2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500

It was December 11, 2000. About nine months before the outside world would lay eyes on the new creation. I was one of only 20 journalists invited to Mercedes-Benz headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany for a preview of future Mercedes models. We were ushered into a large room, empty except for 10 cars parked in a semi-circle and covered by silk sheets. Our host for the evening was the head of Mercedes-Benz, Prof. Jÿrgen Hubbert. He led us from car to car, uncovering and explaining the finer points of each as he went. We listened attentively to his description of the first nine; however, I had traveled halfway round the world to see the 10th and final car. Even though no photos had been released of this car, it was impossible to hide the shape of the sexy sports car that lay beneath the thin wrap. Without any fanfare or fancy production, Prof. Hubbert yanked the cloak off to reveal possibly the most beautiful Mercedes production car any of us had ever seen—the 2003 SL500.

The SL forms a bridge to the past by featuring styling cues that harken back to the first SL in 1954.

Flash forward to today as the German-built SL models have been flying out of Mercedes dealers around the world. While the previous generation SL introduced in 1989 had an eye-catching design, the aluminum and steel bodywork of the new car looks more modern, aggressive and attractive. The new model is slightly longer, but otherwise dimensionally the same as the old car. The job of designing this beauty fell to 10 young men and women from Mercedes design centers around the world. The SL forms a bridge to the past by featuring styling cues such as the side air inlet gills along with the long hood and short trunk that harken back to the first SL in 1954. However, unlike the original that came as either a coupe with gullwing doors or a roadster with a soft-top, the new SL features an automatically folding metal hardtop. Push the top button and the roof folds away nicely into a space in the trunk in just under 16 seconds—quick and very simple to operate. Mercedes was mindful to engineer the car so that two golf bags fit nicely in the trunk even with the top down.


Besides great looks, SLs have always had excellent performance and industry-leading technology. The new version carries on this tradition. Power comes from an aluminum and magnesium 5.0-liter V-8 engine. It pumps out 302 horsepower and 339 lb.-ft. of torque. These numbers equate to a 0 to 60-mph acceleration time of just over 6.0 seconds. While not as quick as a Porsche 911 Turbo, which, as one of the world's fastest cars, can do the deed in 4.0 seconds, the SL will firmly push you back in the seat when floored from a stop. Power is routed through a smooth shifting 5-speed automatic transmission featuring TouchShift manual gear selection. This allows the driver to choose which gear he wants by moving the gear selector to the left for a lower gear, or right for a higher gear. Of course, the shifter can be placed in Drive for normal operation.


One of the SL's greatest technological advancements is its electronic braking system—the first for a production automobile. In a typical car, stepping on the brake pedal pushes a rod that forces fluid from the master cylinder toward each of the four brake calipers. On the SL, electronics replace many of the mechanical and some of the hydraulic parts. When the driver applies the brakes, an electrical signal is sent to each wheel where modulators regulate braking force to assure optimal deceleration. Among the system's greatest benefits is its ability to respond to an emergency-braking situation quicker than traditional setups. If the driver switches his foot quickly from the accelerator to the brake pedal, the system recognizes the early signs of a panic situation and begins applying the brakes. This equates to a near-record stopping distance of only about 110 feet from 60 mph, about 20 percent shorter than the previous car. In the event of an electrical failure, a redundant backup system mechanically operates the front brakes.

The instrument panel features four individually hooded gauges done in the classic chronometer style.

The SL also features Mercedes-Benz renowned Electronic Stability Program (ESP), an active handling system similar to those fitted to Formula 1 racecars. Using sensors that measure steering input, wheel speed and lateral G-force, ESP keeps the car headed in its intended path when cornering. This reduces out-of-control skids especially on wet pavement. ESP also works with the electronic braking system during emergency swerving maneuvers by alternately applying the brakes on the left side and right side to stabilize the car. This all happens in milliseconds, so quickly that the event is over before the driver even realizes what has happened. Other safety systems include a rollover bar that pops up within 3/10ths of a second if the on-board sensors detect that an accident is eminent. Occupants are also protected by driver and passenger front and knee airbags, along with innovative head/thorax airbags that safeguard occupants in the event of a side impact.