2007 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class help you decide if a 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is right for you.

2007 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

SL550	SL600	Class Average
7	10	8.1

SL550 gathers speed rapidly, shows true authority above 40 mph, feels equal to Mercedes' 5.3-sec 0-60-mph claim. SL600 stronger still, lives up to claimed 4.5 sec 0-60 mph. No opportunity yet to test AMG versions; Mercedes pegs them under 4.5 sec 0-60 mph.

Fuel Economy

SL550	SL600	Class Average
4	3	4.6

No opportunity yet to measure. All SLs require premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

SL550	SL600	Class Average
6	6	4.5

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

Steering/Handling/Braking

SL550	SL600	Class Average
8	8	8.6

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

SL550	SL600	Class Average
6	6	4.5

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

SL550	SL600	Class Average
7	7	6.7

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.

Details

SL550	SL600	Class Average
9	9	7.6

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)

SL550	SL600	Class Average
8	8	5.9

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

Room/Comfort (rear)

SL550	SL600	Class Average
0	0	.6

(No rear seating.)

Cargo Room

SL550	SL600	Class Average
2	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

SL550	SL600	Class Average
6	3	5.4

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