There’s a certain undeniable luxury in driving a Mercedes-Benz SL roadster as a long-term test vehicle. It’s a car built for pleasure, a two-seat sports convertible designed to deliver an experience as much as transportation. This inherent indulgence is precisely what draws people to these kinds of vehicles.
But the SL nameplate isn’t just about fleeting trends; its remarkable history stretches back over six decades, beginning with the iconic 300SL hardtop in 1954 and the 190SL convertible that followed shortly after. This legacy suggests there’s more to the Mercedes-Benz SL than just pure hedonism. Or is there? Let’s find out as we delve into a four-month long-term review of the newly updated Mercedes-Benz SL400 Roadster.
Typically, reviews of this nature span six months, but in this instance, this stunning machine, with its price tag north of $200,000, was available for a solid four-month evaluation period.
The model under scrutiny is the refreshed SL400, which received a facelift and a significant powertrain update. True to Mercedes-Benz’s modern naming convention, which often deviates from engine displacement, the SL400 is powered by a new 3.0-liter direct-injection V6 engine, twin-turbocharged to produce a robust 245kW of power and 480Nm of torque. This torque is readily available from a low 1600rpm, ensuring brisk performance. In an era where performance and fuel efficiency are increasingly intertwined, the Mercedes-Benz SL400 is advertised to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in a swift 5.2 seconds while achieving a combined fuel consumption of just 7.3L/100km.
That official fuel economy figure, however, has proven elusive in initial testing. During a short, 4km commute – a stark contrast to more open roads – the observed fuel consumption hovered closer to 20L/100km. This high figure is understandable considering the short distance, involving frequent stops and starts over a 12-minute duration.
On longer freeway journeys, collecting family from the airport, the SL400 fared better, with the trip computer indicating a more palatable 10.9L/100km. Still, this is notably higher than the claimed combined figure. Over the first few weeks and 454km of driving, the overall average settled at a mediocre 11.9L/100km. A longer trip, hopefully including more open road driving, is planned to assess the Mercedes-Benz SL400‘s long-distance fuel efficiency and balance out the predominantly urban driving encountered so far.
Alt text: Front three quarter view of a silver Mercedes-Benz SL400 Roadster parked on a paved surface showcasing its sleek design.
It’s worth acknowledging some personal responsibility for the SL400‘s thirst for fuel. The engine is genuinely responsive and engaging, accompanied by a pleasing soundtrack. It emits a deep, resonant rumble, akin to a distant earthquake, full of depth and character. In Sport mode, there’s even a subtle crackle upon lift-off, a nice touch, albeit perhaps too understated for true enthusiasts seeking a more pronounced auditory experience.
This SL400 represents the ‘entry-level’ model in the range, positioned below the top-tier, twin-turbocharged V12 Mercedes-AMG SL65, which commands a price tag nearing $500,000. The SL400 starts at a significantly lower price point, yet the visual distinctions between the two models are surprisingly subtle. It appears that even buyers at the more accessible end of the SL spectrum appreciate a visually striking vehicle that complements the open-top driving experience.
This particular test vehicle benefits from the optional Designo package, adding AMG styling elements, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a luxurious black and white leather interior. These aesthetic enhancements further elevate the Mercedes-Benz SL400‘s visual appeal.
The SL400‘s ride quality on 19-inch wheels is commendable, particularly on smooth surfaces. While there is some noticeable shudder over road imperfections, especially with the roof down, it is quickly absorbed and significantly improved compared to previous SL generations, some of which were considerably heavier. This current model, weighing in at a relatively lighter 1655kg, feels notably more solid and composed.
The steering is a pleasant surprise, being quick and responsive, allowing the large roadster to turn into corners with agility. This sensation is enhanced by the driver’s seating position, set back within the wheelbase. While outright road feel might be slightly muted, the steering proves effective in navigating urban environments. A more thorough assessment of its responsiveness will be possible in more dynamic driving conditions.
However, the biggest challenge this Mercedes-Benz SL400 Roadster faces might be the reviewer’s own preconceptions. Firstly, there’s a personal struggle to fully embrace convertibles, particularly in a sun-drenched climate. On many summer days, the sun’s intensity can be overwhelming, even for those with adequate head covering. Nevertheless, in the spirit of comprehensive testing, open-top driving will be explored as much as possible.
Secondly, there’s a sense of self-consciousness associated with driving such a prestigious vehicle in everyday settings. Cruising in a quarter-million-dollar roadster, especially during peak hour traffic, can feel somewhat ostentatious. The question remains whether the SL400 will alter these perceptions over the course of the test.
Alt text: Side view of a dark grey Mercedes-Benz SL400 Roadster with its roof down, parked in an outdoor setting, emphasizing its long doors and elegant profile.
ROOFLESS THUNDER
With the retractable hardtop stowed away, the Mercedes-Benz SL400 offers an enhanced auditory experience of its internal combustion engine. The twin-turbo V6 engine strives to strike a balance between sporty and luxurious sound characteristics, and largely succeeds.
