An instant style icon when it debuted in the 1950s, the Mercedes-Benz SL has been inspiring superlatives -- and envy -- ever since.
The all-new sixth-generation SL550 continues the tradition in fine form with a Benz first: a nearly all-aluminum body that adds rigidity while dropping nearly 300 pounds from the previous generation.
Putting that power to the 19-inch tires, the über-smooth seven-speed transmission delivers a ride that is at once powerful yet graceful -- an SL hallmark. Three ride settings let drivers dial up their mood, from Comfort, to Sport (with paddle shifters on the steering wheel) to Eco, which Mercedes says will deliver 22 percent better fuel economy. The optional Active Body Control adaptive suspension levels out the ride and virtually eliminates body roll in tight corners, heavy acceleration and braking.
All-new electric power steering delivers surprisingly nice feedback.
Front-end styling is reminiscent of earlier SLs and features the big three-pointed star. Overall styling is muscular yet refined. The elegant, luxurious cabin is just the kind of place you'd like to spend time in: roomy (for a two-seater), super-comfortable seats, rich leathers and woods, LED ambient lighting, a cool logo on the steering wheel, and an audio system that features a technology called FrontBass, which uses the new aluminum construction to bounce sound around structural cavities and emerge bigger and fuller.
As is expected with an SL, goodies abound. Buyers can choose from two roof options: the standard glass roof (previously an option) or Magic Sky Control, an electrochromic glass panel that turns opaque, or any degree of shading you want, at the touch of a button.
Magic Vision Control purports to be a better way to clean the windshield by integrating washer-fluid sprayers into the blades to avoid splashing occupants when the top is down. The blades also can warm up the washer fluid before spraying an icy windshield.
Ventilated seats circulate air through tiny holes in the heat-reflecting leather to help fend off the summer sun, but it's Airscarf that's going to tickle a passenger's fancy. Vents beneath each head restraint deliver warm air to the head, neck and shoulders and warm you like a virtual scarf (thus the name) on a chilly evening. Each seat also features individual three-stage temperature control, and airflow automatically adjusts to driving speed.
Need to pop the trunk? Wave your foot under it and there she goes -- very handy when toting all those Neiman's bags.
An electronic interface called "mbrace2" lets you lock the doors with your smartphone, find your way with Google Maps and Yelp, or get help from M-B's emergency services and expert concierges.
Safety systems abound. Optional Pre-Safe is a predictive occupant-protection system that uses sensors to detect if an accident is about to occur and tightens seatbelts, adjusts seats and closes windows. Attention Assist provides audio and visual warnings if you're drowsy, while Distronic Plus adaptive cruise uses radar to keep you from plowing into the slow guy ahead. Active Lane Keeping and Blind Spot assists keep you where you belong.
Pricing starts at $105,500, which seems entirely reasonable to own a timeless piece of automotive history.
star-telegram.com
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