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The 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 may look like a typical luxury sports car, but under its aluminum and steel skin lies an electronically sophisticated heart that is as complex as any car going. It is a showcase for Mercedes’ electronic brake system, active body control suspension and vehicle stability programs. The good thing about all the gadgetry is that it blends into the vehicle so seamlessly in daily driving that all you notice is uncommon competence in situations that might otherwise seem a bit dodgy.

This is the fifth-generation SL sports car, a redesign that was overdue because the former car was getting pretty long in the tooth. Its styling is sleek yet muscular, with a four-headlight face that is recognizably a Mercedes. Like a chameleon, it turns from hardtop to convertible in 16 seconds as the roof folds into the trunk. The price of this two-seater is a considerable $85,990.

The SL 500 is powered by a 302-horsepower, 5.0-liter V-8 that has three valves and two spark plugs per cylinder. Performance is quick but not scorching: 60 miles per hour comes up in 6.1 seconds. This fall, a special SL55 AMG, with 465 supercharged horsepower, will be offered, and it is said to hit 60 in 4.5 seconds.

The innovative brake-by-wire system uses a computer to activate a valve at each wheel, and the system senses how hard the driver wants to brake. If you brake in a turn, the system applies more braking to the wheel on the outside and less to the inside to help maintain vehicle stability. Brake Assist detects a panic stop and applies the brakes with full force. A traditional hydraulic master cylinder is available as a backup.

Mercedes uses an active suspension system that reduces body lean while providing a dynamic compromise between a soft ride and responsive handling. Called Active Body Control, the system has sport and comfort settings. ABC adjusts the ride instantaneously and keeps the car level when taking a turn.

Anti-lock brakes and traction control are also part of the ESP vehicle stability program that helps negate skids.

One expects a luxury performance sports car of this price to cosset its occupants with convenience and comfort, and the SL does just that. Sensors in the seat-belt buckles let the climate control system know whether there is one or two occupants, and it adjusts accordingly. Our test vehicle was equipped with optional heated seats that also cool with fans that circulate cool air through the perforated leather. These seats have multi-contour seatbacks, adjustable side bolsters and a pulsing lumbar support to relieve the tension of long hours behind the wheel.

Interior storage consists of small compartments under each seat and small bins behind the seat. It would be nice if these bins were lockable. Cupholders are unmarked and it took a trip to the manual to locate them. They are situated so spills would land on the stereo and navigation system.

Trunk space is compromised when the top is folded down, but even then there is room for a couple of small duffel bags. Carrying substantial luggage means leaving the top up.

Safety items include head and thorax side-impact airbags, a driver’s knee airbag and a rollbar that pops into place should the vehicle turn over.

The completely automatic folding top is available with a large glass center panel, and our test car was so equipped. A small net slides across the glass to cut out glare from the sunshine. Wind blast with the top down in minimal.

The tachometer and speedometer reside in large pods behind the steering wheel. Their graphics have been simplified, and night lighting is now in blue. The Comand navigation and audio systems use an LCD. I found the navigation system to be complicated and hard to use, plus the LCD screen was hard to read in sunlight when the top was down. A hands-free Motorola V60 phone is a $2,050 option.

The new SL is a quantum leap over the old one. It is quick, quiet and loaded with advanced technology. Plus, it looks great.

Price
The base price of the test car was $85,990. Options included the Motorola V60 phone, panorama roof, wood steering wheel and shift knob and the active, ventilated seats. The sticker price was $94,165.

Warranty
Four years or 50,000 miles.

Point: The new SL 500 is a technological tour de force that is loaded with new items such as Sensotronic brakes, Active Body Control, Brake Assist and vehicle stability control. Styling is handsome, and extensive use of aluminum keeps weight down.

Counterpoint: The Comand navigation system is overly complex and the screen is hard to read when the top is down. Cupholders are located on the center of the dash and spills could land on the stereo and navigation system.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 5.0-liter, 302-hp V-8
Transmission: automatic Rear-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 100.8 inches
Curb weight: 4,000 lbs.
Base price: $85,990
As driven: $94,165
Mpg rating: 15 city, 22 hwy.
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