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2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: First Drive Page 2

 
51 65,846 views November 3, 2009

2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: Does it sink, or does it soar?

It's moonrise. That's what happens in California, on the coast, when daylight-savings time expires and the sun's barely a red cast, while the full moon pinpoints a faraway horizon. I'm up and ready to grab a car in 20 minutes, ready to catch some sun, to head south toward the old Monterey road and Laguna Seca.

We've told you about the SLS many times, but to recap, the 2010 SLS AMG fuses classic and new styling themes on a purebred chassis. The new SLS is dominated by a new front-end treatment that evolves the current SL/SLK-Class shapes, a widemouth grille grafted on an impossibly long nose and a brief suggestion of a rear end. It's long and low and wide, very wide, stretched up front to accommodate the big AMG V-8 and abbreviated in back, to cloak the transaxle and to grant two passengers a little bit of carry-on space.

It's also shod with with a pair of gullwing doors. Those heritage pieces, recalled from the legendary Gullwings of the 1950s, mean there's no other car on the planet that looks as stunning with its doors open. It's a trump card that even the scissor doors on a Lamborghini can't duplicate. Neither can the split rear window on a Sting Ray, for that matter. The gullwings stop traffic and give the SLS instant iconic status. It's, simply, the "new gullwing."

The consensus from drive-bys? Approving stares and thumbs, but even casual onlookers had to look for a moment or two at first. If you're not sold on it, a critique of the SLS body could be unflattering. It's truly handsome from a few angles--the rear 3/4 view plays on the liquid sideview arc perfectly. The nose is wide and flat, which begs comparisons with pure musclecars--like the Dodge Viper, which qualifies as a distant cousin once removed, I think.

Unlike the original, which came with 3.0L straight six, the latest replica features a 405hp (302kW) 5.5L V8

Unlike the original, which came with 3.0L straight six, the latest replica features a 405hp (302kW) 5.5L V8

Enlarge Photo

It's more difficult to love the SLS from other angles. The whole sculpturing of the rear deck and the fenders' fall around the taillights is uninspired, and a little plain. The front end minus all context is wide and menacing--but isn't entirely related to the teensy greenhouse, which has some sizable, safety-inspired pillars in back in the place of the original's glassy greenhouse. The pillars are there for a reason--body rigidity and rollover protection--but they make for some unfair comparisons to some memorable semi-roofed slip-ups in auto history, like the Honda del Sol and the Buick Reatta.

If it sounds harsh and a little overstated, consider the fluid grace of the Jaguar XK and Aston Rapide, real benchmarks in design that don't suffer. The gullwing's doors, and the underlying mechanicals, really dictate some shapes on the SLS AMG that just aren't as emotional as they could be with conventional doors. (Ever walk in a Louboutin heel? Probably not, but it hurts. A lot.)

It's more emphatically good inside, particularly in the black-on-white edition I drove from Half Moon Bay to Laguna Seca. The dash has real graphic strength, and so do the door openings that frame the view for first-timers; the black door seals outline their slots like a Versace picture frame. The dash itself is similar to the SLR panel, but with far richer finishes, addressing that car's somewhat pedestrian cabin.

There are eye-pleasing details strewn about, like the aluminum-lidded storage bin on the rear end of the console. The climate and radio controls are exactly like those in the C-Class I'm driving this week, but they're ringed in metallic trim. The console has spot for the Benz COMAND controller, but it's located further up the console. In its place, there's no roller, just high-contrast French-stitched leather. You'll witness many bits and pieces lifted from the Mercedes inventory, but they're used in appropriate ways.



HI-RES GALLERY: 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG




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Comments (51)

  1. By SuperSkyline89 Posted: 9/25/2007 10:50am PDT

    Wow, that's nice! I can now honestly say that I like Mercedes Gullwing's, or at least this one, hated the old one. This one is awesome.
     
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  2. By Tony Avila Posted: 9/25/2007 1:26pm PDT

    Sorta looks like an elongated Porsche Cayman S. It is a pretty car.
     
