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2006 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Full Review
Date Published: 11/23/08
Also in the 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Full Review
7.
8.
2006 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Review
Mercedes-Benz' costliest convertibles are two-seaters with a power-retractable metal hardtop. Four models are offered. The SL500 has a 302-hp V8. The high-performance SL55 AMG has a 493-hp supercharged V8. The SL600 has a twin-turbo V12 also rated at 493 hp, but with more torque than the SL55's V8. The SL65 AMG has a 604-hp twin-turbo V12 and specific styling touches. All have automatic transmissions: a 7-speed on the SL500, a 5-speed on the others. All include a manual floorshifter, with AMG versions adding performance programming and steering-wheel shift buttons. Standard are traction/antiskid control and Mercedes' ABC active suspension designed to reduce cornering lean. Also standard are "by-wire" antilock brakes that can modulate brake pressure to each wheel. All include head- and torso-protecting side airbags, driver knee airbag, and a rollover bar designed to deploy in an impending tip. Also standard are navigation and assistance systems. Options include adaptive cruise control. Among changes for 2006: a keyless entry and starting system is standard on the SL600 and SL65 but remains optional on SL500 and SL55; run-flat tires are newly available for SL500 and SL600; and SL55 is available with a $14,000 AMG Performance Package that includes exclusive exterior trim and a top-speed governor of 186 mph vs. other models' 155 mph.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Offering more power and style than typical Sporty/Performance vehicles, Premium Sporty/Performance Cars usually cost much more and have more comfort and convenience equipment. Two-passenger convertibles and 4-seat coupes rule the roost in this class.
Our Best Buy is Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks include BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz CLK.
Our Best Buy is Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks include BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz CLK.
News
A redesigned SL is still being rumored for sometime after 2008, but precise timing is still unknown. Whenever it arrives, the replacement should share many technical features with the redesigned 2007 S-Class large sedans.
2006 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Brake-pedal feel |
| Steering/handling | Navigation-system controls |
| Seat comfort | Fuel economy |
| Build quality | |
| Interior materials | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
Hard to fault, with stretch-out space and supportive, comfortable seats. Low-slung body, long doors complicate entry/exit.
| 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)
(No rear seating.)
| SL500 | SL600 | Class Average |
| 0 | 0 | .7 |
(No rear seating.)
Cargo Room
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
2006 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/13/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| SL500 2-door convertible | $92,900 | $86,397 | $775 |
|
|
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| SL55 2-door convertible | $125,000 | $116,250 | $775 |
|
|
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| SL600 2-door convertible | $130,900 | $121,737 | $775 |
|
|
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| SL65 2-door convertible | $185,000 | $172,050 | $775 |
Price note: SL500 adds $1000 Gas-Guzzler Tax. SL55 adds $2100 Gas-Guzzler Tax. SL600, SL65 add $2600 Gas-Guzzler Tax.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
SL500
Powertrain
5.0-liter V8 engine, 7-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, side airbags, driver knee airbag, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, automatic roll bar, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunklid release, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, navigation system, Tele Aid assistance system, power steering, power tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated 12-way power bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), center console, cupholders, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night and passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, Bose AM/FM/weatherband/CD player, 6-disc CD changer, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage-door opener, heated rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, automatic headlights, power-retractable hardtop, rear defogger, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, wind deflector, xenon headlights, heated headlight washers, front and rear fog lights, active suspension w/level control, 255/40WR18 front tires, 285/35WR18 rear tires, alloy wheels.
SL55 adds to SL500:
Powertrain
5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Massaging-multicontour seats, aluminum interior trim.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: wood interior trim.
255/40YR18 front tires, 285/35YR18 rear tires.
SL600 adds to SL55:
Powertrain
5.5-liter turbocharged V12 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Active-ventilated massaging multicontour seats w/automatic body-securing side bolsters, keyless access and starting, heated wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, upgraded leather upholstery, wood interior trim, voice-activated cell phone.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: aluminum trim.
