The Mercedes-Benz SL roadster has always been synonymous with luxury and open-top driving pleasure. To truly understand what it’s like to live with such an icon, we embarked on a long-term test with the Mercedes-Benz SL400 roadster. This isn’t just about a fleeting drive; it’s about experiencing the day-to-day realities, the indulgences, and the occasional frustrations of owning a high-end sports convertible. Is the SL400 simply about hedonism, or is there a deeper appeal behind this legendary nameplate that spans over six decades? Let’s delve into our four-month journey with this $240,000 beauty.
The model we tested was the freshly facelifted SL400, a recipient of a significant heart transplant under the hood. In line with Mercedes-Benz’s modern nomenclature, which sometimes playfully deviates from engine size-to-badge number correlation, the SL400 boasts a new 3.0-litre direct-injection V6 engine. This powerplant is twin-turbocharged to deliver a robust 245kW of power and a substantial 480Nm of torque, the latter readily available from a low 1600rpm. In an era where performance and fuel efficiency are increasingly intertwined, the Mercedes-Benz SL400 promises to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in a brisk 5.2 seconds while sipping a claimed 7.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
However, achieving that official fuel consumption figure proved to be a challenge in real-world driving. My daily commute, albeit short at just 4km, in 2015-spec traffic conditions, yielded an average closer to 20L/100km. This might seem alarming, but considering the stop-and-go nature of the commute, with numerous accelerations and decelerations within a 12-minute timeframe, it’s perhaps less surprising. Longer freeway stretches, such as airport runs to collect family members, painted a slightly more economical picture. The trip computer then reported a more palatable 10.9L/100km, though still significantly above the claimed combined figure. Over the initial weeks and 454km of our test, the average fuel consumption settled at a mediocre 11.9L/100km. A planned longer trip to Phillip Island was anticipated to provide the SL400 with an opportunity to showcase its long-distance cruising capabilities and hopefully balance out the predominantly urban fuel economy average.
It’s worth acknowledging that some of the SL400’s thirst can be attributed to the engine’s inherently engaging nature. The V6 is a true performer and possesses a pleasing soundtrack. It emits a deep, resonant rumble, akin to a distant earthquake, with a satisfying thrum and boom. In Sport mode, there’s even a deliberate cackle upon lifting off the throttle, a subtle but appreciated auditory treat for driving enthusiasts.
The Mercedes-Benz SL400 is positioned as the ‘entry-level’ model in the SL range. It sits at the base of a price ladder that culminates with the formidable twin-turbocharged V12 Mercedes-AMG SL65, priced at a staggering $481,000. The SL400’s starting price of $229,000, while still substantial, is less than half that of its top-tier sibling. While the performance gap between the two is considerable, the visual distinctions are less pronounced. It appears that even those seeking the more ‘affordable’ end of the SL spectrum still desire to make a visual statement while enjoying wind-in-hair motoring.
Our test car was further enhanced with the optional $9,000 Designo package. This added AMG styling elements, upgraded 19-inch alloy wheels, and a luxurious black and white leather interior. The interior colour scheme, perhaps unintentionally, subtly signaled my support for the Collingwood Magpies Australian Football League team to fellow motorists.
Despite the sporty 19-inch wheels, the Mercedes-Benz SL400 delivered a commendable ride quality, at least on well-maintained roads. Some minor shudder was noticeable over road joins, particularly with the roof lowered, but it was fleeting and significantly improved compared to previous SL generations, some of which tipped the scales at over two tonnes. This significantly lighter 1655kg model felt considerably more composed and planted on the road.
The steering was a pleasant surprise, exhibiting a quick and responsive nature that encouraged the large roadster to pivot into corners with agility. This sensation was further amplified by the driver’s seating position, set far back within the wheelbase. While outright road feel wasn’t abundant, engaging with the front end proved challenging in the stop-start environment of school zones and shopping centers. The anticipation for more open roads and engaging driving scenarios was building.
For someone who has traditionally struggled to fully embrace the convertible allure, especially in a sun-drenched climate like Australia, the SL400 presented a personal challenge. The intensity of the summer sun often felt too harsh, even for a well-protected scalp. However, in the spirit of thorough testing, the commitment was made to experience top-down driving as frequently as possible. Furthermore, driving a quarter-million-dollar roadster around town with the roof down, particularly during peak hour, initially induced a sense of self-consciousness, a feeling of being overly conspicuous. The question lingered: could the Mercedes-Benz SL400 alter these perceptions?
Roofless Thunder: Embracing the Convertible Experience
With the folding hardtop neatly stowed away, the opportunity to fully appreciate the SL400’s internal combustion soundtrack became readily available. The twin-turbo V6 engine diligently strives to strike a harmonious balance between sporty aggression and luxurious refinement, and largely succeeds in this endeavor.
However, the SL400’s auditory experience is a world away from the raw, visceral thrill of a high-performance motorcycle like the Kawasaki ZX-9R I once owned. Modifying that sports bike with an aftermarket exhaust unleashed a characterful and louder note, without being excessive, accompanied by an exhilarating crackle, pop, and burble on deceleration. This auditory enhancement elevated the enjoyment of the motorcycle to new heights, and for me, the enhanced soundtrack alone justified the expense.
While a more evocative exhaust note is available for the Mercedes-Benz SL, it comes with the premium price tag associated with AMG models.
