Perhaps we’ve become accustomed to driving exceptional vehicles, but our initial encounter with the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550 left us somewhat underwhelmed. Following in the footsteps of cars like the Maserati GranTurismo and the BMW M6, and with a preference for more compact and agile sports cars, the SL550 initially seemed less exciting. However, the SL550 gradually won us over with its confident handling on winding mountain roads and its undeniably striking appearance, especially with the sun shining brightly and a scenic ocean backdrop.
We also anticipated being disappointed by the car’s in-cabin technology, particularly upon seeing the classic Mercedes-Benz interface – a plastic ‘OK’ button encircled by four directional buttons. Yet, delving deeper into the system revealed a suite of modern electronics concealed beneath this somewhat dated facade. These included a hard drive-based navigation system, seamless iPod integration, and Bluetooth cell phone connectivity.
Navigation System Tech Test: SL550 vs. The Portable GPS Units
To thoroughly evaluate the updated navigation system in the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550, we conducted a comparative test against two leading portable GPS devices: the Garmin Nuvi 880 and the TomTom Go 930. Automakers often face challenges in keeping pace with consumer electronics companies due to differing product development cycles. A car model might remain in production for five years before a significant update, whereas a portable GPS unit can be superseded by a newer model within months. Despite the system in the SL550 being considered ‘new’ for its time, the car’s development cycle meant it was already a couple of years in the making. We initially expected the Nuvi 880 to easily outperform the Mercedes-Benz system.
Route Mapping and Graphics
Our first test involved using the map input function to select a location on one of our preferred driving roads, Highway 9, leading from Skyline down to Santa Cruz. On the SL550’s system, we activated map-entry mode and used the directional buttons to navigate the map southward and westward from our current location. The large screen proved advantageous, providing a clear view of our scrolling path, and the hard drive ensured swift map refreshing, eliminating any frustrating wait times for redrawing. The Nuvi 880, with its touchscreen interface, required continuous dragging southward and westward. Its smaller screen made this task more cumbersome, though it also refreshed quickly. In this aspect, the Mercedes-Benz system held a clear advantage.
The route calculation for this straightforward path was marginally faster on the Mercedes-Benz system compared to the Nuvi 880. Both devices offered effective graphics for displaying upcoming turns. However, the Nuvi 880 excelled by providing street names in voice prompts and indicating the mileage to the next turn – features absent in the SL550. We favored the text-to-speech capability of the Nuvi 880, giving it an edge in route guidance.
Points of Interest Database
We then tested the points-of-interest (POI) databases of both systems. It quickly became apparent that the Nuvi 880 boasted a more comprehensive database than the SL550. For instance, locating a Home Depot hardware store was simple with the Garmin, while the SL550 lacked comprehensive shopping locations. For lunch, we opted for a local fast-food restaurant, which both systems successfully located. Although each system calculated slightly different routes, the core functionality was comparable. However, the Nuvi 880’s larger POI database gave it a further advantage.
Tri-Navigation Challenge
For our final test, we introduced a third navigation system, the TomTom Go 930, which we happened to have available. With all three systems running simultaneously, we programmed the address for CNET headquarters. Address entry was most efficient with the SL550’s system, thanks to its predictive text entry feature, which was absent in both the Garmin and TomTom. The Garmin provided the most optimistic estimated time of arrival (ETA), while the TomTom predicted a longer journey. However, none of the ETAs proved accurate due to significant traffic congestion encountered upon reaching San Francisco. Both the TomTom and Garmin offered traffic information capabilities (though not connected during this test), a feature lacking in the SL550, thus favoring the portable devices.
In terms of performance and interface usability, the SL550 system demonstrated a clear advantage. However, the portable systems offered additional benefits such as broader points of interest, traffic updates, and text-to-speech functionality. Route guidance remained largely comparable across all systems.
Cabin Tech and Interior Experience
The cabin of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550, with its white leather upholstery and wood trim, exudes a luxurious ambiance. However, the plastic switchgear for the cabin electronics and the somewhat cheap feel of the climate controls were unexpected and slightly disappointing in a vehicle of this caliber. Our test car was equipped with Mercedes-Benz’s Air Scarf system, designed to blow warm air around the neck, enabling top-down driving in cooler weather. However, it seemed less effective compared to the same system in the Mercedes-Benz SLK350 we had previously tested, possibly due to differences in cabin configuration.
Similarly, our SL550 included massage seats, which provided a basic pulsating lumbar support. The massage seats in the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG offered a far superior experience. The retractable hardtop is a desirable feature, although it does compromise trunk space. A roll bar is also present, which can be raised when the top is down. Our model had a mesh windscreen attached to it, but its limited visibility led us to keep the roll bar lowered, prioritizing safety over its potential benefits.
