After 18 years in its prior form, a new SL two-passenger roadster debuted for 1990, with a choice of two engines. The 300SL used a 228-horsepower, 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder. A 5.0-liter V8, producing 322 horsepower, went into the 500SL. Each engine had dual-overhead camshafts and a four-valve-per-cylinder configuration. Built on a new rear-wheel-drive platform with a 99-inch wheelbase, the two-seater's body was 4.3 inches shorter overall than its predecessor. Both models were heavier, too. The 300SL weighed 458 pounds more than the previous model, while the new 500SL tipped the scales at 265 pounds more than the former 560SL. Both versions of Mercedes' luxury coupe/convertible came with a removable aluminum hardtop as well as a power soft top. A five-speed manual transmission was standard in the 300SL, with five-speed automatic optional. The 500SL came only with a four-speed automatic transmission. Safety was a major design factor in the new convertibles. A rollover bar was designed to flip into position between the seats when needed. Made of foam-covered steel tubing, the bar lay flush with the rear tonneau cover, ready to deploy within 0.3 second if sensors detected an impending rollover incident. The bar could be raised and lowered via a dashboard button, if desired. Antilock braking also was standard.
Beautifully finished, these refined road cars blend strong performance with solid engineering and luxurious trappings. Much more athletic than its 1980s predecessor, the SL is impressively stable at speed, with a rock-solid bearing that inspires confidence. Comfortable and luxurious, the SL also delivers a sporting feel with commendable road manners, though it's too heavy to qualify as a genuine sports car. Sound ergonomics and attention to detail round out the benefits. Above 3000 rpm or so, the V8 engine feels virtually like a runaway freight train. Just a touch on the gas pedal is answered by a gush of power, as the V8-powered SL moves away from a stop with no sense of strain. Passing power is impressive, too. Acceleration is sufficient with six-cylinder power, especially from the newer 3.2-liter, but it can't match the V8. In the late 1990s, Mercedes-Benz claimed an SL500 could accelerate to 60 mph in a swift 6 seconds. On the down side, gas mileage is grim. All versions suffer far less than most convertibles from body quivers on bumpy roads. Suspensions do a good job of absorbing bumps, but you still notice most imperfections because of the stiff, low-profile tires. An SL can get a bit jiggly on broken pavement. Handling is characterized by quick response and little body lean. Braking is powerful and fade-free. Engine sounds are nicely muted, but tire roar is noticeable on coarse surfaces. Occupants get plenty of seat travel and a multitude of adjustments, along with good head room. Simple, unobstructed gauges are accompanied by clearly marked controls, and the trunk ranks as adequate for a two-seater.
Beautifully finished, these refined road cars blend strong performance with solid engineering and luxurious trappings. Much more athletic than its 1980s predecessor, the SL is impressively stable at speed, with a rock-solid bearing that inspires confidence. Comfortable and luxurious, the SL also delivers a sporting feel with commendable road manners, though it's too heavy to qualify as a genuine sports car. Sound ergonomics and attention to detail round out the benefits. Above 3000 rpm or so, the V8 engine feels virtually like a runaway freight train. Just a touch on the gas pedal is answered by a gush of power, as the V8-powered SL moves away from a stop with no sense of strain. Passing power is impressive, too. Acceleration is sufficient with six-cylinder power, especially from the newer 3.2-liter, but it can't match the V8. In the late 1990s, Mercedes-Benz claimed an SL500 could accelerate to 60 mph in a swift 6 seconds. On the down side, gas mileage is grim. All versions suffer far less than most convertibles from body quivers on bumpy roads. Suspensions do a good job of absorbing bumps, but you still notice most imperfections because of the stiff, low-profile tires. An SL can get a bit jiggly on broken pavement. Handling is characterized by quick response and little body lean. Braking is powerful and fade-free. Engine sounds are nicely muted, but tire roar is noticeable on coarse surfaces. Occupants get plenty of seat travel and a multitude of adjustments, along with good head room. Simple, unobstructed gauges are accompanied by clearly marked controls, and the trunk ranks as adequate for a two-seater.
RSS Feed