We say The SLR Roadster offers blistering performance and straight line speed but doesn’t live up to the hype or its extortionate price tag.Performance Straight line speed is one area that the SLR Roadster excels with a 0-62mph sprint time of 3.8 seconds courtesy of a massive 5.4-litre V8 petrol engine worth 626bhp. That’s enough to get the heavy supercar up to a 208mph top speed and produce 580lb-ft of torque.Emissions There’s no hiding from the shocking CO2 emissions and fuel economy of the SLR Roadster. They’re not very good but if you’re after a supercar like this, you’re probably not too concerned about your carbon footprint. CO2 emissions stand at 348g/km and fuel economy figures stand at an official 19.5mpg but that figure will probably be closer to 10mpg in the real world.Driving The SLR is fast and heavy but it is still controlled on the road. Around bends you’d think its weight would cause some issues but it is settled, controlled and surprisingly agile. It’s also extremely quick and its V8 engine allows for simple, simple overtaking in all gears and at most speeds.Feel The SLR strikes a near perfect balance between firm sporty handling and a comfortable ride. Its suspension soaks up bumps in the road. It’s problems come in terms of steering and brakes which don’t live up to the feedback and feel of its major rivals. That may sound like nit picking but bear in mind the price of the model before you dismiss the little faults.Space The SLR is comfortable when you consider that it’s a two seat Roadster but there’s not much headroom for anyone who’s over six foot tall. There are some storage points which make it as practical as most supercars but not extraordinary. In the rear there’s a decent 272-boot which should be enough for basic luggage or shopping. Visibility out of the rear isn’t great.Equipment To sit in, the SLR can overwhelm in terms of comfort, ergonomics and high quality materials but there’s not a lot of technology, gadgets or equipment available for a car that costs this much. Instead Mercedes and McLaren seem to have focussed on technology under the bonnet.Price The SLR Roadster is extremely expensive at around £350,000. Values drop quickly as well.Quality For the princely sum of £350,000 you’d expect the SLR to be finished to a high quality, fortunately it is. Inside there’s a brilliant cabin, expertly laid out and ergonomic. It’s flooded with upmarket materials including leather upholstery and carbon fibre inserts.Safety Mercedes is a leading name in automotive safety and the SLR is true to that history and reputation. It’s well equipped with a carbon fibre chassis that’s light and expensive but incredibly strong, which is reassuring given the high speeds you could potentially reach. There are four airbags for two people and a range of traction and stability control systems. A highlight is a pop-up rear wing that works as a kind of parachute to aid high-speed braking and improve traction and control.Pros Straight line speed is a big draw for anyone interested in a supercar and the Mercedes SLR Roadster delivers on that front with a 0-62mph sprint time of 3.8 seconds. It’s also a gorgeous looking car that carries the Mercedes badge and the McLaren name, whCons It’s £350,000 and falls short of its competitors in terms of handling and braking which is quite important when you’re paying premium sums. There’s also a lack of gadgets when you consider the money you’re spending, too.Alternatives Ferrari 458, Aston Martin DBS
