336 cid twin-turbocharged and intercooled SOHC 36-valve V-12 engine, 493 HP at 5,000 RPM, aluminum block and heads, Bosch engine-control system with port fuel injection, five-speed automatic gearbox with lockup torque converter, four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel disc-brakes; wheelbase: 100.8”


In July 2001, after over five years of development, the all-new SL series was introduced by Mercedes-Benz at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show that September. Production began in October of 2001 at the Bremen plant and European sales began that November. The fifth generation SL (or R123 series) remained in production between 2001 and 2008, retailing for more than $130,000 when new. The all-new SL600 (initially just a 5.0-litre SL500 version) featured a sophisticated retractable hardtop, marketed as the Vario Roof. The powerful V-12 engines were available in the top-of-line SL600 and the limited-production SL 65 AMG. The SL600 also features the ABC (active body control) which monitored and adjusted the car’s remarkable balance of comfort and handling. This innovative system uses accumulators and hydraulic fluids to regulate the firmness and heights of the suspension.

The SL600 is impressive even by today’s standards: A V-12 twin-turbocharged engine with 493 horsepower and 590 foot-pounds of torque, launches the SL600 from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.5 seconds, yet at 80 mph it's barely breathing, only churning at 2,500 rpm. Unlike other cars that can accelerate this quickly, the Benz is true to its heritage. Smooth power is this car's expertise, and it is manifested through luxurious packaging, an unbeatable reputation and excellent engineering. Another distinguishing factor of the SL is how seriously Mercedes incorporates safety features. There's a brace of six airbags but, even better, the SL600 gets standard traction and stability control. Active suspension also aids handling by cutting squat and dive during braking, which can alter the delicate balance of traction in slippery conditions.

One of the most pleasurable things about the SL600 is how well Mercedes controls wind noise, even with the collapsible metal and glass top in the retracted position. There is an electrically deployable wind baffle that folds up behind the rear seats at the touch of a dash-mounted button, and when the windows are up you can drive at 75 mph without even adjusting the stereo. Driving with the folding metal roof in the up position is so quiet that you would never even know this car is a convertible--it's that quiet inside. Car and Driver magazine was impressed when they tested a new SL600 in 2004: “Drop the hammer on the 12, and 5.5 litres worth of low-end torque bear the car away with the speed and silence of a trebuchet launch. The turbos spool up mutely and sustain peak torque from 1,800 to 3,600 rpm. Power delivery is absolutely linear and, even with the top down, the turbos can never be heard whistling while they work.”

This well-cared for SL600 is finished handsomely with a Dark Graphite body with elegantly coordinating leather interior. Driven less than 48,000 from new, the current long term owner has always pampered this SL600, insisting on using the local authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership for any maintenance or service. Exotic and extremely powerful, yet quiet and effortless to operate, this SL600 offers a uniquely pleasurable way to experience thrilling performance and extreme luxury at the same time.