When Mercedes launched its sixth generation of S-Class, the least we can say is that it was noticed ... and remarkable. But after passing the AMG sorcerer, the recipe has never been so enticing. But what is the secret of this seductress named SL 55 AMG?
Technical sheet
| Model | Mercedes SL 55 AMG |
| Engine | 5.4 V8 476 horses |
| Dimensions | 4.54 x 1.82 x 1.30 meters |
| Mass | 1 880 kg |
| Marketing | 2001 - 2003 |
| average coast | 30 000 € |
| 0 to 100 km / h | 4"5 |
| max | 325 km/h |
| Consumption | 14.2 l / 100 km |
| Date and place | June 10, 2015, Le Mans |
The symbiosis . In Mercedes, the SL-Class for Sport Leicht, light sport, has always had a special place in the heart of enthusiasts. It must be said that since the 300 SL Gullwing of 1954, the fair has steadily put on weight as and when the years. Some generations have left fans of this elegant coupe or convertible frustrated a bit like the R107 produced from 1971 to 1989, the undemonstrative design. A gap filled by the R129 produced until 2001 by its incredibly fluid line. It is likely then that offering a descent to a successful model is not easy.But the bet is taken in 2001 with a new generation Mercedes SL. A model wanted more dynamic in style and behavior and that always offers a prodigious accreditation symbiosis between comfort, luxury and elegance.Appointed internal R230, the new SL-Class sports a significantly revised facies, with headlights inspired by the Class C and E.
New plumage . The new SL range offers petrol engines exclusively, from the wise V6 245 horsepower SL 350 up versions 55 and 65 AMG V8 and V12 476 and 612 horses. For this article, we will take just a touch of opulence by staying on the version 55 AMG. Already a desirable jewel that is assessed primarily for its line. A fine line with modern lights and racy lights, stylistic elements arranged with gumption for a really elegant result. In the early '00 years, the Mercedes customer is still pretty old and the brand does not really want to shock his fans by proposing a model too exuberant. It is clear that the 55 AMG is rather wise at first, with bumper slightly more elaborate version of the "classic" low profile box and of course four tailpipes. Aside from that, the prerogative is limited, which keeps more discretion, even if it's quite subjective, compared to a Porsche 911 Carrera S cabriolet.
Sport Leicht . The front very plunging the previous generation was preserved but brought up to date. At the rear, the previous soft top is permanently deleted in favor of a hard top deployable into three parts. An ingenious mechanism but has had the effect of making a little silly the Sport Leicht as beautiful now exceeds two tons. Considerable weight but not necessarily disturbing for this SL 55 AMG that appears more like a GT than a pure sports. The relief was not sought, preferring instead a rather rich equipment. Obviously this is reflected in the handling, but performance remains quite correct. At innovation, Mercedes continued its momentum by refining its active suspension (ABC) and Brake Assist (SBC) which improves efficiency and could almost forget some unwanted kilos.
Very dynamic . Mounted 18 inches, the Mercedes SL 55 AMG has four ventilated disc brakes 360 and 330 millimeters respectively 8 and 4 pistons. A widely perceptible impressive device mounted behind the series of AMG wheels. Under the long hood, we find an impressive atmospheric 5.4-liter V8. A particularly sound engine that suits rather well in this big coupe. Rapid acceleration and a clearly more sporty and dynamic character that versions less endowed. The 0 to 100 km / h in 4.7 seconds swallowed, turning each walk in a moment of intense pleasure. The sequential gearbox is not there to spoil the fun. Well staged, it offers an honorable accreditation and paddles behind the steering wheel, a first for an AMG model. Incisive and equipped with lightweight trains, behavior has everything to shed its weight of 1.9 tons.
Image dusted . The competition has better watch out, the Mercedes SL 55 AMG offers the versatility and comfort of a GT and the furious temperament of a sporty, a clever compromise that we do not find that at Porsche. But again, difficult to oppose these two very different models which do not attract a similar audience. Mercedes and its image a bit dated at this time jouie then a renewed interest in a younger audience, but not enough to tempt the addicted porschiste the Flat-6. Yet this does not demerit SL and all the arguments for appeal, except for a base price High enough to € 133,000. Overall easy to drive, it tolerates some wrongdoing through a fairly intrusive ESP and rigidity.
Cocoon . The interior is dressed in leather, alcantara and aluminum buttons and do not forget the practical aspects, like any self-respecting GT. No frills, the premium elegance, with a sharply higher finish and carefully selected and assembled materials. The AMG badges distributed in several places are there to remind that this SL 55 AMG is not (that) to figuration, on the contrary. Strict two-seater, it has front seats electrically adjustable in nearly all positions to release room behind the seats, as we suspect, the roof system hard into three parts takes place ... And once top down, it is better to roll leicht .
Restyling . In the end, the results of this SL 55 AMG is rather positive. But this will not prevent the brand with the star to make a mechanical change in 2004, after only two years of commercialization to display 500 horsepower. A first facelift occurred in 2006 on headlights, grille and bumper and passing the power to 517 horsepower. Finally, in 2008, the second and final restyling changes ahead with headlights that remind more a modern reinterpretation of those in the 911 vintage 996. We must build on nearly € 30,000 to find a Mercedes SL 55 AMG stage 1 in good condition. The out of the ordinary configurations are rare and often have a significant added value. Grey Metallic is by far the most common ... And the easiest to find!
Should I buy a Mercedes SL 55 AMG?
The Mercedes SL 55 AMG is a great car, good family and very elegant. His good behavior and performance are forgetting the very high weight. But he returned to the charge with a particularly high consumption exceeding 30 liters per 100 kilometers at a high load. As for maintenance, it is no surprise that it is high enough, do not forget that this is a V8 engine. But aside from that, it is a fairly reliable model, except for some occasional weaknesses in the fuel pump or the CBA. Do not wait to offer this stylish roadster in the worthy line of classSport Leight .
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