2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL 500

2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Engine 5.0L V-8, Vehicle Overview After 12 years in its previous form, a massively restyled, posh Mercedes-Benz SL500 two-seat convertible went on sale as an early 2003 model. Unlike the prior SL-Class, which had a fabric top, the 2003 version was equipped with a retractable hardtop. At the push of a button, the car can transform from a roadster to a watertight coupe in 16 seconds. New electronic brake control retained hydraulic components but had no mechanical link to the brake pedal. Its operation is electronically controlled and varies brake pressure to each wheel based on vehicle dynamics and other constantly monitored conditions. Variable brake proportioning can apply added pressure to the outside wheels in order to enhance safety when braking in turns. The system can sense wet conditions and react to emergency situations. The SL500 gets a new seven-speed-automatic transmission for 2004. Active Body Control is an active suspension system that virtually eliminates body roll. An Electronic Stability Program is also standard. Occupying the luxury end of the sports-car realm, the SL-Class competes against the Jaguar XK8 convertible, the Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet and the cars in Aston Martin’s lineup. Several months after the emergence of the SL500, a high-performance SL55 AMG edition went on sale. At the 2003 North American International Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz unveiled an SL600 convertible equipped with a bi-turbo V-12 engine. (Skip to details on the: SL55 AMG | SL600) Exterior An evolution of the previous-generation SL-Class roadster, the 2003 SL500 changed substantially in appearance with styling Interior Leather, fine wood and aluminum greet the two occupants of an SL500. Matte chrome surrounds the four separate chronometer-styled instruments on the dashboard. Distronic “intelligent” cruise control is optional. Cargo capacity is 7.3 cubic feet with the top down and 10.2 cubic feet when the top is up. Under the Hood A 302-horsepower, 5.0-liter V-8 engine powers the SL500. It is connected to a new seven-speed-automatic transmission. Safety Each door is equipped with side-impact airbags designed to protect occupants’ head and thorax. Automatic rollover bars pop up within 0.3 second when the system senses an impending rollover. Driving Impressions The luscious SL500’s many features, such as the super-supportive seats, are enticing. Other than a slight hesitation when starting off and downshifting, the powertrain produces quick and energetic responses. Like all Mercedes-Benz models, the SL500 has a heavy feel, but it’s far less bothersome in this car. The SL500 is highly stable on the road. It clings securely to the pavement and has excellent steering-wheel feel and appropriate effort. All told, it’s more boulevard cruiser than hard-core sports car, and it delivers outstanding ride comfort. The controls range from cryptic to ambiguous. Mercedes-Benz’s navigation system is next to useless — the small screen becomes almost invisible in daylight. Hooded, finely calibrated gauges, on the other hand, are reasonably easy to read. Trunk space is skimpy due to intrusion from the retractable hardtop. Related Model: SL55 AMG With a 5.5-liter supercharged V-8 engine that produces 493 hp and 516 pounds-feet of torque, the SL55 AMG is the fastest production Mercedes-Benz ever manufactured. Its five-speed-automatic transmission has SpeedShift buttons on the steering wheel. Racing-derived brakes are installed, and other components have been adapted to work with the higher engine output. Mercedes-Benz claims the SL55 AMG roadster can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, versus a more leisurely 6.1 seconds for the SL500. Distinctive AMG bumpers and side skirts highlight the SL55 AMG, which features 18-inch five-spoke wheels and a quartet of chromed exhaust pipes at the rear. The SL55 AMG’s interior features aluminum trim that has a sand-cast effect and special sport seats.