Before the Bruno Sacco design was made public, I saw this Mercedes being tested in southern Portugal without disguise. As a car fanatic, I was floored and knew immediately it was the new SL, and it was going to be a sensation. The most memorable thing I saw on that trip.
I'm an SL320 owner in the UK. Great review. One slight addition: There were two 3.2 engines in the later models: a straight 6 and a V6. I initially went shopping for a V8 but ended up buying the V6. Why? Bang for your buck. You're correct; the V8 and V12 models are wonderful but aren't worth the premium over the great prices you can get a six-cylinder for. I took mine for a 3,500-mile road trip around Europe last year. It did the Austrian Alps, Croatian backroads, Italian cities, 100s of miles on autobahns (215kph with the roof down was fast enough for me!), and much more, in the baking sun and torrential rain. I didn't have a single issue and I never got backache (which I'm prone to). I don't know what a V8 would have done that the V6 didn't. If you're buying, take advice from people who've driven each engine and don't just buy a V8 because it's a V8.
Excellent points. The V6 offers fantastic value for money and gives buyers access to the R129's biggest selling points; the looks and refinement of the platform.
Urgh not a fan of London, but I can see why the video is of this environment. I’d prefer somewhere scenic like Glencoe or Thirlmere in the Lake District.
Great car but totally wrong about drive trains. They are fun and exciting if you know what you are doing. They are not like a BMW 3 or 4 but if you get their real feel they do whatever you need them to do reliably. Just trust the slight body roll which really never gets out of control.
By far best car reviewer on UA-cam. He gets cars
Thank you!
Before the Bruno Sacco design was made public, I saw this Mercedes being tested in southern Portugal without disguise. As a car fanatic, I was floored and knew immediately it was the new SL, and it was going to be a sensation. The most memorable thing I saw on that trip.
Fantastic story, thank you for sharing. The early R129 mule photos are fascinating to see!
I'm an SL320 owner in the UK. Great review. One slight addition: There were two 3.2 engines in the later models: a straight 6 and a V6.
I initially went shopping for a V8 but ended up buying the V6. Why? Bang for your buck. You're correct; the V8 and V12 models are wonderful but aren't worth the premium over the great prices you can get a six-cylinder for.
I took mine for a 3,500-mile road trip around Europe last year. It did the Austrian Alps, Croatian backroads, Italian cities, 100s of miles on autobahns (215kph with the roof down was fast enough for me!), and much more, in the baking sun and torrential rain. I didn't have a single issue and I never got backache (which I'm prone to). I don't know what a V8 would have done that the V6 didn't.
If you're buying, take advice from people who've driven each engine and don't just buy a V8 because it's a V8.
Excellent points. The V6 offers fantastic value for money and gives buyers access to the R129's biggest selling points; the looks and refinement of the platform.
Excellent review as always. I love the automotive design element you always touch on.
Thank you for the kind words!
They are superb value, especially at classic car auctions
Absolutely!
Great review. Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
The 90's Power Broker car!!
Urgh not a fan of London, but I can see why the video is of this environment. I’d prefer somewhere scenic like Glencoe or Thirlmere in the Lake District.
Great car but totally wrong about drive trains. They are fun and exciting if you know what you are doing. They are not like a BMW 3 or 4 but if you get their real feel they do whatever you need them to do reliably. Just trust the slight body roll which really never gets out of control.
@@siegfriedbarfuss9379 That’s great to hear - perhaps a proper backroad test is needed!
Give me the V8
Need wooden steering wheels to come back
100%