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Road Test

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

Test Date 31 August 2004  Price When New £313,565

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Verdict

To many, the SLR is inherently flawed because it doesn’t look quite right and its Mercedes DNA (especially inside) is unacceptable at this end of the marketplace. But that’s missing the point of the SLR entirely. In many ways, this is a supercar for people who don’t want a supercar. Without splitting tenths, it is as fast as a Carrera GT but requires nothing like the same level of driver skill, and has enough comforts to be used as everyday transport. There are shortcomings, like the poor packaging and over-sharp steering, and the minimal sound insulation comes very close to spoiling the entire car. But in one area the SLR is captivating and quashes such worries: it is unlike anything else on sale now or in the past. The compromises are great, but the SLR’s combination of immense speed and, most importantly, charisma smother them. It won’t be remembered as fondly as the last McLaren road car, but it deserves to be celebrated all the same.

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