test drive Mercedes SL 500: modern classics
Test Drive

test drive Mercedes SL 500: modern classics

Mercedes SL 500: a modern classic

The 500 version of the Mercedes SL combines dynamism with sportiness in an impressive way.

For decades, the SL has played a special role in the Mercedes lineup - and this is not surprising, given the fact that each of its generations, since the 50s, has consistently become a classic. That is why the work on each next generation is marked by a huge responsibility - to create a worthy heir to a hereditary legend is one of the most difficult tasks facing the designers and constructors of an automobile company. Some say the styling of the current model is more understated and simple than it would be for one of the top models in a manufacturer's range like Mercedes, which goes a bit beyond the design idea, while others say the SL's character is retained that way. so it should be, and this is the most important thing for this model. And if, according to the first field of discussion, it still exists, then the truth of the second statement is beyond doubt.

When it was launched more than 60 years ago, the SL was one of the most racially and technologically advanced sports cars on the planet, while its successors focused mainly on timeless style and comfort, and it was only in the R230 generation that sportiness regained an important role. in model concept. ... Today, SL is an impressively talented combination of both.

The best of both worlds?

In particular, the version of the SL 500 with a 4,7-liter eight-cylinder engine and increased power to 455 horsepower, meanwhile, brilliantly demonstrates how well the employees of Mercedes have coped with the very simple gap between sporting achievements and proper comfort. Behind the long and pleasantly sturdy doors, a cozy ambiance typical of Mercedes awaits you, marked by a host of amenities, high-quality materials and workmanship, as well as some special ergonomic solutions. The position on the adjustable seats in almost all possible directions is very comfortable and offers an impressive view of the SL's stretched torpedo. Along with the peace of mind that is more or less expected from a classic representative of the brand, there are other feelings of peace here. The three-lever steering wheel, the transmission control lever, the graphics of the control instruments - a number of elements create an expectation that after starting the engine a lot will change. And pressing the start button and the subsequent throaty growl from the exhaust system only confirms this expectation.

Perhaps an important clarification should be made here. Yes, the SL 500 pleases its owners with great driving comfort. In addition, the sound insulation of the cabin is excellent and with a relatively moderate driving style, the sound from the engine remains in the background, and the transmission does its job not only competently, but almost imperceptibly. In short, traveling with this car is as pleasant and effortless as befits the character of the SL. But it's good to keep one thing in mind - simply because, as calm as this car's mannerisms are, landing 455 horsepower 700 Newton meters on the wheels of the rear axle cannot but lead to some peculiar consequences.

As long as the tires on the rear provide enough grip, the 1,8-tonne SL 500 accelerates like a dragster with every serious acceleration. And since we mentioned the word traction, it is worth noting that, given the parameters of the eight-cylinder unit, it is good to be careful with the right foot, since unreasonable dosing of traction transmitted to the drive axle is directly proportional to the dance from behind. Skillful safety systems manage to keep this trend within safe and reasonable limits in most cases, but nevertheless, the SL 500 is one of those machines in which disregarding the laws of physics is especially impractical. And a modern classic certainly deserves something better than unwanted pirouettes on the road or on the road. However, the SL, even at its sportiest, always wants to be a gentleman, not a bully.

Text: Bozhan Boshnakov

Photo: Miroslav Nikolov

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