SL-Class 2012 Mercedes SL (R231) - First Drives Thread
- Thread starter Merc1
- Start date
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (marketed as Mercedes-AMG SL since 2022) is a grand touring sports car manufactured by Mercedes-Benz since 1954. The designation "SL" derives from the German term "Sport-Leicht", which translates to "Sport Light" in English.
hoffmeister_fan
Kraftwagen König
still feel like this when I look at the front
LOL, poor kid.
I dunno. I think an owner of the car who's aware of details and shapes/fitments around him/her, would find it evolutionarily annoying. Every time I'd look at it, I'd want to just press on it and move it further toward the middle, lol.
To me, it brings the interior down a notch or 3. Fitment is very important. I'm aware this isn't a fit and finish or panel gap issue, but it's a "design fitment" issue, and M-B failed miserably in it.
On a good note, it wouldn't be enough to sway me away from the car probably, if I was an interested buyer in one.
To me, it brings the interior down a notch or 3. Fitment is very important. I'm aware this isn't a fit and finish or panel gap issue, but it's a "design fitment" issue, and M-B failed miserably in it.
On a good note, it wouldn't be enough to sway me away from the car probably, if I was an interested buyer in one.
hoffmeister_fan
Kraftwagen König
^^^Same here.
The only way I could see M-B having the screen centered is if they shrunk the middle vents in order to move it closer towards the driver. Otherwise the vent closer to the driver will encroach on the gauge clusters. And even if they were to shrink the vents, it would look odd and would be too close to the driver. I think the designers and engineers ended up choosing the best option.
Also, I thought those screens between the vents and the screen were speakers.
The only way I could see M-B having the screen centered is if they shrunk the middle vents in order to move it closer towards the driver. Otherwise the vent closer to the driver will encroach on the gauge clusters. And even if they were to shrink the vents, it would look odd and would be too close to the driver. I think the designers and engineers ended up choosing the best option.
Also, I thought those screens between the vents and the screen were speakers.
deity
Highway Hunter
The off-center screen is perhaps most noticeably off-center when viewed with an angle that's above or in the smack middle of the car. When you're actually seated, you look at the screen and its a lot less obvious (and not irritating at all). I was in the SLK a while ago, and even though the screen in that is even more asymmetrical, it was pretty irrelevant in my view of the car.
Merc1
Premium
Car Enthusiast - | First Drive | Marbella, Spain | Mercedes-Benz SL |
The metal here is aluminium, Mercedes-Benz using it almost exclusively in the SL's construction to achieve the combined goals of improved performance, greater economy and increased strength. It's worked too looking at the SL's impressive stats. What's not so immediately impressive though is the SL's shape. From some angles it's chiselled and assertive, while from others it looks a bit amorphous - the rear wings being rather shapeless. It's definitely a car of two halves, the front being sharp, the back less so. That's more pronounced when the roof is down, the SL's shape arguably more cohesive as a whole when the folding roof is up. That top can be had in a standard painted finish, with panoramic glass or panoramic with Magic Sky Control - glass that can be darkened.
Inside it's business as usual for Mercedes-Benz, with familiar finishes and controls, all beautifully built and sensibly laid out. The Comand system containing entertainment, satnav and car settings is now connected to the internet, which Mercedes has developed apps for.
The SL has always been an adept all-rounder and the new car is no different. As standard it comes with semi-active adjustable suspension, though it can be specified with ABC (Active Body Control) air suspension and additionally with sports suspension and the AMG Sports Package. It rides beautifully in any configuration - the standard set up certainly no poor relation to the ABC system - the SL's ability to smother poor surfaces being very impressive. Some of that is admittedly at the expense of control, the SL never feeling roll-free or settled in faster bends as its more sporting rivals - nor is the steering particularly rich on information. That trade off is arguably worth it for the SL's intended audience, who are more likely to covet the SL's supple ride rather than outright agility.
The twin-turbo V8's ability to accelerate the SL 500 to 62mph in just 4.6 seconds is almost incidental then, as buyers are unlikely ever to be mashing the pedal to the floor and seeking out a testing road. No, the engine's mighty torque, combined with a relatively lazy seven-speed automatic, means you can waft around commandingly in your SL assured that you've the firepower to swiftly escape the riff-raff at the traffic lights. You might just want to extend that V8 up into its upper reaches once in a while though, just to hear it. From its near silent idle the 4.7-litre V8 finds its voice at the upper revs, with a classic V8 roar enhanced by a delightfully guttural exhaust note.
Roof up or down overall refinement levels are high. It's relatively draught free with the roof down and coupé-quiet with it up. It all adds to the SL's ability as an accomplished all-rounder, it both an impressive GT car with some sporting ability in reserve.
In standard guise you get that semi-active suspension, Comand with internet access, a leather interior, gearshift paddles, climate control, cruise control and all the highly clever safety equipment you'd expect from a 'Benz. SL debuts include Magic Vision Control - a neat wash-wipe system that applies fluid directly before the sweep of the wiper blade - and a hands-free boot access system using a foot movement in the vicinity of the rear bumper. UK pricing and equipment levels haven't been finalised yet, but if recent form is followed expect the new car to cost the same as the outgoing model yet come with significantly enhanced specification.
Summary
The Mercedes-Benz SL remains true to its recent history as a hugely capable roadster combining GT elements with enough sporting ability to keep all but its most focused rivals honest. As a package it's difficult to fault, being fast, economical and capable, though for all its talent it does lack that final frisson of excitement delivered by much of its competition. Despite that it's a car that's impossible not to admire - and largely in a class of its very own.
