Acceleration

SL500	SL600	Class Average
7	10	8.2

SL500 no dragster off the line, but gathers speed rapidly, shows true authority above 40 mph. Test SL500 did 6.5 sec 0-60 mph. Mercedes estimates SL55 and SL600 at 4.5 sec 0-60. Test SL600's strong acceleration from standstill supports that claim. No opportunity yet to test AMG versions; Mercedes pegs them at under 4.6 sec 0-60.

Fuel Economy

SL500	SL600	Class Average
4	3	4.2

Test SL500s averaged 18.5-19.5 mpg in mostly highway driving. No opportunity yet to measure other models. All SLs require premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

SL500	SL600	Class Average
6	6	4.3

Fine blend of firm control, astute bump absorption, though more jarring than expected on really rough pavement. Even top down, impressively solid SL quivers minimally.

Steering/Handling/Braking

SL500	SL600	Class Average
8	8	8.5

Great balance in turns, natural steering feel, good grip. Impressive high-speed stability. Simulated panic stops produced shorter-than-average distances. But brake-by-wire furnishes inconsistent deceleration from town speeds, excessive initial pedal travel from higher speeds.

Quietness

SL500	SL600	Class Average
6	6	4.1

Top-up, as quiet as most any luxury coupe, with little wind noise, almost no tire roar. Top-down, wind rush well-managed. Engines hushed at idle, little louder at full throttle.

Controls

SL500	SL600	Class Average
7	7	6.3

Sporty, sophisticated dashboard, though speedometer, tachometer obscured by daytime glare for some testers. Abundance of buttons, switches, though all easy to reach. Navigation system complicates some audio, climate settings, and most adjustments require multiple inputs. Pop-out cupholders obscure navigation screen and nearby climate controls. Cabin's high-grade materials appropriate for the lofty prices; exceptions are flimsy sun visors and some plastic cabin trim. Top powers in and out of trunk area in 16 sec.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SL500	SL600	Class Average
8	8	5.7

Hard to fault, with stretch-out space and supportive, comfortable seats. Low-slung body, long doors complicate entry/exit.

Room/Comfort (rear)

SL500	SL600	Class Average
0	0	.7

(No rear seating.)

Cargo Room

SL500	SL600	Class Average
2	2	2

Trunk has 10.2 cu ft with roof raised, 7.3 with it lowered, enough for two small golf bags. Stowed top pivots for access to items in trunk bottom. Cabin storage includes covered bins behind seats.

Value within Class

SL500	SL600	Class Average
6	4	4.5

SLs are intriguingly engineered, solidly built, impeccably finished, and a pleasure to drive. Their style and cachet should stay fresh for years, boosting long-term resale values and taking some sting out of startling sticker prices.

Total Score

SL500	SL600	Class Average
54	54	48.5

Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score		37
Average Score		48
High Score		58