2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500

While electronic braking and ESP are truly amazing systems, they're magic is surpassed by the SL's Active Body Control (ABC). The aggressive handling manners found in most sports cars often come at the price of a smooth ride. Not so in the SL. ABC uses four hydraulic servos, one between each corner's suspension coil spring and the body. These pistons raise and lower the body during cornering to reduce body roll, which improves handing. The system works so well that Mercedes has been able to eliminate the front and rear stabilizer bars used in most other cars to control body roll when cornering. The result is sedan-quality ride comfort combined with the handling prowess of a true sports car.


The flowing lines of the exterior are transferred to the interior where a mixture of tradition and future are merged. The instrument panel with its four individually hooded gauges done in the classic chronometer style melds seamlessly into the door panels. Leg, head and shoulder room have all been increased over the previous car. This was made possible because, unlike the older car that was designed to have rear seats (albeit miniscule in size), the 2003 model was a 2-seater from the start. Elegant leather upholstery surrounds occupants who are coddled in heated, air conditioned and massaging seats. These may be the most functional and comfortable seats available in any car today, especially during long trips.

Power comes from an aluminum and magnesium 5.0-liter V-8 engine. It pumps out 302 horsepower and 339 lb.-ft. of torque.

Like all up-level Mercedes, the SL is fitted with the COMMAND system that combines radio, CD player, navigation system and cell phone into one compact dash-mounted unit. While the U.S. market misses out on the in-dash TV available in Europe, one trick exclusive to the SL is the optional Keyless Go system ($1,015). A credit card-sized card takes over the functions of the regular key. Providing the driver has the card in a pocket or purse, they need only touch one of the door handles or the trunk-lid handle to unlock the car. Once inside, the driver touches a heat-sensitive pad on top of the shift lever to start the engine.


Climbing behind the wheel and hitting the road in the SL is almost magical. Due to the steel construction of the roof, interior noise is minimal when the roof is up compared to convertibles with fabric tops. With the top folded away, wind noise and buffeting are negligible. Hit a curve-filled mountain road, and the SL comes alive. Steering is precise, while the handling abilities will quicken the pulse of even the most skilled driver. There are no aftertastes left by the electronic nanny controls as they help you carve through the corners without you even being aware that they're working. Step down on the accelerator and the V-8 roars to life, its deep exhaust note rumbling a soulful tune. This combination of coupe quietness and roadster performance makes the SL500 one of the world's best driving machines built today.


How much for all this luxury? The SL500's base price is $85,990, compared to just under $84,000 for the previous model. Options include adaptive cruise control ($2,950), Panorama roof ($1,800), Bi-Xenon headlamps ($900), Parktronic ($1,035), sport package ($5,100), and tire pressure monitoring system ($630). Add in the wood trim ($840) and comfort packages ($1,520), and the price for a fully loaded SL500 comes in at $102,600, or about $5,500 more than a comparably equipped 2001 model.