Update #2: Everyday Realities and Minor Annoyances
Surprisingly, doors became an unexpected point of contention during the SL400 ownership experience. The concept of opening a door, entering, and closing it seems fundamentally simple, a task mastered over decades. However, the SL’s long doors necessitate a considerable amount of clearance to open fully, often more than available in typical parking scenarios. This frequently resulted in a somewhat undignified contortion act to extract oneself from the vehicle.
Scuff marks on the lower door panels serve as testament to less-than-graceful exits, as legs were swung far back to find the widest point of door aperture. In tight parking spaces, the instinct to avoid damaging neighboring cars often led to fingers being placed precariously between the SL’s door edge and the adjacent vehicle. The tighter the parking space, the greater the finger squeeze – rarely an elegant maneuver.
Only in my own driveway or kerbside parking spots was effortless egress consistently assured. Elsewhere, compromised parking space widths, typical of Australian parking standards, often presented a challenge. The SL ownership experience unexpectedly illuminated why affluent individuals might embrace yoga for improved flexibility and spatial awareness.
Another minor inconvenience emerged with the operation of the retractable hardtop. Despite Mercedes-Benz’s claim that the roof can be operated at speeds up to 15km/h, real-world experience suggested a lower threshold, closer to 10km/h. This meant initiating the roof operation became a mandatory part of the starting procedure, occurring immediately after buckling the seatbelt and pressing the starter button. The 15-second roof operation time, while brief, felt surprisingly protracted.
The feeling of being ‘on display’ while the roof performed its intricate origami-like folding sequence in public was also noticeable. Furthermore, the roof operation switch occupies the left hand, precluding simultaneous operation of navigation, radio tuning, or gear lever engagement. Admittedly, these are quintessential ‘First World problems’.
While these might seem like minor complaints, the cumulative effect of these small delays and adjustments was surprisingly noticeable. In an age of instant gratification and constant connectivity, even 30 seconds of enforced inactivity can feel like an eternity.
Farewell: Reflecting on Value and Indulgence
Our resident pragmatist, John Carey, often invokes the law of diminishing returns, arguing that value doesn’t necessarily scale linearly with price, particularly during our annual Car of the Year testing. The core argument posits that a $100,000 car isn’t simply twice as good as a $50,000 car. Superficially, this logic holds: a more expensive sedan won’t necessarily carry twice the passengers, accelerate twice as fast, or travel twice the distance on the same amount of fuel.
However, this simplistic analysis overlooks the complexities of automotive value. Is 2m² twice the size of 1m²? No, it’s actually four times larger. Similarly, in cars, value isn’t solely determined by quantifiable metrics. To argue that luxury or sports cars inherently represent poor value is a flawed perspective. In fact, for their intended owners, they often represent exceptional value.
Yes, I am about to argue that a $238,500 Mercedes-Benz SL400 can indeed represent good value.
Consider the subtle yet luxurious indirect red ambient lighting that gently illuminates the cabin at night. Or the intelligent transmission feature that automatically engages park when a door is opened. The door pockets, perhaps contributing to their generous length, are even sized to accommodate umbrellas.
The SL400 also incorporates numerous roadster-specific value-added features, most notably the electric retracting hardtop. While essential for a roadster, the engineering and design effort required to stow this roof while minimizing boot space intrusion shouldn’t be underestimated.
The boot’s hands-free kick-to-open (and kick-to-close) feature, while occasionally inducing a slightly awkward ‘one-legged activation dance’, proves undeniably convenient when hands are full. The front seats offer both heating and cooling functions, along with integrated air vents to warm the neck on cooler open-top drives. The leather upholstery is designed to partially reflect solar heat, a welcome feature in the Australian climate. A convenient master window switch allows simultaneous raising or lowering of all four windows.
The acoustically optimized voice-control entertainment system and advanced driver-assistance technologies represent significant research and development investments. How do we quantify the value of a quieter cabin, a more refined ride, effortless acceleration, and that pleasing exhaust note?
The Mercedes-Benz SL400 is undoubtedly not seven times the car of a well-equipped Mazda 3, but its comprehensive feature list and refined driving experience could arguably justify such a multiple in terms of ‘true’ equipment and engineering value.
Those who adhere strictly to the law of diminishing returns may never perceive financial value in luxury vehicles like the SL roadster. However, for the fortunate few who can afford it, the SL’s value transcends mere economics. It lies in the accumulation of thoughtful, meticulously engineered features that subtly yet tangibly enhance the ownership experience.
And, let’s not overlook the undeniable ego factor. Prestige and status are central to the Mercedes-Benz brand, and no model embodies this more effectively than the indulgent and decadent SL roadster.
Beneath the veneer of luxury and status, the SL400 remains an impressively capable and invigorating driving machine. It offers a beautiful ride, a satisfyingly meaty engine note, effortless performance, and agile, precise steering. All while pampering occupants in a manner few other cars can match.
While it possesses a few minor quirks, as detailed in previous reports, none significantly detract from the overall ownership experience.
So, the ultimate question: would I personally buy a Mercedes-Benz SL400? Perhaps not. My personal automotive preferences lean towards outright performance over pure panache. However, for those who prioritize a more relaxed pace and seek a motoring experience that is more sumptuous than simply speedy, the SL400 is definitely worth considering.
You’ll likely fall in love with it.
Glenn Butler
