Mercedes

Mercedes SL 350 : First Drive

It may have been around since 2002, but few luxury cars are as desirable as Mercedes’ SL. With an elegant shape, slick electric folding roof and cultured road manners, it’s one of the best models the firm has ever produced. However, rivals such as the BMW 6-Series Convertible and Jaguar XK Convertible are giving customers reason to look elsewhere, as will Maser-ati’s GranTurismo Roadster when it arrives in 2009. So the SL has had a host of updates to keep it on the ball. The most obvious change is the nose, which takes cues from Mercedes’’ latest design direction with big headlights and an even bolder radiator grille featuring the famous badge mounted on a large horizontal bar. Bosses claim that the styling harks back to the past, too, with the bonnet power bulge and front wing air intakes inspired by the classic 1954 300 SL. At the rear, there are fresh tail-lights and sleeker bumpers. The result? Well, while the previous version was subtle, this SL is very dramatic – and to our eye, that imposing front end could be a bit too much for traditional Mercedes buyers. Inside, there’s less controversy. In come new materials and revised versions of the COMAND control system and sat-nav. As ever, it’s a sumptuous, comfortable and ergonomically sound place in which to spend time. One thing that improves comfort no end is the AIRSCARF set-up. This was first seen on the SLK, and blows warm air on to the necks of the driver and passengers, making open-top cruising in winter a more realistic experience. Another new...

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