The new SL500 test drive experience

[elau]

While I was waiting for my 300E oil change today, decided to take the SL demo car out for a spin.

My first hand experience is that the car definitely perform better than the R129. Even without the sport mode. The car hugs curves like it is glued to the ground, very awesome. The lack of body roll makes handling in twisty roads that much more fun.

Extremely comfortable. Not that my R129 is bad, but the R230 is much better. You can actually feel the difference.

Car is extremely reponsive, both low and top end power bends.

Definitely will not buy the first year model until they have all the bugs work out. The plastic piece next to the rear window is already broken due to constant opening and closing of the roof. The trunk hinge is VERY flimsy. I can imagine as the car ages and so will the hinge. Worse yet, someone accidentally lean on side of the trunk lid while it is opened

Definitely will put a dint in your savings account to buy and maintain one. Base price is $89,995 and that is a strip down plain Jane model. Once you put all the goodies on and you are looking at over $100K. With 3 local area networks in the car, hope they don't conk out too frequently. These LANs are not the type you can repair. They are yanked out whenever it crashed.

Verdict: love the car, a definite addition to your stable.

[DALE DORIA]

I also drove a new SL about 3 weeks ago for about 15 miles and really loved the handling. I spoke to the dealer regarding the LAN's.......and was informed they could be a nightmare if you have a problem. I also think the interior was done quite well and found placement of all instruments easy to see. I would definately consider a trade on this.......however, I would take a bath on my 129 and feel that in three years many of these cars will be coming off leases with low mileage! As Eddie said.......wait for everything to be smoothed out.....and then put me on the list! A great car.....

[Michael]

I drove one of the very first assembled at MBUSA a few weeks ago. I quite literally found no nits to pick-fabulous car, and very stable & quiet at speed with the top down (and let's just say that if I'd been caught by the local constables I'd have been carted off in leg irons)

Driven the R230 as well. Totally agree about the excellent handling, the car even with stock tires sticks to the road better than the E55.