My First Drive in the SL500

My husband brought home a Mercedes-Benz SL500 (R129) in February, but with two kids and only two seats, I hadn’t had much chance to drive it. Then, after a few months, I finally got behind the wheel for the first time last week.

In an old issue of Car Graphic, the SL500 was praised to the skies under the headline “You Should Be Impressed.” After driving it myself, I started to understand why it’s considered such a classic. (Though my eldest daughter came along, so it was only about a 30-minute drive around town.)

First Impressions

1) A Solid, Substantial Feel

I was surprised as soon as I opened the door: it was incredibly heavy. It shut with a solid clunk, giving the impression of a sturdy, well-built car.

2) Seats Like Leather Sofas

Porsche seats feel sporty—they put you upright, hands firmly on the wheel, ready to drive. The SL’s seats, on the other hand, are more like leather sofas. They’re so spacious and comfortable, you almost want to sit in them and watch TV in your living room. Apparently, it’s best to recline them a little more than you would in a Porsche.

3) A Smooth, Supple Ride

My husband often describes the ride as “supple,” and now I understand what he means. A Porsche feels comparatively crisp, while the SL500 feels smooth and plush—almost as if the tires had been rubbed with lotion… (I can’t think of a better way to describe it, lol.) It feels like a car made for grown-up comfort.

4) A Relaxed Driving Experience

I never once felt like flooring it and charging ahead. Instead, I wanted to drive slowly and gracefully. I felt a little like the chairman of some company. At one point, though, I realized I was crawling along a main road at just 40 km/h, so I gave the accelerator a little more encouragement.

5) Steering That Felt a Little Unsettling in Turns

This was probably because I was taking the turns too slowly, but the steering wheel didn’t seem to return to center easily after a turn. I found myself fumbling to bring it back around.

The SL Has Another Mishap…

I still haven’t driven it with the top down, on the highway, or along the Royu Driveway, so I’d love to take it out again when I get the chance. But yesterday, while my husband was driving the SL on the Royu Driveway, the turn signal apparently came crashing off, shattering its plastic parts along the way ( ﾟдﾟ )

Wait, can a turn signal actually fall off!? So the car is grounded until we can install a replacement. Maybe that’s part of owning a classic car—but it’s clear that keeping one on the road takes time, effort, and money.