woollard

4 out of 5 stars

Mercedes-Benz SL Open 65 AMG 2dr

I have just sold my Porsche 997 4S and bought a used SL65AMG on an 05 plate with just 9.5k on the clock (1 owner FMDSH). In the process i saved over…

Satnam Brar

5 out of 5 stars

Mercedes-Benz SL Open 55 AMG (02-06) 2dr

Fantastic car to drive and great when everything working but far too many problems for a car at this price. The last car i had with as much time off…

ian shepherd

3 out of 5 stars
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