2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Review
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Visceral supercar performance with Mercedes civility, grand touring amenities, outrageous styling, sure to secure a primo valet spot.
Cons
- Touchy brakes, road noise can be intrusive, manual transmission not available, exaggerated dimensions make for cumbersome maneuvering, performance-to-value ratio not what it used to be.
What’s new
For the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren's final year of production, there's a new limited-edition 722 S model. Otherwise, the only notable addition is Bluetooth connectivity.
Edmunds says
Although still a symbol of prestige and high performance, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren loses some of its former luster due to aging styling and newer, faster competitors that are considerably less expensive.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 2dr Convertible (5.4L 8cyl S/C 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$403/mo for SLR McLaren Base
SLR McLaren Base
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Those who follow Formula 1 racing no doubt know of the long-standing partnership between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren. For a time that collaboration extended beyond racecars to the road -- the SLR supercar was created as an homage to racing accomplishments of a past era when drivers like Juan Manuel Fangio and Sir Stirling Moss barreled down unfenced tracks in open-wheel speed machines while wearing little more than T-shirts and leather caps. When the SLR debuted (in coupe form four years ago, followed by a roadster last year), it was anything but retro; it boasted an ostentatious design and cutting-edge technology.
But all good things must come to an end. Although the SLR hangs on for 2009, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren dissolved their road-car partnership in 2008. In addition to the standard roadster, the SLR's swan song is a limited-edition 722 S roadster, which features a full carbon-fiber body and an even more powerful version of the supercharged 5.5-liter V8. The 722 name comes from the car driven by Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson in the Mille Miglia race in 1955 (they were piloting a 300 SLR). Only 150 of these retuned, special-edition drop tops will be made.
No matter which version you look at, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren doesn't exactly make a whole lot of financial sense. At half a million dollars, you could park a Ferrari 599 and a Ferrari F430 in your garage for the same amount of dough. Those who want a sleek, modern supercar with stunning good looks and plenty of power to burn could also consider the 2009 Lamborghini Murciélago LP640, which is just as extreme and checks in at $100,000 less. But there's no denying that the SLR still has plenty of cachet, especially in parts of the country where how much you spend on a car is just as important as how it drives.
Performance & mpg
A supercharged 5.4-liter V8 (which is mounted behind the front wheels for optimal weight distribution) powers the rear-wheel-drive 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren with a visceral 617 hp and 575 pound-feet of torque. The SLR 722 produces 650 hp. A widely spaced five-speed automatic transmission translates the engine's brute force into motion. Steering-wheel-mounted buttons enable the driver to shift manually. A brief 3.8 seconds is all it takes for this supercar to rocket from zero to 60 mph, and the top speed for the SLR is an F1-worthy 206 mph. Powerful carbon ceramic brakes and a rear air brake help to bring this beast from 62 mph to a halt in a respectable 114 feet. EPA estimates -- if there's a potential buyer who cares -- come in at a predictably low 12 mpg city/16 mpg highway and 13 mpg combined.
Safety
Although no crash tests have been performed on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, its construction promises a very high level of occupant protection. Carbon fiber, which is extremely light yet strong, makes up a large portion of the car's structure. Steel-reinforced A-pillars and two fixed rollover bars protect the driver and passenger in the event of a rollover. Other standard safety features include airbags, knee-protecting airbags, Mercedes' TeleAid telematics system, stability control, traction control and antilock brakes with brake assist.
Driving
When you're the proud owner of a rare machine that boasts 617 hp and F1-inspired aerodynamics and suspension, there's pretty much only one way to enjoy driving it: fast. The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren roadster excels on challenging roads and accelerates and brakes with the greatest of ease. But there are a few drawbacks. Some might find that the steering lacks feel, and many enthusiasts bemoan the fact that the car is not available with a manual transmission. Road noise is always persistent, but that's to be somewhat expected for a car with this kind of performance. The carbon ceramic brakes are capable of bringing the SLR to a halt, but they're almost too good -- their instant bite makes it difficult to ease into braking.
Interior
Half-scissor, half-gullwing doors require some creative maneuvering for the driver and passenger to climb in gracefully. That can be remedied with practice, though preferably not in a public place, since all will be staring. The interior design is definitively German and accented with leather, carbon fiber and aluminum. The engine start button hides beneath a flip-up cover on the gearlever.
The SLR's race-bred carbon fiber seats offer ample support but lack the adjustability most drivers expect. Mercedes custom tailors seat upholstery to the proportions of every vehicle's owner, although those taller than 6 feet will still be out of luck when it comes to legroom. Don't plan on taking this supercar on a long road trip, either, as the trunk offers a mere 7.2 cubic feet of space -- unless, of course, you're the type to just FedEx your luggage ahead of time.
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren models
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is offered solely as a two-seat roadster in a single trim level. Standard features include 19-inch wheels, bi-xenon HID headlights, a heated glass rear window, heated exterior mirrors, a semiautomatic fabric soft top, six-way power carbon fiber sport seats, leather and Alcantara upholstery, aluminum trim, Bluetooth phone connectivity, dual-zone automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control and a seven-speaker Bose surround-sound system with a trunk-mounted six-CD changer. The SLR's list of limited options includes various interior and soft-top color schemes, as well as 18-inch wheels.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.
5 star(86%)
4 star(0%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(14%)
1 star(0%)
7 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Super supercar,Great track car!
Bob, 08/08/2005
2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 2dr Coupe (5.4L 8cyl S/C 5A)
Brakes from 120-0 mph in less than 140 feet, phenomanal. Can top 200 mph, wonderful. 0-60 in 3.6, perfect. Comfy,great track car, beautiful, I love mine more than just about anything. Super stylish, totally hot!
4.75 out of 5 stars
A true work of art in machining
Greekouzo, 07/16/2005
2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 2dr Coupe (5.4L 8cyl S/C 5A)
I am an avid exotic automobile collector and enthusiast. Out of all the Mercedes and Ferrari's I have ever owned, this is by far the most exhilarating experience. I would even put it ahead of my Ferrari 940. It is a very powerful yet nimble and handles like the tires are glued to the pavement. I would definitely recommend this to a serious car enthousiast if they are considering … maybe for one of the Italian competitors.
5 out of 5 stars
OMG AMG
Averye, 09/07/2009
2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 2dr Convertible (5.4L 8cyl S/C 5A)
I bought this car on January 1, 2009 and i love it, it's not as fast as the nissan gt-r, but i love it. I'm not to fancy about the exterior grill design though. The fuel economy is bad because you have to use premium, i don't mind spending money for my car. The car may be expensive, but it's worth it.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Amazing Machine
FCOMPAGNINO, 08/05/2005
2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 2dr Coupe (5.4L 8cyl S/C 5A)
This vehicle is amazing. Such great performance and great handling. I don't think that you can get any better than a race car
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, so we've included reviews for other years of the SLR McLaren since its last redesign.
2009 SLR McLaren Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $495,000 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 13 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $403/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 7.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
Key safety features on the SLR McLaren include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
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