As previously mentioned, the navigation system features improved map resolution compared to earlier Mercedes-Benz iterations. Beyond this, the system is functional but lacks advanced features such as multiple waypoints, traffic updates, or a comprehensive points-of-interest database.
Despite having a hard drive-based navigation, the audio system surprisingly lacked onboard music storage or CD ripping capabilities. This omission might have been specific to our pre-production test vehicle. For music sources, the car offered a six-disc CD changer compatible with MP3 CDs, Sirius satellite radio, and comprehensive iPod integration. An SD card slot was also located above the CD slot. Like in other vehicles with similar audio source options, we favored iPod integration for its superior music selection flexibility compared to CDs or SD cards.
The Harmon Kardon Logic 7 sound system delivered exceptional audio quality. It provided excellent instrument separation, richness, and texture to the sound. While seemingly minimal for a high-end audio system, the eight speakers, including a center fill and subwoofer, were more than adequate for the two-seater cabin.
The final notable piece of cabin technology is the adaptive cruise control. Testing it at 75 mph on the freeway, the SL550 effectively adjusted to slower traffic, maintaining speed and a consistent following distance. The system responded well to vehicles cutting in front, preventing the need for manual braking. However, adjusting the following distance proved challenging, with the system seemingly defaulting to approximately 100 feet, which felt somewhat short at highway speeds.
Performance and Under-the-Hood Dynamics
Our initial drives in the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550 suggested a focus on luxury ride quality over outright sports car performance. However, this impression was dispelled as we pushed the car harder on winding roads. The SL550 is equipped with Mercedes-Benz’s Active Body Control (ABC) system, which utilizes hydraulics to reduce body roll by a standard 68 percent. In Sport mode, this reduction increases to an impressive 95 percent. The car’s stability during cornering was palpable, with the body remaining remarkably level even during aggressive turns. This system also mitigates dive and squat, preventing front-wheel lift under hard acceleration. While ABC may temper some of the raw excitement, the enhanced control and stability are valuable trade-offs.
The 5.5-liter V-8 engine, a staple in Mercedes-Benz’s larger models since its introduction in the S-Class, delivers 382 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 391 pound-feet of torque between 2,800 and 4,000 rpm. This power propels the SL550 from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 5.1 seconds, with a top speed limited to 155 mph. The engine’s responsiveness and power were readily accessible, allowing the roadster to accelerate rapidly.
The engine is paired with Mercedes-Benz’s prevalent seven-speed automatic transmission. Extensive refinement has made this transmission perform remarkably close to a manual gearbox. A button on the gear selector allows toggling between Comfort, Sport, and Manual modes. Comfort mode is predictably subdued, while Sport mode initiates more aggressive downshifts and maintains higher RPMs through corners. We quickly learned to exploit the transmission’s capabilities by applying ample braking before corners to trigger downshifts, then applying throttle on corner exit to hold lower gears. In manual mode, the transmission shifts promptly and holds the selected gear. Gear changes can be executed via the shifter or steering wheel-mounted paddles (right for upshifts, left for downshifts). While not entirely F1-style and slightly cumbersome during sharp turns, pre-corner gear selection is recommended.
Considering the engine’s size, we anticipated poor fuel economy. However, our average of 17.4 mpg in mixed city and freeway driving was within the EPA range of 13 mpg city and 21 mpg highway. While not exceptional, these figures are reasonable for a vehicle with such a large engine. The emissions rating was unavailable at the time of this review.
Final Verdict
The base price for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550 was $96,775, positioning it among the more expensive roadsters available. Our test vehicle included the $3,750 Premium package (Air Scarf and massaging seats), the $1,950 SL wheel package (AMG-style wheels and sport steering wheel), and adaptive cruise control for $2,230. The total MSRP, excluding destination charges, reached $104,705. This is a significant investment for a two-seater, albeit a stylish convertible. While luggage space is limited, compartments behind the seats add a degree of practicality.
The SL550 achieves a moderate score in cabin technology. The stereo system is commendable, supporting various audio sources. Navigation is functional but lacks advanced features, while the phone system is modern and effective. Adaptive cruise control is a valuable addition. Performance is excellent, enhanced by active suspension and a responsive transmission, though fuel economy is a drawback. Design is a mixed bag – the car is visually appealing, but the electronics interface is subpar, and space constraints are a consideration. For the same price, one could acquire multiple convertible Audi TTs, accommodating more passengers and potentially offering greater driving enjoyment.