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  3. By SaN P Posted: 9/25/2007 2:46pm PDT

    If this is very close to the final design then...Wow! This is truly an amazing work of art, hats off to the design team for this masterpiece! The great thing about it is that if the Mercedes Badge wasn't on the car, you wouldn't know who made it..maybe BMW (Z8 like?) or Porsche. The point is that it's away from the usual recent/mainstream Mercedes designs. And the original Gullwing was and still is freakin' gorgeous.
     
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  4. By JIt Posted: 9/25/2007 3:03pm PDT

    I think motorauthority has got it totally wrong again. The Shortened SL-platform is actually the Mercedes SLC and the black series is basically a more performance oreinted SL63 AMG like the black series of the CLK range. Between the SL and SLC there is no space for another car.

    The Black series SL looks brillliant though
     
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  5. By JIt Posted: 9/25/2007 3:03pm PDT

    THE 300 slr is the best gullwing by far
     
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  6. By Gus Posted: 9/25/2007 6:42pm PDT

    Ooooooooh... :)
     
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  7. By HECTOR Posted: 9/25/2007 6:48pm PDT

    I'll have to see it in person before I render my verdict.
     
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  8. By Steve Posted: 9/25/2007 7:38pm PDT

    I have to have one...but how to raise the money in time to get on the waiting list....ah I got it! Kidney for sale! Kidney for sale! Please inquire about other organs!
     
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  9. By GAVEN ELLIOTT Posted: 9/25/2007 8:06pm PDT

    YOW!
     
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  10. By johnnyBoy Posted: 9/27/2007 1:56am PDT

    this car looks awesome, although it could easily be mistaken for a porsce...maybe if it had double-circle lights like the SL it would be a bit more MB
     
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  11. By Craig S Posted: 10/1/2007 7:21am PDT

    It's an absolutely beautiful Porsche Cayman S...uhm...I mean MB 300 SL Gullwing. Enough said.
     
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  12. By Marc Posted: 10/1/2007 5:10pm PDT

    Looks like A COPY OF THE ALFA 8C CONPETIZIONE....

    ...very hot but where is the Mercedes soul??? they are losing creativity.
     
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  13. By addy Posted: 10/2/2007 3:05am PDT

    to die for. It is now my favourite merc ahead of the slr mclaren. i will buy one for sure
     
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  14. By marco Posted: 10/3/2007 5:18pm PDT

    modern design are all crap!!! the so called "retro" thing is cool,so this sl will be the best in many many years.
    the cars of the past are BY FAR the best looking cars and they are REAL cars.
    stop giving us wimpy ridicolous so called "modern" cars and give back us the REAL thing!
     
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  15. By Chris Posted: 10/3/2007 5:27pm PDT

    Definitely a Alfa 8C Competizione Photoshop!!
     
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  16. By FOX Posted: 10/4/2007 12:00pm PDT

    GREAT CAR. INCREDIBLE THAT GO BACK THIS MODEL CAR
     
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  17. By Oswald Posted: 10/7/2007 1:28pm PDT

    I think it looks like de Chrysler Crossfire
     
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  18. By benz Posted: 1/16/2008 10:23am PST

    That car between Cayman S and Alfa 8C Competizione
     
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  19. By nigel Posted: 4/14/2008 8:56am PDT

    what can I say?? it is absolutly a dream car. I am willing to spend rest of live to have it!
     
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  20. By chris Posted: 4/14/2008 9:41am PDT

    why in gods name would you revive your halo car after 40 years and then make it on the current platform that is almost on its way to the junk yard instead of spending more time to develop a more current model that will be released in the next 2 years? WHY?!
     
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  21. By Strada Auto Store Posted: 4/14/2008 2:06pm PDT

    It will be a cool car!
     