However, it doesn’t quite reach the raw, visceral sound of a high-performance motorcycle. Recalling a past ownership experience with a Kawasaki ZX-9R sportsbike, the addition of an aftermarket exhaust transformed its character, adding a captivating crackle, pop, and burble on deceleration, significantly enhancing the riding pleasure.
A more exhilarating soundtrack is available for the Mercedes-Benz SL, but it comes with the premium price tag associated with the AMG models.
Update #2
Surprisingly, doors have presented an unexpected challenge. The concept of opening, entering, and closing a door is typically straightforward. However, the SL400‘s long doors require substantial clearance to open fully. In many parking situations, this space is limited, leading to a somewhat awkward and undignified entry and exit process.
Scuff marks on the lower door panels serve as evidence of less-than-perfect entries and exits. Often, maneuvering involves a contorted vertical limbo to get out of the car. To avoid damaging adjacent vehicles, fingers often end up pinched between the door edges.
Easy access is guaranteed only in wide open spaces like a driveway or kerbside parking. Elsewhere, compromised parking space widths become apparent. This experience highlights why owners of such vehicles might benefit from yoga practice to improve flexibility.
A baseball cap has become an essential accessory in the SL400. Despite the initial intention to drive with the top down frequently, the roof operation process introduces a slight delay. The SL‘s roof mechanism only functions at very low speeds, claimed to be up to 15km/h by Mercedes-Benz, but in practice, it feels closer to 10km/h. This necessitates incorporating roof operation into the starting procedure, adding approximately 15 seconds after buckling up and starting the engine.
The feeling of being observed while the roof retracts or deploys in public is also noticeable. Furthermore, the roof switch occupies the left hand, preventing simultaneous operation of other controls. These are minor inconveniences, yet they highlight the subtle adjustments required for SL400 ownership.
While these are minor complaints in the grand scheme of things, the slight delay introduced by the roof operation is surprisingly noticeable in today’s fast-paced world. Waiting for 30 seconds without instinctively reaching for a smartphone feels like an unusually long time.
However, driving the Mercedes-Benz SL400 is undeniably preferable to public transportation, offering a far more refined and comfortable experience.
Farewell
The concept of diminishing returns suggests that value doesn’t always increase proportionally with price. This principle is often applied to luxury goods, arguing that a $100,000 car isn’t necessarily twice as good as a $50,000 car. While superficially logical, this argument overlooks the complexities of automotive value.
It’s inaccurate to dismiss luxury or sports cars as poor value. On the contrary, they offer exceptional value to their intended owners. In fact, it can be argued that the $238,500 Mercedes-Benz SL400 represents good value in its segment.
Alt text: Exterior rear three quarter view of a white Mercedes-Benz SL400 Convertible showcasing its taillights and open trunk.
Consider the subtle details that enhance the ownership experience. The indirect red ambient lighting creates a sophisticated cabin ambiance at night. The automatic engagement of the parking brake when the door is opened is a thoughtful safety feature. Even door pocket size, capable of accommodating an umbrella, demonstrates attention to detail. These long doors, perhaps, serve a practical purpose beyond aesthetics.
The SL400 also incorporates roadster-specific features, most notably the electric retractable hardtop. Its seamless integration and minimal impact on trunk space are significant engineering achievements.
The hands-free trunk opening and closing feature, activated by a foot gesture, adds convenience, even if it occasionally feels a bit awkward to perform.
The front seats feature both heating and cooling, along with neck-warming air vents, enhancing comfort in various climates. The leather upholstery is designed to reflect sunlight, further mitigating heat buildup on hot days. A one-touch window master switch for all four windows adds a touch of convenience.
The acoustically optimized voice control system and advanced driver-assistance technologies represent significant research and development investments. The quieter cabin, refined ride quality, effortless acceleration, and evocative exhaust note all contribute to the overall value proposition.
Alt text: Interior view of the Mercedes-Benz SL400 showcasing the dashboard, steering wheel, and luxurious leather seats, emphasizing the high-quality materials and craftsmanship.
While the SL400 might cost significantly more than a well-equipped mainstream car, its comprehensive feature list and overall experience justify its price point for those who appreciate luxury and open-top driving.
Those who strictly adhere to the law of diminishing returns might never perceive financial value in luxury roadsters like the SL. However, for those who can afford it, the Mercedes-Benz SL400 offers value beyond mere transportation. It’s the accumulation of thoughtful details that subtly and tangibly elevate the ownership experience.
And of course, there’s the undeniable appeal to the ego. This is a core element of the Mercedes-Benz brand, and the indulgent and decadent SL roadster embodies this perfectly.
Beneath the surface of luxury and style lies a genuinely impressive driving machine. The SL400 delivers a beautiful ride, a satisfying engine note, effortless performance, and agile steering. It provides a level of pampering that surpasses most vehicles on the market.
While it has minor shortcomings, as noted in earlier reports, none detract significantly from the overall experience.
So, the ultimate question: Would I personally buy a Mercedes-Benz SL400 Roadster? The answer is no. Personal automotive preferences prioritize performance over outright luxury. However, for those who favor a more relaxed pace and seek a motoring experience defined by sumptuousness rather than outright speed, the SL400 is highly recommended.
You’ll likely love it.
Glenn Butler
