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Summary
The Mercedes-Benz SL is a superb high-performance sports car that takes the place of what was previously considered a sporty car, and there's a big difference between sports and sporty. The 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL models are technological masterpieces dressed up as slick German roadsters. They are an affirmation of the company's dedication to maximum performance and a 50th anniversary present to the fortunate few who can afford one. The SL models have little competition in their price class other than the Jaguar XKR roadster and Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet. Assuming you can live with the small trunk, the SL is an outstanding car. It's beautiful to behold and a joy to drive.
(Source: New Cars Test Drive)
Model Line Overview
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Model Lineup:
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Mercedes-Benz SL500 ($88,500); SL55 AMG ($119,750); SL600 ($125,950) |
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Engines:
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5.5-liter supercharged sohc 24-valve V8 |
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Transmissions:
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5-speed automatic |
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Saftey Equipment (standard):
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ABS, Brake Assist, automatic slip control, electronic stability control, front and side airbags, BabySmart, automatic-adjusting head restraints, automatic pop-up roll bar, 3-point seatbelts with emergency tensioner retractors |
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Saftey Equipment (optional):
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Basic Warranty:
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4 years/50,000 miles; Roadside Assistance |
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Assembled In:
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Bremen, Germany |
Specifications As Tested
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Model Tested (MSRP):
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Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG ($119,750) |
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Standard Equipment:
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leather upholstery with wood trim, retractable hard top, wind deflector, automatic climate control, power steering, power windows with express down, power locks, active body control (ABC) suspension, anti-theft system, cruise control, fog lamps, 3-button garage door control, illuminated glovebox with climate control, xenon headlamps with heated washer/wiper, auto-dimming mirror, dual heated power outside mirrors with memory and left-side auto dimming, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, night security illumination, right footwell parcel net, 12-way power seats with memory and lumbar support, leather-trimmed steering wheel, 8-speaker Bose AM/FM/CD sound system with weatherband, Tele Aid with GPS |
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Options As Tested (MSRP):
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Motorola V60 phone ($1995), Parktronic ($1035) |
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Destination Charge:
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720 |
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Gas Guzzler Tax:
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1300 |
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Price As Tested (MSRP):
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124800 |
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Layout:
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rear-wheel drive |
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Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
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493 @ 6100 |
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Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
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516 @ 2750 |
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Transmission:
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5-speed automatic |
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EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
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14/20 |
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Wheelbase:
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100.8 |
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Length/width/height:
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178.5/72.0/51.0 |
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Track, f/r:
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61.8/61.1 |
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Turning circle:
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36.1 |
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Seating capacity:
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2 |
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Head/hip/leg room, f:
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37.7/54.0/42.9 |
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Head/hip/leg room, m:
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Head/hip/leg room, r:
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Cargo volume:
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10.2 |
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Payload:
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Towing capacity:
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Suspension, f:
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independent damper strut with triangular lower control arms, stabilizer, gas shock absorbers, coil springs |
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Suspension, r:
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independent 5-arm multi-link, stabilizer bar, gas shocks, coil springs |
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Ground clearance:
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6 |
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Curb weight:
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4235 |
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Tires:
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P255/40R18 front, P285/35R19 rear |
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Brakes, f/r:
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disc/disc electro-hydraulic with ABS, Brake Assist |
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Fuel capacity:
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21.1 |
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