The name “SL450” sparked a wave of nostalgia when I first encountered it on the new Mercedes-Benz roadster slated for my Monterey and Pebble Beach trip. It was a gentle reminder of a time when Mercedes model designations placed the engine displacement before the platform class – a charmingly old-school approach. In today’s nomenclature, the SL450 would have been known as the 450SL in those bygone days. This nomenclature instantly evoked memories of the iconic Mercedes “Panzerwagen” R 107 roadster, which graced American shores as the 450 SL Roadster in 1972. This robust machine succeeded the gracefully understated “pagoda” SL roadsters – the 230, 250, and 280SL – marking a significant shift in design and philosophy.
My first glimpse of this revolutionary model was on the cover of the June 1971 issue of Motor Trend magazine, the definitive source for automotive insights, industry news, and rigorous performance evaluations back then. The cover shot was, and remains, captivating, leaving a lasting impression of automotive excellence.
Fast forward 45 years, and my affection for Mercedes SL roadsters remains undiminished. I even proudly own a 2002 SL500, a testament to my enduring appreciation for these vehicles.
The contemporary SL450 represents a significant evolution from its namesake ancestor, the original 450SL. Yet, parking them side-by-side reveals an undeniable lineage, a shared DNA that speaks to Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to its heritage. While the vintage model boasted a fuel-injected 4.5-liter V-8 engine, today’s SL450 is propelled by a state-of-the-art twin-turbocharged V-6. The modern engine, unsurprisingly, delivers superior speed and efficiency by a considerable margin.
Operating the top on the classic 450SL required a manual process, engaging levers and physical effort to stow or deploy. In stark contrast, the new SL450 features a fully automatic, one-touch retractable hardtop crafted from metal. With a simple press and hold of a button for approximately 15 seconds, occupants are treated to a mesmerizing ballet of mechanical engineering as the roof gracefully folds and unfolds, disappearing into or emerging from the trunk.
While a direct comparison between these two automotive generations might seem academic, it’s comforting to observe that the fundamental SL formula, albeit dramatically refined and modernized, remains unmistakably intact.
The body style of the current SL generation debuted in 2003, succeeding my older SL’s architecture and introducing the now-familiar retractable hardtop design. This chassis platform has undergone several updates and refreshes since its inception, with the most recent enhancements applied for the 2017 model year. The result is visually stunning, showcasing contemporary lighting clusters at both ends, along with grille work, wheel designs, and trim elements that seamlessly align it with the broader Mercedes-Benz model range.
To any V-8 purists harboring skepticism, I urge you to reconsider your stance on this remarkable V-6 engine. It exhibits impeccable manners, produces a captivatingly rich sound, and delivers a surge of mid-range torque that is genuinely addictive.
Even ardent V-8 enthusiasts, like myself, will find little to fault in this 362-horsepower bi-turbo 3.0-liter V-6. It ignites with a throaty growl and unleashes power with the relentless force of a freight train. The sensation of internal organ rearrangement under hard acceleration is directly attributable to the impressive 369 pound-feet of torque, readily available across a broad rev band. This car doesn’t merely accelerate; it propels itself forward with genuine speed. The mid-range punch and overtaking prowess are guaranteed to elicit broad smiles. It’s not just quick; it’s genuinely fast.
My Cardinal Red test vehicle was generously equipped with virtually every available option. The SL450 represents a refined evolution of the preceding year’s SL400. This updated model incorporates all the platform enhancements for 2017, along with a distinctive grille design specific to the model and generally sportier and more assertive trim accents. A standout feature, deserving of particular praise, is the exceptional new 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission. This advanced gearbox offers manual shift control via steering wheel-mounted paddles or the console shifter. It’s not a dual-clutch automated manual like those found in Ferraris or Porsches, but rather a highly refined conventional torque converter automatic. It provides selectable driving modes that optimize for fuel efficiency, balanced everyday driving, or outright performance. The transmission is remarkably responsive, executing upshifts and downshifts instantaneously upon command. “Slushbox” will never be a term associated with this transmission, I assure you.
The SL450 occupies a price point that reflects its premium nature, yet every aspect of the vehicle justifies its cost. The “base price” commences at $87,975, inclusive of shipping but excluding options. My test car, comprehensively optioned, reached a total of $101,935. Among the optional extras, the Magic Sky Control panoramic roof was a particular highlight, although perhaps not strictly essential. This innovative feature incorporates an electrochromic glass center roof panel that transitions from light to dark at the touch of a button. It replicates the ambiance of a glass roof when closed, while effectively mitigating heat and harmful UV rays when set to its darkened state. While undeniably sophisticated and appealing, opting out of this feature could reduce the sticker price by approximately $2500.
The overall level of fit, finish, and material quality within the SL450 is truly exceptional. Every surface exudes a sense of premium craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and meticulous engineering. The Nappa leather-clad cabin is both elegant and enveloping, creating a truly luxurious and inviting environment for both driver and passenger.
Out on the road, whether cruising leisurely or pushing the performance envelope, the SL450 delivers a superlative driving experience. It’s fast, remarkably smooth, supremely comfortable, equipped with brakes that inspire unwavering confidence, and exhibits cornering prowess akin to a slot car. The selectable dynamic driving modes further influence suspension tuning and other parameters that impact the car’s ride and handling characteristics. During our evaluation, we subjected the SL450 to a diverse range of driving conditions – fast-paced freeways, winding mountain roads, smooth surfaces, and less-than-perfect pavement – and it remained composed and unflappable throughout. Moreover, the seats are so supportive and comfortable that fatigue and stress are simply not factors, even after extended high-speed journeys. This is automotive engineering of the highest caliber.
I have identified two minor criticisms. Firstly, the start/stop function, designed to enhance fuel efficiency by automatically shutting off the engine at traffic stops and restarting it upon releasing the brake pedal, operates with a slight degree of jerkiness. While I remain unconvinced about the tangible fuel or emissions benefits of this system, it is favored by many German automakers and likely contributes positively to EPA ratings. Personally, I am not a proponent, and in the SL450, I frequently deactivated it to avoid the minor jolts during stops and starts. Secondly, the retractable hardtop does impinge upon trunk capacity when stowed. Naturally, the metal roof panels require storage space, a design constraint inherent to retractable hardtop configurations. This is not an issue in my older SL500, which utilizes a soft top that folds neatly into a compartment behind the seats, completely separate from the trunk. This is a minor trade-off, and compromises are inevitable when pursuing specific design features.
As I often remark, those prioritizing maximum cargo capacity should consider a minivan or a Suburban.
In all other respects, the new SL450 stands as an exceptional automobile in every sense. It is undeniably beautiful, possesses a tangible connection to the distinguished lineage of classic Mercedes-Benz roadsters, delivers exhilarating performance, offers a dreamlike balance of ride and handling, incorporates a comprehensive suite of advanced technologies, prioritizes safety and efficiency, and is constructed to endure. And regarding the price tag, rest assured that the SL450 delivers commensurate value for the investment.
