Skip advert
Advertisement

2001 Mercedes SL 500

Mercedes SL 500

With its long bonnet and wedge-like profile, the fourth-generation car laid the template for all SLs that have followed.

The shape still looks great today, and thanks to its exceptional build quality, the SL 500 we drove still felt as well screwed together as it did on the day it left the factory.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Acceleration is pedestrian next to the new 429bhp SL500, though, as the car’s 5.0-litre V8 delivers ‘only’ 318bhp.

This SL featured a number of innovative safety features, including a pop-up full-width rollover bar – similar to the hoops that you’ll find in more modern convertibles.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £2,306 off RRP*Used from £15,851
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £3,343 off RRP*Used from £9,595
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £7,500 off RRP*Used from £12,712
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £11,595
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Stop settling for boring SUVs and get a used executive express for less
Used executive cars - opinion

Stop settling for boring SUVs and get a used executive express for less

Content editor George Armitage thinks buying a used executive car is better value than buying a brand-new SUV for family car duties
Opinion
25 Aug 2025
The future of Skoda: CEO talks new cars and how it beat BMW
The future of Skoda

The future of Skoda: CEO talks new cars and how it beat BMW

We’re not at peak Skoda yet – a flagship electric SUV and a small hatch will soon boost the line-up explains CEO Klaus Zellmer, in a long chat with Au…
News
23 Aug 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Sporty Cupra Leon will set pulses racing at only £211 per month
Cupra Leon cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Sporty Cupra Leon will set pulses racing at only £211 per month

Our Deal of the Day for 24 August is a very affordable offer on Cupra’s fun-to-drive hatchback
News
24 Aug 2025