2007 Mercedes-Benz SL550

The Mercedes-Benz SL550 roadster is new for 2007, replacing the previous year's SL500. And like all S-Class and SL-Class vehicles, which received a redesign for 2007, it sports exterior styling that is more muscular and more aerodynamic than previous models. Exterior design features include a gray titanium grille, Xenon high-intensity headlights, halogen front foglights, side vents, and dual chrome exhaust tips.

Of course, this is a roadster, so it's also equipped with an electrohydraulic retractable aluminum folding hardtop that stows in the trunk. The roof, which has an electrically heated rear window, can be operated with either the console controller or the SmartKey remote controller.

Under the hood of the rear-wheel-drive SL550 is a new 5.5-liter, double-overhead-cam V8 engine that produces 382 horsepower. The standard transmission is a seven-speed automatic with driver adaptative programming, which adjusts shift points depending on the driver's style, and Touch Shift, when enables the driver to manually upshift or downshift by nudging the shift lever left or right.

Interior features are in keeping with the SL550's status as one of the world's top luxury roadsters, and include 12-way power-adjustable heated front seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, velour carpeting, dual-zone automatic climate control, power windows, electronic cruise control, and hand-polished Chestnet, Burl Walnut, or Black Ash wood trim.

For communications and entertainment, the SL550 is equipped with the COMAND-DVD Cockpit Management and Data System, which combines a 6.5-inch color LCD screen, an AM/FM audio system, single-disc in-dash CD player, Sirius satellite radio, DVD-based navigation system, and rear-cabin-mounted 6-disc CD changer.

The 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL550 is getting high marks from drivers, some of whom are calling it the best Mercedes ever. Drivers are impressed with the car's handling, styling, acceleration, smooth ride, and interior amenities, among other features.