Lovestruck by racy number!

I’ve been in love three times in my life, the first time was when I discovered a breakfast cereal with marshmallow in it, the second time was when I met my girlfriend and, most recently, when I sat behind the wheel of the Mercedes SL 350, writes Charlie Holding.

In my opinion, this is one of the most impressive cars ever built thanks to its combination of aesthetic appeal, driving dynamics and fantastic features.

This sixth generation mean machine is packed full of cutting-edge technology but thankfully the features are incredibly simple to use.

One of the more innovative advances is the boot opening mechanism. Simply slide your foot behind the rear bumper and it electronically opens all by itself, you’ll never have to fumble for keys again. Furthermore, to close the boot, simply repeat the action ... genius!

The thing I love most about the SL 350 is how brilliant it feels to complete those little tasks. The model I drove had a vario-roof that can be retracted into the boot using an electro-hydraulic mechanism, which takes about 15 seconds.

This dramatic transformation is done by simply raising a lever by the gear stick, which means all that’s left for you to do is watch the process with a silly grin plastered on your face.

Under the bonnet is a V6 306bhp engine which delivers 370Nm of torque and uses just 6.8 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, making it almost 30 per cent more economical than its predecessor.

Luckily, the reduced fuel usage doesn’t affect the phenomenal power at your disposal or the speed at which you can travel, thanks in no small part to its new lightweight aluminium body.

The SL 350 accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in just 5.9 seconds while letting out an almighty roar that literally sends chills down my spine.

The exterior is so sleek it ought to come with a warning sign which reads ‘caution, may cause knees to tremble’. This roadster sits low to the ground and the perfect pairing of a long bonnet with an aggressive-looking front grille results in a work of art that even Da Vinci would be proud of.

Inside, things get even better. The state-of-the-art cockpit is as luxurious as it is practical and it certainly looks ‘the business’ thanks to its leather-trimmed finishings.

Many roadsters offer what I like to call ‘shelf seating’ in the rear, possibly enough space for small children (if you dislike them) to sit but not nearly enough room for an adult. The end result is an extremely cramped passenger and less leg room for the driver.

In the SL 350, this is not the case. There is no shelf seating, simply a shelf, which means that both driver and passenger have plenty of space to stretch their legs and a place to store a duffle bag.

In terms of infotainmet, this classy convertible has it all: Satellite navigation, a six disk CD changer, Bluetooth, rear cameras, parking sensors, tyre pressure monitor, dual zone AC and voice recognition software. Simply press a button on the steering wheel, say the function you want and the car selects it for you.

You can call contacts from your phone book, tune the radio and switch to navigation simply by talking to the car.

Unsurprisingly, my favourite aspect of this roadster was the attention it generated as I drove along. A passer by in a 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500-Class actually pulled up beside me when I parked to admire my wheels. He asked me loads of questions about the car and where I bought it ... I didn’t feel it necessary to let him know I was only reviewing it.

I turned a fair few heads while driving along the highway too as I cruised along with a huge smile on my face with the top down and the wind blowing through what little hair I still possess.

The steering was so responsive I barely needed to turn the wheel at all while cornering. The SL350 stuck to the road like glue even at speed thanks to its low centre of gravity and traction control. This is also a car that was made for open stretches of highway where you can put your foot down and unleash its raw power. So, I was disappointed when I went to return the car and discovered the highway had been closed.

Thankfully the trusty sat nav directed me on an alternate route back to the showroom, albeit in bumper-to-bumper traffic. There’s nothing worse than having all those ponies under the bonnet and no room to gallop.

However, at least the wait was comfortable while sitting in my gleaming Mercedes trying to politely ignore the envious glances from the motorists stuck beside me.

Prices start from BD45,000. For more details, contact Al Haddad Motors on 17785454.