Used 2003 Mercedes-BenzSL-Class 5.0

Of all the cars, trucks and minivans I have test driven this past year, few vehicles evoked as many envious comments from co-workers as the new Mercedes-Benz SL500.

Of course, this is an $86,000 car savored by few - mostly CEOs and entertainers. So its glamorous image is enough to attract a lot of attention.

But it's not just image that will turn heads. This couple has stunning good looks. Voluptuous curves and crisp accent lines help hide the car's wide stance and the more than 4,000 pound curb weight. Its size isn't intimidating, like the Chevrolet Corvette, yet it is large enough to avoid looking like a toy. It has a modern appearance that matches the BMW Z8 for sheer eye appeal.

That feeling is backed up by the 5-liter V-8, which moves this coupe with a graceful air and throaty roar. Power is better approaching highway speeds than off-the-line. This coupe will not snap your head back upon initial acceleration, and with a 0-60 mph time of just 6.1 seconds, you won't notice the car's heft.

Where you will notice it is in the handling.

The car has a heavy, hunkered down feel that takes driving to a divine level. While you will get some road feel through the suspension, there's little in the car's steering or brakes.

Part of this is due to the car's electronic brake system. The system features anti-lock and disc brakes on all four wheels. A computer is used to sense your intentions by monitoring each wheel and the driver's application of the brakes. Emergency braking is free of the shudder usually associated with anti-lock brakes. Stopping was exceptional.

In addition, Mercedes' Active Body Control helps provide compromise between a smooth ride and sporty handling. The result works most of the time, but it's easy to confuse the computer. This lends an unsettled feel to the car's body lean as the computers try to decide what to do.

The stylish interior matches the SL500's exterior.

Twin bucket seats had the usual Mercedes hardness, yet they were supportive. Some passengers complained about their rather narrow width, so if you're broad in the beam, this car may be uncomfortable.

Still, this car does its best to coddle passengers.

Leather and wood trim abound. The automatic climate control uses seatbelt sensors to judge how many passengers are in the car and adjusts the system accordingly. Other niceties include a Bose 10-speaker audio system, navigation system, and heated and cooled seats.

Of course, the biggest thrill is the retractable hardtop, which brings on smiles in a brisk 16 seconds. Mercedes has even figured out a way to retain a decent amount of trunk space.

While the Mercedes-Benz SL500 is a welcome addition to any CEO's garage, and its engineering is quite remarkable, too many people buy the car for one reason only: the star on the front of the hood.

Which explains the catty comments, as well as the envious stares.