There's something about a convertible. To ride in open roads with the sky as your roof is a special experience. But then again, such experiences are hard to come by in India, what with all the dust flying around. This Merc, however, could just be the saviour. With a metal roof that folds neatly in and out of its cubby hole in a sleek 16 secs, the SL350 is pure class.
The long silhouette, the mean-looking front and the long bonnet result in the perfect interplay of curves and surfaces. The hard-top doesn't take too much away from the design either — the SL looks great even with the roof up.
However, don't be fooled by its sporty looks. The SL, especially with this engine, is no sportscar. The 3.5-litre, 316bhp motor is the same as the one in the much lighter SLK350. You notice this when you want immediate acceleration or to overtake quickly on a two-lane road — the SL takes time to gain momentum. It is primarily the car's substantial 1.8-tonne kerb weight at fault (more than 300kg heavier than the SLK) and the seven-speed automatic isn't the quickest around either. In terms of outright performance, the SL350 takes 8.09sec to reach 100kph, which is no great shakes by two-seater standards, and tops out at 250kph. In-gear acceleration times are nothing spectacular either.
The key to enjoying this car is to drive it at considerably less than 100 per cent. That's when you'll discover it has a nice, easy gait at triple-digit speeds, and that it is more than happy maintaining those speeds all day long. This chassis has a phenomenal ability to mask speed, has incredible grip and good body control, making it all the more suited to relaxed continent crossing. The handling is also helped by the fact that this suspension hasn't been raised to deal with Indian roads. The steering could have done with more feel but it is direct and the brakes are perfectly weighted, and you just find yourself going harder and harder without much of a problem.
The biggest surprise though is the way the SL350 takes to our potholed roads. Even the worst surfaces are dealt with well — you are comfortable in the cabin and ride quality is nothing short of outstanding. Like with most convertibles, you expect a fair amount of scuttle shake but surprisingly the SL's body retains its composure and vibrations are kept out pretty well.
The SL's cabin is a special place too. The large seats are exceptionally comfy and interior quality is top-class. Everything is solidly built — the buttons function with a nice damped feel and, apart from the mirror controls which feel and look ordinary, there are no complaints. Luggage space is at a premium though, especially with the roof down.
The SL350 is a stylish cruiser. With its sedate pace, it makes for an excellent coupe/convertible too. Buy it for these reasons, if not, there are better ways to spend Rs. 90 lakh.
