MERCEDES-BENZ SL OPEN REVIEW

For All engines produce silky power, while the ride and handling strike just the right balance. The headline-grabber is still the wonderful folding steel roof

Against The SL’s styling isn’t exactly subtle and understated, and the gearboxes aren’t always smooth. The basic SL300 and SL350 don’t have air suspension.

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

One of the most glamorous coupe-convertibles, with the dynamics to match

Reader review rating

3.894737

The Mercedes-Benz SL Open full review Read in full

Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Every engine is smooth and swift
Ride & Handling
4 out of 5 stars
Fantastic blend of comfort and control
Refinement
4 out of 5 stars
Smooth and quiet; fine top-down comfort
Buying & Owning
3 out of 5 stars
Pricey, but most models are a solid buy
Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Very impressive cabin
Safety & Security
4 out of 5 stars
No deadlocks, otherwise it's all there
Behind The Wheel
4 out of 5 stars
Fine driving position; dash is good
Space & Practicality
3 out of 5 stars
Decent space for two plus their luggage
Equipment
5 out of 5 stars
SL buyers will want for nothing

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There are 4 Mercedes-Benz SL versions available

Mercedes-Benz SL Open 300 2dr	£63,555	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Mercedes-Benz SL Open 350 2dr	£68,360	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Mercedes-Benz SL Open 500 2dr	£81,705	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Mercedes-Benz SL Open 63 AMG 2dr	£106,820	What Car? says:4 stars out of 5

Mercedes-Benz SL Open 500 2dr

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? says:3 stars out of 5

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Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

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.