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Mercedes SL600

No matter what you are used to driving, nothing prepares you for Mercedes' latest autobahn crusher. The SL is one of the finest cars in the world, and now, with the S-Class's bi-turbo V12 under the bonnet, it is literally breathtaking.

By Chris Thorp

July 2003

No matter what you are used to driving, nothing prepares you for Mercedes' latest autobahn crusher. The SL is one of the finest cars in the world, and now, with the S-Class's bi-turbo V12 under the bonnet, it is literally breathtaking.

Start up the SL600 and the dozen cylinders burst into life before settling to a near-silent idle. Dawdle around town, or use only the first two inches of throttle pedal travel, and the SL is as tame as a pampered poodle. But bury the accelerator into the carpet and the standard-fit traction control is called upon to curb the inevitable wheelspin. Once the enormous tyres bite, be prepared for brutal acceleration.

Getting from 0-60mph takes only 4.7 seconds, but it's in the mid-range where this flagship model will leave virtually any other car floundering in its wake. Key to the SL's new-found grunt is the 5.5-litre bi-turbo V12 unit, which delivers 500bhp and 800Nm of torque - that's 23 per cent more pulling power than the McLaren F1.

Fantastic
Top speed is electronically limited to 155mph, and European test drivers have shown that that it's possible to reach more than twice the UK motorway speed limit in 20 seconds. OK, so there are faster two-seat convertibles available, but there's none with the all-round abilities of the SL. Fantastic cruising comfort, luxury and fine handling combine with the V12 power to create one of the greatest money-no-object long-distance supercars.

The list price for the generously equipped SL600 is ΂£95,440, making the car ΂£25,825 more expensive than an SL500, and ΂£4,095 dearer than the supercharged SL55 version - so is it worth the extra money?

On the UK's crowded roads, the V8-powered SL500 is fast enough for most drivers, but the 600 offers the kind of performance normally associated with supercars costing at least ΂£150,000. The SL might not have the best packaging, nor does it deliver the kind of thrilling handling offered by a Ferrari, but it looks stunning and is difficult to better for straight-line speed.

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FIRST OPINION

    Push the SL600's throttle to the floor and you'll never think about acceleration in the same way again. The shove in the back from the bi-turbo V12 is phenomenal and, coupled with the other talents of the SL, makes the flagship roadster one of the most desirable cars we have driven.
 

AT A GLANCE

    Range-topping Mercedes SL roadster on sale in the UK now
    Twin-turbocharged V12 engine is also used in CL-Class models
     
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