2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
- 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
Based on analysis of 11 SLR-McLaren reviews and test drives.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren - What the Auto Press Says
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren ranks 8 out of 8 Exotic Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 11 published reviews and test drives of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2009 SLR McLaren is as much about exclusivity as it is speed. Starting at nearly half a million dollars, how couldn't it be?
The SLR, which is built by Mercedes-Benz's Formula 1 partner McLaren, made its debut in 2003. Now in its last year of production, the SLR McLaren is highly regarded as a status symbol for its eye-catching design, visceral power and premium price tag. In fact, for what it costs to purchase a new SLR, buyers can own both a Lamborghini Murcielago and Aston Martin Vantage.
If you're in the market for an exotic sports car, test drive the Lamborghini Murcielago; it's not a convertible -- but costs roughly two-thirds the amount of the SLR and provides more horsepower and sportier handling dynamics.
- "The roadster is about style and exclusivity, high speeds or low. In fact, Klaus Nesser, head of exclusive products for Mercedes, expects droptop-SLR buyers to be more inclined to cruising than racing. An open car provides more opportunity to be seen and envied." -- Car and Driver
- "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." -- Edmunds
- "Although not revered in the vein of a Ferrari Enzo, or even McLaren's own F1, the SLR will be remembered as an amazing machine." -- Road and Track
SLR-McLaren Performance - 9.3 (Excellent)
Test drivers report that the SLR is wonderfully engineered for speed. "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," writes Edmunds. Still, some reviewers find that it's not as sports-agile as its competitors. Read More
SLR-McLaren Exterior - 9.0 (Excellent)
Critics find the SLR McLaren hot, but complain that a vehicle at this price point shouldn't come equipped with a manual convertible top. Read More
SLR-McLaren Interior - 8.0 (Very Good)
The SLR's two-passenger cabin features a luxurious and highly customizable interior finish. Auto writers, however, report that its unique scissor doors make it difficult to enter and exit the cabin. Read More
SLR-McLaren Safety - NA
Neither the federal government nor insurance industry has crash tested the 2009 SLR McLaren. Read More
SLR-McLaren Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren features a four-year/50,000 mile limited warranty. Read More
