2008 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Review Summaries

What reviewers liked most about the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class:

Mercedes has stretched the wheelbase by 1.8 inch, widened the car to carve out some more interior space and then filled it with two seats and a luggage section.

-- AutoWeek

The power roof -- in standard metal or, optionally, glass-topped -- is one of the two big techno toys that Mercedes brags about in this car...it powers up or down in about 16 seconds.

-- AutoWeek

It features drop-dead styling, with sleek bodywork flowing rearward from the headlights as if organically and exquisitely shaped by Mother Nature.

-- MSN Autos

Today we have the safest, quickest, flattest-handling and prettiest SL-Class cars in half a century.

-- New Car Test Drive

The lack of body roll while cornering hard in the new SL is eerie, especially when you realize it's a computer managing the lean, not conventional anti-roll bars. But it works very well, delivering a comfortably compliant ride and remarkably composed cornering, all complemented by a new slightly quicker steering rack.

-- Road & Track

Seductive style, quick-folding retractable hardtop, powerful V8 and V12 engines, impressive handling doesn't come at the detriment of ride quality.

-- Edmunds.com

What reviewers liked least about the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class:

It is heavy for a "sports car," fussy audio and navigation controls, and limited cargo capacity.

-- Edmunds.com

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Comparisons:

The SL600 trumps the SL55 AMG, even though the AMG edition weighs in a tad lighter (4411 pounds), packs the same horsepower (493), and is the designated SL family hot rod.

-- Car and Driver