A Dream Car Among the World’s Top Three Sports Cars: The SL

This time, I purchased the late-model Mercedes-Benz R231 SL400, and I’d like to share why I chose the SL.

In my view, the world’s top three sports cars are the Porsche 911, BMW M3 (M4), and Mercedes-Benz SL. Among these, the SL has always held a special place in my heart as a long-standing dream car.

When the R231 was unveiled in 2012, I bought a special SL issue of Car Graphic magazine with a DVD (June 2012 issue), which I still treasure today. That shows just how captivated I was by the SL. My passion for cars began when I first rode in my father’s Honda Legend Coupe (KA3 model). Later, I even owned the next-generation Legend Coupe (KA8 model), a car I loved so much I still want to drive it today.

The luxury coupe segment sparked my initial interest in cars, along with a longing for long-distance travel and road trips. My appreciation for cars that combine high-speed stability with both comfort and sportiness likely started around this time.

Nostalgia from the Late ’90s and Real Experience with the R129

In the late 1990s, I vividly remember an article in Le Volant magazine featuring the R129 SL on a grand touring journey. The story focused on enjoying long highway drives, a dream that felt completely out of reach for me at the time. Yet, the desire to one day own one was deeply etched in my heart.

After starting this blog, I finally fulfilled my dream by purchasing a used R129 SL500. While it came with typical used-car issues like radiator leaks and hydraulic pump oil leaks in the soft top, its ride quality never disappointed. The overwhelming solidity and the heavy, satisfying door close embodied Mercedes’ philosophy of “either the best or nothing.”

The smooth 5.0-liter V8 engine delivered effortless torque from low revs, providing confident performance in any situation. Eventually, I parted ways with the R129 to make room for my current Porsche 964, but the wish to own an SL again never faded.

Disappointment with the Current AMG SL and a Return to the R231

The shock I felt when test-driving my brother’s current AMG SL43 was not a good one. The modern SL, transitioned from Mercedes-Benz to AMG branding, no longer felt like a true SL. Its development seemed aimed at competing with the Porsche 911 Cabriolet, but it fell short of the original’s essence.

The jerky low-speed behavior, overly stiff ride, and thin seats stripped away the SL’s traditional luxury, opulence, and refined feel. This experience convinced me that “the SL ended with the R231.” If I wanted the last true SL, the R231 was the only choice.

The R231 comes in early and late facelift versions. I preferred the design of the late facelift model. However, late models are rare in the used market. The most common is the SL400, followed by the SL550, AMG SL63, and the rare, made-to-order SL65. I have never seen an SL65 in Japan’s used market.

Finding the Ideal Specification and Making the Purchase Decision

Initially, I considered buying either the SL400 or SL550.

The AMG SL63 was also an option, but since I already own several fast cars, I didn’t need that level of performance. The SL550 was appealing, but late-model examples are extremely scarce, and many on the market had front grilles modified to the current AMG vertical slat design—something I didn’t like.

The SL400 came in a standard version and a Grand Edition introduced near the end of the model run. This special edition boasted luxury features comparable to the SL65, including auto-closing doors and active seats that support the body during cornering—truly fitting for a special model. However, the extensive use of wood panels and brown interior colors felt a bit mature for my taste. The price was also 1 to 2 million yen higher than the standard model, so I passed on it this time.

For exterior color, I initially wanted white or silver with a white interior, inspired by my previous SLK350 (R171) which had a white interior I loved. However, silver with white interior was not available, and while white exterior with white interior existed, white felt too understated and lacked the SL’s distinctive presence.

Then, at a nearby Yanase Brand Square dealership, I spotted a late R231 in Brilliant Blue—the model’s signature color—paired with a rare Porcelain white interior. The blue, reminiscent of a brighter Gentian Blue Porsche shade, was elegant without being flashy, and the white interior created a stunning contrast. The moment I saw it, I knew, “This is the one.”

The Unique Value of the True SL

The instant I gripped the steering wheel during the test drive, I felt the overwhelming difference from the current SL.

Luxurious yet sporty, the flatness at high speeds is thanks to the standard Active Body Control (ABC). The gliding ride quality was exactly what you expect from a true SL.

The Vario Roof system allows transformation from coupe to open-top. With the wind deflector up, it rivals the Porsche 911 Cabriolet in minimizing wind turbulence. The car’s width of about 1870mm is not as wide as it looks, making parking in typical coin-operated lots hassle-free.

Within Mercedes-Benz’s lineup, the SL has always been the flagship.

Priced higher than the S-Class with the same engine, many of the latest technologies debut first on the SL. In short, it’s a car that offers S-Class comfort in an open two-seater. It’s sportier than the S-Class but uncompromising on ride quality—arguably the world’s finest.

Handling is very straightforward—not as sharp as a Porsche but faithfully responsive to the driver’s intentions. It offers a soft ride yet turns precisely as much as you steer. This exquisite balance is the essence of the SL. Buying this car was a special decision for me—to own the last true SL. I’ll share a detailed review in my next article.