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  22. By ohmy Posted: 4/14/2008 2:17pm PDT

    as craig s said
    =D
     
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  23. By Gus Posted: 4/14/2008 4:59pm PDT

    Gorrrrrrrr
     
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  24. By Gus Posted: 4/14/2008 4:59pm PDT

    Jussssss... :)
     
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  25. By Wizards Lore Posted: 4/14/2008 6:42pm PDT

    Im with Chris.
    Make it on the platform of the new car and not the outgoing one. I for one love the shape and would deffo want one, but they need to make this cutting edge tech and not next years knock off
     
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  26. By AUDI S5 Posted: 4/28/2008 12:13pm PDT

    ... and this is why Mercedes Benz are continuing their descent into mediocrity. Why, indeed? Why retain a 5 year old platform?

    Have you seen the 'new' CLC? It is a joke i tell ya! Just by slapping on together the front and rear of different cars does not a new model make.

    MB has had its day, but the future belongs to the VW Audi group and BMW as they are always pushing progressively forward, pushing the envelope with chassis technology, drivetrain and brilliant engines.
     
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  27. By  gazzed Posted: 9/8/2009 6:20pm PDT

    It looks odd and a bit wrong in some places..
     
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  28. By Vinzer Posted: 9/8/2009 6:30pm PDT

    Visually, it's a farcry from its predecessor. And a good thing, too. This isn't 1954 anymore. The car fits most of Mercedes-Benz's current design theme, but truly stands out on its on. It's not a remake of a classic, but a re-birth.
     
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  29. By  Alister Posted: 9/8/2009 8:02pm PDT

    Why are Mercedes just so totally and completely blahin the styling deparment! To top it off we will all have to read test reviews that state the following: ok styling, wooden steering feel, and the traction control would cut in to soon.
    I mean seriously why bother! If your going to make a supercar make it, oh I don't know, super?
     
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  30. fb_659379344 avatar Cyprien Singer Posted: 9/9/2009 4:08am PDT

    hey good car i love it !
     
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  31. By Gumbo Posted: 9/9/2009 5:00am PDT

    Very nice,the front is a killer,it would be nice to hear the sound from those exhausts!!!!!!!!!
     
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  32. By ashwats Posted: 9/9/2009 9:59am PDT

    B piller (or is that C?) looks horrible. Looks like they forgot something there. Overall looks desprate rather than refreshing.
     
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  33. By bepsf Posted: 9/9/2009 10:30am PDT

    Ridiculous and unattractive car for poseurs with too much money and too little sense...
    ...and I agree w/ the others - appears that the B-Pillar of this thing was a design afterthought.
     
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  34. By HECTOR Posted: 9/9/2009 4:04pm PDT

    Is it me or it looks like a Chrysler Crossfire? Sorry but I'm underwhelmed. If they were going to design a car to follow one of the most iconic cars ever they should have done better than this.
    I like it that the HP remain below 600. However, the SLR was still a prettier car, inside and out.
     
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  35. By  Wizards Lore Posted: 9/9/2009 6:10pm PDT

    haha everyone saying Caymen etc....have you had another look at it ? it is basically a Honda s2000 with a bigger front grill and some flaring. I would have expected more from AMG Merc and i have to admit after the wonderful SLR which i still lust after, i am extremely dissapointed by the new model. There doesnt seem to be any passion in the design.
     
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  36. By  Sam Posted: 9/9/2009 6:34pm PDT

    looks really unique and love the gullwings it really gives it that special something.
     
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  37. By NoNameDenton Posted: 9/9/2009 8:16pm PDT

    Looks like a modern version of the old Gullwing
     
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  38. By NoNameDenton Posted: 9/11/2009 12:06am PDT

    Instead of an electric version, how about a hybrid diesel version, I thounk that would make great milage and torque.
     
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  39. fb_608456525 avatar Adrian West Posted: 9/11/2009 4:00am PDT

    I don't like it :o(
     
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  40. By Tigersworld Posted: 10/29/2009 9:18am PDT

    Wow it really looks like a love child from a Corvette and Viper......I wonder if they will make a AMG BLACK version??????
     