Bi-xenon headlights.
SL65 adds to SL600:
Powertrain
6.0-liter turbocharged V12 engine, limited-slip differential.
Safety
Uprated brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum interior trim.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, wood interior trim.
255/35ZR19 front tires, 285/30ZR19 rear tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
designo Espresso/Graphite/Silver Edition
|
||
|
SL500
|
$7,800
|
$7,254
|
|
SL55, SL600, SL65
|
$6,995
|
$6,505
|
|
Upgraded leather upholstery (SL500, SL55), unique interior and exterior trim.
|
||
|
Comfort Pkg.
|
||
|
SL500
|
$1,610
|
$1,497
|
|
Massaging multicontour seats, active-ventilated seats.
|
||
|
AMG Sport Pkg.
|
||
|
SL500, SL600
|
$5,370
|
$4,994
|
|
Steering-wheel shift buttons, aerodynamics pkg., 255/40YR18 front tires, 285/35YR18 rear tires, unique alloy wheels. Deletes SL600 heated steering wheel.
|
||
|
AMG Performance Pkg.
|
||
|
SL55
|
$14,000
|
$13,020
|
|
Limited-slip differential, 186 top-speed limiter, uprated brakes, alcantara steering wheel, unique front bumper and side air extractors, sport suspension, 19-inch wheels.
|
||
|
Trim Pkg.
|
||
|
SL500
|
$890
|
$828
|
|
Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
|
||
|
|
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Safety |
||
|
Rear-obstacle-detection system
|
||
|
SL500, SL55, SL600, SL65
|
$1,100
|
$1,023
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Active-ventilated seats
|
||
|
SL55
|
$1,260
|
$1,172
|
|
Upgraded leather upholstery
|
||
|
SL500, SL55, SL600, SL65
|
$3,750
|
$3,488
|
|
Wood interior trim
|
||
|
SL55, SL65
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
Satellite radio
|
||
|
SL500, SL55, SL600, SL65
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
Requires monthly fee after 6th month.
|
||
|
Keyless Go
|
||
|
SL500, SL55
|
$1,080
|
$1,004
|
|
Keyless access and starting.
|
||
|
Adaptive cruise control
|
||
|
SL500, SL55, SL600, SL65
|
$3,110
|
$2,892
|
|
Voice-activated cell phone
|
||
|
SL500, SL55, SL600, SL65
|
$1,450
|
$1,348
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Panorama glass roof
|
||
|
SL500, SL55, SL600, SL65
|
$1,900
|
$1,767
|
|
Bi-xenon headlights
|
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|
SL500, SL55
|
$780
|
$725
|
|
Special paint
|
||
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SL500, SL55, SL600, SL65
|
$0
|
$0
|
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Requires special order charge.
|
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Special order charge
|
||
|
SL500, SL55, SL600, SL65
|
$1,150
|
$1,150
|
|
Run-flat tires
|
||
|
SL500, SL600
|
$200
|
$186
|
|
|
||
2006 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2-door convertible |
| Wheelbase, in. | 100.8 |
| Overall Length, in. | 178.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 51.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4065 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 10.2 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 21.1 |
| Seating Capacity | 2 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.7 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.9 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc V8 | Supercharged sohc V8 | Turbocharged sohc V12 | Turbocharged sohc V12 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 5.0 /303 | 5.4 /332 | 5.5 /336 | 6.0 /365 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 302 @ 5600 | 493 @ 6100 | 493 @ 5000 | 604 @ 4800 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 339 @ 2700 | 516 @ 2750 | 590 @ 1800 | 738 @ 2000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||||
| 5-speed automatic | --/-- | 14/20 | 14/20 | 12/19 |
| 7-speed automatic | 16/23 | --/-- | --/-- | --/-- |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2-door convertible |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | --/-- | Unlimited |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Germany
Drivewheels:
rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Full Review
7.
8.
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