Road Test: 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL 550 Roadster

Story and photos by John LeBlanc

Ever since the first Mercedes-Benz SL was launched in 1954, its been considered the German automaker’s top dog two seater. The first iteration, the 300SL with its gull wing doors, has become one of the automotive world’s most iconic sports cars. A hard act to follow, nein? But each of the following four generations of SLs have gone on to become memorable in their own right.

That ’54 SL, which eventually offered a cloth top roadster, was succeeded by the equally stunning 1963 to 1971 SL with its so-called “pagoda roof” removable hardtop roof. It was followed by the longest single series ever produced by Mercedes—the 1972 to 1989 SL convertible and SLC coupe; also noteworthy for being the first models with V8 engines.

Next up was the Rubenesque fourth generation 1989 to 2002 SL, the first version to house a V12. Today’s current SL Roadster that as introduced five years ago, ushered in another first: a fully retractable hardtop that stows away in the trunk, making this SL a true coupe/convertible.

’09 SL 550 a “base model” in name only

For 2009, Mercedes has seen fit to bestow the SL Class with a mid-cycle refresh. While the supercharged-V8 in the SL 55 AMG has been replaced by a naturally aspirated (and larger) V8 in the new SL 63 AMG, the V8 SL 550, V12 SL 600 and twin-turbo V12 SL 65 AMG continue.

Although its almost half the price of the range-topping SL 65 AMG, I’d be gauche in calling my $125,000 SL 550 a “base model.” Better to say, “least expensive.” Because as one of the automaker’s top roadsters, the SL 550 is very well equipped.

Beyond the expected luxury items, standard stuff includes navigation with voice control, driver and passenger seats with massage function, Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 surround sound system, and a fully active suspension that virtually eliminates body roll.

Ladled on was a $3,500 AMG Sport Package which added AMG alloy wheels, upgraded front brakes, and a sport steering wheel with shift paddles; $2,500 for parking proximity control; and a $5,200 Premium Package that included climate control seats, a full glass roof in the retractable hardtop, Airscarf, keyless starting, and electronic trunk closure. All totaled, the final MSRP was $136,300.

Competition for the SL 550 comes in many forms and prices. From as low as the $78,300 Lexus SC 430 to the $99,000 Jaguar XK Convertible to the $150,000 Aston-Martin V8 Vantage Roadster.

If the SL 550’s sticker shocks you, Mercedes also has its smaller SLK 300 Roadster with a similar retractable hardtop for less than half the SL 550’s price.

Midcycle changes both blunt and subtle

The most noticeable styling change for 2009 is the SL’s more blunt front-end styling. It includes a new single-bar grille bracketed by L-shaped headlamps that portend to a new Mercedes design aesthetic we’ll see on next year’s E Class sedan. The roadster’s front fenders now house gill-type air outlets behind the front wheels and frame a redesigned hood with what ‘Benz calls “power domes.”

The back end of the new SLs receive a milder redesign. There’s a fake air “diffuser” and trapezoidal exhaust tips at the rear. Inside the roadster changes are even fewer and subtler, limited to a new three-spoke steering wheel and some redesigned controls.

Big, torquey V8 makes all the right moves

Equally enjoyable as in other Mercedes vehicles, the 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque 5.5-litre V-8 found under the front hood of the SL 550 and powering its rear wheels is one of the smoothest mills in the business. It also makes the roadster fast.

The SL 550 will go from zero to 100 km/h in under 5.5 seconds, and top out on a track at a limited 250 km/h. Matched to the only transmission choice—a swift reacting seven-speeder you can shift on your own via optional paddle shifters—there’s little delay in response time when the driver makes the call to the engine bay.

One of the joys in driving a short wheelbase, low-slung car like the SL are random acts of hooliganism. Oversteer is a mere stab of the throttle away. And don’t fear: the SL 550’s rear slides predictably and is easy to get back in control.

On the road, it’s more GT than sports car

Keep in mind, if you’re looking for a nimble sports car to toss around your favourite country back road, the lighter (1,410 versus 1,910 kg) and more nimble SLK 300 is highly recommended. As the four SL generations that came before it, the current model is more of a gran turismo, a fast cruiser.

What prevents the SL 550 from being dumped in the “all hat, no cattle” bin is its remarkable active body control system. It keeps the roadster on an even keel, even in tight corners that would have others in this class rolling over like a stricken oil tanker.

The flip benefit to ABC is a great ride. The combination of the SL’s stiff architecture and the ability of the system to soak up even the worst bad pavement is the type of Jekyll and Hyde engineering driving enthusiasts (who also need to take the occasional less enthusiastic passenger) can appreciate.

The other gain in the SL’s changes for 2009 is in the steering department. The 2008 model’s steering rack has been replaced by a new variable-ratio system. At mall crawling speeds it’s a bit too light and slow. But crack the whip on an off-ramp, and the system comes alive with a firmer setting and a lot more feel.

Traditionally modern

All-in all, the 2009 updates don’t take the new SL 550 too far away from predecessor’s successful roots. With reason: Mercedes is reluctant to radically change a formula that’s been working for over 50 years.

But for 2009, its safe to say, the SL 550 is the most rewarding “Benz big roadster to date—base model and all.

Road test: 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL 550 Roadster

Base price/as-tested: $125,000/$136,300

Type of vehicle: Mid-size crossover

Engine: 5.5L V8

Power/Torque: 382 hp / 391 lb.-ft.

Transmissions: Seven-speed manumatic

Fuel consumption: 16.5 city, 9.7 hwy, as-tested 13.5

Competition: Aston-Martin V8 Vantage Roadster, Jaguar XK Convertible, Lexus SC 430

REVIEW SUMMARY

Here are the salient points and overall rating of this new model, as established by our reviewer:

SUMMARY – 8.5 out of 10

PROS

Coupe/convertible convenience

Silky smooth V8

Flexible active suspension

CONS

NOT a sports car

There are less expensive alternatives

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