Mercedes-Benz cars have a huge desirability factor but probably the model that most of us would want to own, if we won the Lotto or came into money from an elderly relative, is the SL500, writes Andrew Hamilton...............................
It had its Irish launch last week and 50 to 60 Irish people will be enjoying its charms during the rest of this year, not intimidated by the ex-works price of €145,235.
Money is absolutely no obstacle here. Matt Fagan, the managing director of Mercedes-Benz, says there is a long waiting list that exceeds two years. "The SL is the car that is classically Mercedes-Benz. Even the old models have enormous appeal.
People with an old SL realise that they have something that is an appreciating asset which is unusual in the car business." The SL predictably has stunning looks. It comes with a vario roof that transforms it from coupe to open top roadster in 16 seconds. This fifth-generation model is the first all new SL since 1989 and Mercedes claims it is the most advanced and sporty ever.
Merc's designers have delved deep into the SL's rich history-stretching back half a century-to revisit styling cues from past models. The new car is peppered with classic elements, such as chromed air intake "gills" mounted in the wings which hark back to the 1950s 300SL.
The SL uses a revised version of the 50 litreV8 Mercedes-Benz engine and it produces 308bhp at 5,600rpm. It should accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155mph.
But it isn't only the go-faster credentials that give the SL its allure. Sufficient new technology is packed into the car to justify the Mercedes claim that it is the most advanced roadster in the world.
It's the first-ever production car to use brake-by-wire technology, dubbed Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC). The pedal is linked to a conventional brake system by electronics. A computer monitors the speed and pressure at which the drivers hits the pedal, and brakes each wheel individually.
The SBC is set-up is so intelligent it even applies light braking pressure when the owner is driving in the rain so that water can be removed from the discs and wet-weather braking improved.
THE new folding hard-top system does not impinge so much on boot space: the roof-up capacity of 288 litres is 23 litres bigger than old car. Even with the roof stowed, 206 litres is available.
In the cabin leather, fine wood and aluminium are the materials used to guarantee SL exclusivity. Customers can pick two types of leather, four high-quality trims and five interior colours.
For Matt Fagan, the SL badge is one the most famous in the history of Mercedes-Benz. "The new car continues the legend. There is enough power to make it hugely sporty but a lot of our buyers will just want it for opening the roof and cruising around." SL 55AMG and 350 versions will follow later this year, extending the car's appeal further.