Mercedes-Benz SL

The SL blends sportiness and luxury, with a powerful V8 engine and agile handling. In our tests the seven-speed automatic sometimes hesitated to downshift. Handling is sporty despite the SL's size and weight, with responsive, direct steering. The ride is very comfortable, and noise levels are low. Fit and finish and front-seat comfort are excellent. The controls are overly complicated. Folding the power hard top is a simple and quick, one button process. Top-down wind buffeting is virtually absent.