Car reviews | Mercedes-Benz SL | First drive: Mercedes-Benz SL | by Car Enthusiast
M
The metal here is aluminium, Mercedes-Benz using it almost exclusively in the SL's construction to achieve the combined goals of improved performance, greater economy and increased strength. It's worked too looking at the SL's impressive stats. What's not so immediately impressive though is the SL's shape. From some angles it's chiselled and assertive, while from others it looks a bit amorphous - the rear wings being rather shapeless. It's definitely a car of two halves, the front being sharp, the back less so. That's more pronounced when the roof is down, the SL's shape arguably more cohesive as a whole when the folding roof is up. That top can be had in a standard painted finish, with panoramic glass or panoramic with Magic Sky Control - glass that can be darkened.
Inside it's business as usual for Mercedes-Benz, with familiar finishes and controls, all beautifully built and sensibly laid out. The Comand system containing entertainment, satnav and car settings is now connected to the internet, which Mercedes has developed apps for.
The SL has always been an adept all-rounder and the new car is no different. As standard it comes with semi-active adjustable suspension, though it can be specified with ABC (Active Body Control) air suspension and additionally with sports suspension and the AMG Sports Package. It rides beautifully in any configuration - the standard set up certainly no poor relation to the ABC system - the SL's ability to smother poor surfaces being very impressive. Some of that is admittedly at the expense of control, the SL never feeling roll-free or settled in faster bends as its more sporting rivals - nor is the steering particularly rich on information. That trade off is arguably worth it for the SL's intended audience, who are more likely to covet the SL's supple ride rather than outright agility.
The twin-turbo V8's ability to accelerate the SL 500 to 62mph in just 4.6 seconds is almost incidental then, as buyers are unlikely ever to be mashing the pedal to the floor and seeking out a testing road. No, the engine's mighty torque, combined with a relatively lazy seven-speed automatic, means you can waft around commandingly in your SL assured that you've the firepower to swiftly escape the riff-raff at the traffic lights. You might just want to extend that V8 up into its upper reaches once in a while though, just to hear it. From its near silent idle the 4.7-litre V8 finds its voice at the upper revs, with a classic V8 roar enhanced by a delightfully guttural exhaust note.
Roof up or down overall refinement levels are high. It's relatively draught free with the roof down and coupé-quiet with it up. It all adds to the SL's ability as an accomplished all-rounder, it both an impressive GT car with some sporting ability in reserve.
In standard guise you get that semi-active suspension, Comand with internet access, a leather interior, gearshift paddles, climate control, cruise control and all the highly clever safety equipment you'd expect from a 'Benz. SL debuts include Magic Vision Control - a neat wash-wipe system that applies fluid directly before the sweep of the wiper blade - and a hands-free boot access system using a foot movement in the vicinity of the rear bumper. UK pricing and equipment levels haven't been finalised yet, but if recent form is followed expect the new car to cost the same as the outgoing model yet come with significantly enhanced specification.
Summary
The Mercedes-Benz SL remains true to its recent history as a hugely capable roadster combining GT elements with enough sporting ability to keep all but its most focused rivals honest. As a package it's difficult to fault, being fast, economical and capable, though for all its talent it does lack that final frisson of excitement delivered by much of its competition. Despite that it's a car that's impossible not to admire - and largely in a class of its very own.
Car reviews | Mercedes-Benz SL | First drive: Mercedes-Benz SL | by Car Enthusiast
M
tristatez28lt1
Tire Trailblazer
For the Dutch? among us 
Looks like a very nice review with the old and new one present.
[video=youtube_share;0bePaJWm6JA]http://youtu.be/0bePaJWm6JA[/media]
Looks like a very nice review with the old and new one present.
[video=youtube_share;0bePaJWm6JA]http://youtu.be/0bePaJWm6JA[/media]
-=Hot|Ice=-
High-Rev Hero
hoffmeister_fan
Kraftwagen König
Ah yes, the original SL....what a classy beaut.
klier
Premium
For the Dutch? among us
Here, in short, without the facts we already know:
- SL 500 125 kg lighter than it's predecessor, SL 350 140 kg lighter (because of the alu instead of steal). The steering is more direct and the controls are 'sensitive'
- The driver thinks the standard platform is not really noteworthy (?), but he quite likes the one fitted with the ABC system. Keeps the car very level in corners, and it's quite dynamic. But don't think it's a sportscar. The car is mainly made for comfy cruising.
- The SL 500 engine fits the character of the car perfectly
- materials are EXTREMELY high quality
- The guy really likes the new wipers
- SL: effordless and exactly like it is supposed to be
-=Hot|Ice=-
High-Rev Hero
I keep getting beat to the juicy stuff! This is not fair!
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Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz Group AG is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany.
Established in 1926, Mercedes-Benz Group produces consumer luxury
vehicles and light commercial vehicles badged as Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG,
and Mercedes-Maybach.
Its origin lies in Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft's 1901 Mercedes
and Carl Benz's 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, which is widely regarded
as the first internal combustion engine in a self-propelled automobile.
The slogan for the brand is "the best or nothing".
Official website: Mercedes-Benz (Global), Mercedes-Benz (USA)
Official website: Mercedes-Benz (Global), Mercedes-Benz (USA)
