2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Trims and Specs

Seductive style, retractable hardtop, commendable performance, ride and handling were among the many pros drivers listed as reasons to love the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500. The 2003 was completed overhauled in the 2003 model year, replacing a previous version that dated back to 1990.

There wasn't much to complain about with the new version of a German classic, but when drivers did pick a bone with the '03 SL500, they most often mentioned that it was heavy for a "sports car," that it had limited cargo capacity, and that the SL500's navigation system relied on an old-tech, CD-ROM format.

Those were minor complaints that would, for the most part, be corrected in later years. The car's 302 horsepower V8 was capable of propelling the 2003 SL500 from 0 to 60 in just over six seconds, making it a good choice for the "daily driver," not to mention "fun as hell."

While the SL lineup was originally built as a race car in the 1950's and 1960's by Mercedes Benz, many felt the SL-Class had fallen into a category of being "racing uninspired" by the 1980's and 1990's. Then along came the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG, and critics were once again silenced by the German automaker.

With "impeccable road manners" and a supercharged 5.5-liter V-8 that develops an incredible 493 horsepower, Mercedes showed that beyond the luxury it is synonymous with, the company is also capable of producing fast, high performance cars. Indeed, the AMG emblem means the car was built in limited quantities by the Mercedes car builders charged with building the company's best and fastest cars.

Built on the SL500 platform, the 2003 SL55 AMG features and innovative brakes-by-wire system, Active Body Control (ABC) and improved suspension.

Mercedes-Benz completely overhauled the SL600 in the 2003 model year, replacing a 12-year-old design with a newer, fresher design that also improved the sports coupe's performance and power. The new SL600 was better than its predecessor "in every way" and an immediate hit with automotive journalists and luxury car buyers.

The car has an astonishing, 6.0 liter V12 engine that produces 500 horsepower and 590 ft-lb of torque. To compensate for the added power, the SL600 is loaded with safety features, including active body control, multiple airbags and a rollbar that deploys when the car senses a rollover.