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2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Review
Ultra-performance, ultra-luxury in a beautiful body.
2005 SL-Class Review Summary & Specifications
The Mercedes-Benz SL is a superb high-performance sports car and a technological masterpiece. The SL models have little competition in their price class other than the Jaguar XKR roadster and Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet. They cost more than a BMW 645Ci, but deliver a superior driving experience and offer greater curb appeal. Assuming you can live with the small trunk, the SL is an outstanding car. It's beautiful to behold and a joy to drive.Which model? Assuming we could afford it, the SL600 would be our choice for daily driving; it's rolling nirvana. On the other hand, we could live happily ever after in an SL500 if monthly payments were an important consideration; it's a fantastic car, and the phrase "sensible choice" never comes to mind when driving it. We love the AMG models for lapping a racing circuit, but they offer more performance than needed for socially responsible driving on public roads. New Car Test Drive editor filed this report from Las Vegas; Jim McCraw contributed to this report.
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| Vehicle Category | Sports Cars |
| Editor | Mitch McCullough |
| Model Lineup | Mercedes-Benz SL500 ($89,900); SL55 AMG ($121,500); SL600 ($127,950); SL 65 AMG ($179,000) |
| Engines (standard) | 5.5-liter sohc 36-valve twin-turbocharged V12 |
| Engines (optional) | 302-hp 5.0-liter sohc 24-valve V8; 493-hp 5.4-liter sohc 24-valve supercharged V8; 493-hp 5.5-liter sohc 36-valve twin-turbocharged V12; 604-hp 6.0-liter sohc 36-valve twin-turbocharged V12 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 5-speed automatic |
| Transmissions (optional) | 7-speed automatic; 5-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, automatic slip control, electronic stability control, front and side airbags, BabySmart, automatic-adjusting head restraints, automatic pop-up roll bar, 3-point seatbelts with emergency tensioner retractors |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | tire pressure monitor |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles; Roadside Assistance |
| Assembled In | Bremen, Germany |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-4MERCEDES |
| Manufacturer URL | www.mbusa.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 89900 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Mercedes-Benz SL600 ($127,500) |
| Standard Equipment | exclusive leather upholstery with wood trim, dual-zone automatic climate control w dust and pollen charcoal filter, wood/leather-trimmed steering wheel, four-spoke multi-function tilt/telescope steering wheel, wind deflector, power steering, power windows with express down, power locks, anti-theft system, cruise control, fog lamps, 3-button garage door control, illuminated glovebox with climate control, bi-xenon headlamps with heated washer/wiper, auto-dimming mirror, dual heated power outside mirrors with memory and left-side auto dimming, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, night security illumination, right footwell parcel net, 12-way power heated/ventilated seats with multi-contour seat backs, lumbar support and three-position memory, 8-speaker Bose AM/FM/6CD sound system with weatherband, Tele Aid with GPS, COMAND Navi/Audio system, Motorola V60i phone w voice control, satellite radio pre-wiring |
| Destination Charge | 720 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | tire-pressure monitoring system ($660); Keyless Go ($1,060) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | 2600 |
| Price as Tested | 132540 |
| Layout | rear-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 493 @ 5000 |
| Torque | 590 @ 1800-3500 |
| Fuel Economy | 13/19 |
| Wheelbase | 100.8 |
| Length/Width/Height | 178.5/71.5/51.0 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 36.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 2 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 37.7/56.9/42.9 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Trunk Volume | 10.2 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | |
| Front Suspension | independent, four-link, hydrualic actuators over coil springs, anti-roll bar, gas-charged shock absorbers; active body control (ABC) suspension |
| Rear Suspension | independent, five-link, hydraulic actuators over coil springs, anti-roll bar, gas-charged shock absorbers; active body control (ABC) suspension |
| Ground Clearance | 6.0 |
| Curb Weight | 4429 |
| Stock Tires | P255/40ZR18 front, P285/35ZR18 rear |
| Brakes Front/Rear | electro-hydraulic disc/disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist |
| Fuel Capacity | 21.1 |
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2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
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