Mercedes SL 600 built for speed

Pricey showpiece a turbocharged, high-tech beauty

By RUSS DEVAULT

Cox News Service

March 12, 2004

In today's marketplace, auto manufacturers are constantly debuting image-boosting "halo" vehicles intended to heighten brand identity, showroom traffic and sales. Striking examples include the Dodge Viper, BMW's M-Class cars, the Honda S2000, Subaru STi and Volkswagen Phaeton W-12.

Mercedes-Benz, meanwhile, cranks out high-end, high-performance specialty cars like M&Ms, the 2004 SL 600 a recent example. It is a V-12 hardtop roadster with speedy open-and-shut times (15 seconds to hide and 30 to go up). Top-speed potential is 188 mph, but it's limited to 155 mph in the States, with a zero to 60 mph time of 4.5 seconds, Mercedes-Benz says.

More "Test Drives" 2007 Volvo S80: Quality stays high  Mazdaspeed 3 GT: A powerful, grown-up car  Toyota Tundra: Capable, and comfortable  Full list

The V-12's twin turbochargers make the SL 600 deceptively, dangerously fast. With 493 horsepower and 590 pounds-feet of torque stylishly hidden under its projectilelike hood, the SL 600 is, as Motor Trend says, the epitome of grand touring.

The SL 600 isn't just quick and fast. It's also a high-tech showpiece that begat an interesting question while swallowed up in rush-hour traffic: As cars get smarter, do drivers get correspondingly dumber?

Then there's the matter of price. Perhaps the badging should be "$L 600" in recognition of its base price of $125,950 plus $720 delivery and $2,600 gas-guzzler tax.

Drive right up to the pump every time you go out — the SL 600 has EPA figures of 13 mpg in the city and 19 on the highway, and it demands premium fuel. Its sticker-listed estimated annual fuel cost of $1,601 is likely an understatement.

But the SL 600 is a joy to drive and not just because of its co-joined six-cylinder engines. The test car's ride had a sporty edge offset by super-comfortable and multiadjustable seats (12 ways with memory, heated and cooled).

The cabin is loaded with pluses, including a high-end stereo, a navigation system and trip computer. The audio and navigation systems respond to verbal commands.

A "smart key" feature means that when you approach the car with the key in your pocket or purse it will unlock when the handle is grasped.

To start or stop the engine, simply press the button atop the console-mounted shifter.

Options are abundant and pricey. The cruise control that will maintain a set distance from whatever has somehow gotten in front of you is $3,010, and the panorama sunroof with driver/passenger screens is $1,840.

No wonder the total for all this sophistication and status was $137,280.

Yes, we know your first house didn't cost that much. But if you've got the car, go ahead and enjoy it, because the SL 600 is a benchmark of performance, luxury and sophistication.

Specs:

Test vehicle: 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL 600 rear-drive hardtop roadster

Price as tested: $137,280 (base price: $125,950 plus $720 delivery and $2,600 gas-guzzler tax)

Drivetrain: 5.5-liter twin turbocharged aluminum V-12 engine with 36 valves (493 horsepower), five-speed automatic/touch shift transmission

Safety features: Dual front and side/head air bags, driver's knee air bag, electronic anti-lock disc brakes with assistance, electronic stability control with automatic slip control, body control active suspension, TeleAid emergency calling/communication system, steel reinforced cabin, automatic/manual pop-up rollbars, optional tire pressure monitoring system ($650)

Other standard features include: Leather and wood interior, automatic dual zone climate control system, 12-way power-adjustable heated/cooled seats with memory, six-disc CD stereo with weatherband and eight speakers, power tilt/telescope steering wheel, voice-controllable navigation/audio systems and phone, trip computer, 18-inch alloy wheels with 255/40 front and 285/35 performance tires

Other options on test vehicle: distance-controlling cruise control, $3,010; panorama roof with sunshade screens, $1,840; parking alert system, $1,060; keyless stop/go and unlock/top control system, $1,040; heated steering wheel, $410

EPA figures: 13 mpg premium unleaded city, 19 mpg highway