2001 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster (R230) 500 V8 5AT RWD (306 HP)

Vehicle Overview

The 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) introduction represents the fifth generation of the luxury roadster, which has a history dating back to the legendary 300 SL from the 1950s. Following over 5 years of development and testing, the R230 was unveiled at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show, where it captured many hearts with its sleek design and innovative roof. Compared to its predecessor, which had a 13-year career, the 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster represented a paradigm shift in design, technology, and performance.

Everything about the R230 was new, apart from the legendary SL name and its place at the top of the Mercedes-Benz convertible lineup at the time. Inspired by the success of the smaller and less expensive SLK, the big luxurious grand tourer switched from a classic soft top to an innovative retractable hard top for the R230 generation. Called “Vario roof,” it transformed the SL from a traditional luxury roadster into a futuristic roadster and a coupe simultaneously.

Since it now offered passengers the experience of mixing two cars in one, not a single feature was kept from the R129 generation of the SL-Class. While some of its predecessors were essentially 2+2, the R230 returned to the original 300 SL’s two-seat layout. On top of that, with the 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL, you no longer needed to add another coupe to the stable. You could either benefit from the feeling of security and performance of a small, two-seat coupe, but with the roof down, you could enjoy the experience of driving a fully open luxury roadster.

Among the other innovations that made their way onto the car, the Active Body Control (ABC) system probably stands out, as it was a unique feature in the model’s segment. While top-of-the-range versions came as standard with Airmatic suspension, the ABC system took it a step further, combining comfortable ride quality with electronic control of body motions, minimizing body roll. The system was borrowed from the S-Class and the CL-Class. Other innovations, such as keyless entry or the ill-fated SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control), also made their way on the SL R230, but the first iteration of the retractable hard top was probably the biggest talking point on the model.

The exterior featured a significant redesign, adopting a much sleeker appearance than its predecessor. The hood was longer, starting with the signature Mercedes-Benz grille featuring a large three-pointed star in the middle. The giant emblem was accompanied by four interconnected oval headlamps, following the 2000s Mercedes line of design. The body was wider, giving the car a slightly more aggressive stance, albeit the sleek curves on the body softened its look.

Inside, the two passengers were met by a masterclass in luxury, with the interior being engulfed in soft leather, wood inserts, and aluminum trim. Like the R123, the two seats had integrated seatbelts and now offered more controls, including a massage function. The driving position was low and sporty, but the interior ambiance was that of a true grand tourer, not a sports car, with the center console flowing like a cascade between the seats.

Powertrain-wise, the 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) was offered with an entry-level, naturally-aspirated V6, a naturally-aspirated V8, or a twin-turbocharged V12 for the top-of-the-range SL 600. There were also two AMG models, one with a supercharged V8 and the other with a modified twin-turbo V12 with monstrous torque.