The brief for the R230, begun in 1996, was to be lighter, faster, roomier and more appealing than ever. It succeeded, even though at launch the SL500 was still a hefty 400kg heavier than a Porsche 996. The design team under boss Peter Pfeiffer achieved styling that didn't just look sleek, it really was, with a drag coefficient of just 0.29.
Pioneering features included the first roadcar application of Merc's Sensotronic Braking System (SBS): removing any physical connection between pedal and pads was a big step, but it saved weight and enabled the ECU to link with suspension sensors to allocate braking to each wheel. It also led to a costly recall when issues arose. Active Body Control (ABC) combined conventional spring/dampers with a hydraulic servo to manage roll, with switchable modes. The folding 'Vario' roof used 11 hydraulic cylinders to operate in 16 secs; a Panorama glass roof was a desirable extra. The seats could be heated, cooled and massaging, but there was no longer a rear bench, just lockable boxes.
Autocar applauded the superb automatic 'box, devoid of paddles or buttons, and the sharp, accurate steering, saying: 'The technology just refuses to allow the car to roll in corners.'
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