Meet the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 Designo Launch Edition
Imagine this: a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500. It’s part of the elite Designo Launch Edition with just 42,000 miles on the clock. Having wandered through California and Montana, this beauty is more than just a piece of machinery; it’s an engineering masterpiece. Under the hood, there’s a muscular 5.0-liter V8 engine, perfectly paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. All dressed up in Designo Silver Metallic, it flaunts a luxurious black leather interior.
Features to Drool Over
Slide into those plush seats and experience the power-folding hardtop that whisks you away into convertible bliss. Turn on the bi-xenon headlights for that modern gleam. And the 18″ Brabus wheels? They aren’t just for show. Comfort is assured with seats that are heated, ventilated, and dare we say, massaging. For those who crave connectivity and sound that’s a cut above the rest, a Bose sound system paired with the COMAND navigation awaits. Acquired by the dealer in 2025, this R230 is up for grabs in California, boasting a pristine Carfax and a Montana title that’s as clean as a whistle.
Did you know? The Designo Launch Edition was a special run to exhibit Mercedes-Benz’s cutting-edge design and luxury prowess for the early 2000s. Talk about a collector’s dream!
Exterior Details
This SL500 wears its Designo Silver Metallic finish like a custom-tailored suit. A power-folding convertible hardtop waits to shelter or expose you to the elements. Features like bi-xenon headlights, fog lights, and those sporty dual exhaust outlets only add to its charm. Not to forget, the fender air vents give it a robust aura that screams performance.
Riding on Performance
The ride sits pretty on 18″ Brabus five-spoke wheels, wrapped in Michelin tires, offering both style and grip. For the tech enthusiasts, the car is fitted with Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, seamlessly partnered with an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Automatic Slip Control (ASR). This ensures you remain in control, whether you’re cruising along sunny California streets or navigating the rugged terrains of Montana.
Interior Bliss
Inside, it’s all about luxury and comfort. Those heated and ventilated multi-contour seats come with massaging features—not your everyday car seats! Black leather and classy wood trim complement the cabin, extending even to the dashboard and center console. Additional perks include dual-zone automatic climate control, a cruise control feature for those long drives, and the immersive Bose sound system paired with COMAND for navigation. One caveat; the seller notes some interior quirks like a loose door panel trim and sticky surfaces near the air vents. Minor imperfections in an otherwise perfect package.
Instrumentation and Gauges
The wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel encases a 160-mph speedometer, a tachometer, and gauges monitoring coolant temperature and fuel level. Meanwhile, the digital odometer proudly displays the car’s modest 42k miles, a testament to its gentle use over the years.
Heart of the Beast
Let’s not forget the heart beating beneath the hood—a factory-rated 5.0-liter M113 V8 capable of unleashing 302 horsepower paired with 339 lb-ft of torque. It’s a symphony of power and precision. For peace of mind, it passed the California emissions inspection in February 2025.
Take it For a Spin
All this power is channeled to the rear wheels courtesy of its fluid five-speed automatic transmission. Feel the rush; experience the drive like never before.
Interesting tidbit: This SL500’s meticulous history yields a clean bill of health, reaffirmed by a spotless Carfax report. Here’s to no accidents or damage marring its legacy!
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, this Mercedes-Benz SL500 Designo Launch Edition might just be the luxurious ride you never knew you needed.