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  41. By Bill Posted: 10/29/2009 9:55am PDT

    um... so where's the first drive?
     
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  42. By MaxBob Posted: 10/29/2009 9:56am PDT

    One; for the fiftieth time you repost the same article - look at the date of first comment. Two, what happened to the first drive you so pompously added to the title Mr Padget and High Gear Media?
    All I see is a reposting of an article and the announcement that that Mercedes will launch a press event on the car.
    Great journalism
     
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  43. By  My Wheels On Walls Posted: 10/29/2009 11:04am PDT

    Why not use the following title when you post a story "We'll be back on Sunday, November 1, with live coverage from our first drive of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG! Thursday October 29, 2009 6:33 HighGearMedia"
    I got the above when I click on the link. If this was a Ford Festiva we most likely would'nt give a shit. But this is a supercar coming from the split of Mclaren and Merc after the unsucessful SLR.
    THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CREATING FANFARE AND FALSE ADVERTISING!!!!! How about we learn the difference.... please....
     
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  44. marty avatar Marty Padgett Posted: 10/29/2009 1:16pm PDT

    My word, MyWheels. We're promoting something special coming up soon. it's editorial -- not advertising.
    Changing a title on the Web means breaking a URL--something we'd rather not do.
    Also: language, please. The children can hear you.
     
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  45. marty avatar Marty Padgett Posted: 10/29/2009 1:19pm PDT

    Also, MaxBob--when we update a piece, we're adding information each time, not just reposting. We're driving it on Monday--this is your advance notice to come and get it, here or on Twitter. Have you ever watched the local news promo a story "after the next break?" Or seen a TV show's final minute of "next week on..."?
     
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  46. By  My Wheels On Walls Posted: 10/29/2009 8:38pm PDT

    Language? All I said was shit, are you a Morman? Oh well consider it pay back for earlier in the week when I showed my five year old the X5 video and he asked "Daddy, what to do the letters WTF spell?" He's currently learning to read so he asks lots of questions.....
    Also I have a question. How do you spread Editorial word? Answer: You advertise!!!! I can understand not wanting to break a URL and makes perfect sense. Keep up the good work as the site is clearly moving forward.
     
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  47. By bepsf Posted: 11/3/2009 9:58am PST

    Nearly every manufacturer can throw a big engine into a custom body nowadays and charge thru the nose for it - Big Deal.
    I'm also unimpressed w/ the gimmicky gullwing doors - The originals were created for the very reason that the 300SLR tubular chassis/frame was so high that standard doors were awkward - so the gullwing doors were a solution to an engineering problem - These are all show.
    Finally, the rear quarter is awfully clunky with that huge B-Pillar - where's the quarter window of the original? Certainly 50 years later, MBZ can use high-strength steels to maintain high roof rigidity and allow for near 360-degree views?
    Color me unimpressed.
     
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  48. fb_791454744 avatar fb_791454744 Posted: 11/4/2009 2:22am PST

    I'm sorry, but I don't like it. I like the exploration into design whilst still inheriting the original flowing designs of the original Gullwing, but just doesn't look...like...much.
     
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  49. By Luke Posted: 11/4/2009 3:15am PST

    test drive with media photos? Stupid? cant take it seriosly.
     
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  50. marty avatar Marty Padgett Posted: 11/4/2009 9:27am PST

    Luke, you're a cranky one! My original photos are in the later pages. Some decent ones, but we spent a lot of time on the road--and I was having a blast driving. Hope you enjoyed the comments.
     
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  51. By  magnesium Posted: 11/25/2009 3:19am PST

    A great car (for me) starts with an interesting shape, and to be, this just doesn't cut it on any level. I sure hope it does perfom well, because there's really much to look at. It already looks dated, and would have been better introduced as a competiotr to the BMW Z8 from fews years back, because that's pretty much what it resembles anyway, and the gulwing dorrs can't hide that fact.
     
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