I can't think of a finer balm for the soul than cruising the Mediterranean coastline at the wheel of a genuine supercar, while the early sun paints the hillsides a warm butter yellow.Top down, we're able to see and be seen in this playground of the astronomically wealthy. If ever there was a target demographic for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster we're driving – this is it. Here, we're able to experience it in its natural habitat, among the palm trees, the yachts and the languid villas of the French Riviera.
I'm able to scratch one entry off my personal bucket list by driving (albeit slowly) the Circuit de Monaco, the legendary Formula One course made famous by its hairpin turns and impromptu dips into the harbour. It's so choked with traffic, both pedestrian and motorized, that we're barely moving above a crawl. Nonetheless, it was a special thrill to clip the candy-stripe curbing of the infamous Lowe's Turn.
Passing by the Casino Square, we run a gauntlet of Maseratis, Aston Martins, Bentleys and Ferraris. We're amused that our passage turns heads, even in this elevated setting. The SLS is a very wide car for this part of the world; we were sure we'd lose a mirror or scrape one of its lovely flanks. The roads are so narrow; we wince at the passing of scooters and motorbikes between lanes that seem barely able to accommodate two vehicles. Eventually we accept it with Gallic shrugs.
When I first heard that the SLS AMG would be released as a roadster, I was horrified. The signature gullwing doors, so representative of the SLS's iconic presence, amputated? What would Mercedes-Benz's halo sports car be without those soaring wings held aloft? Why clip those beautiful wings?
Personally, from a purely aesthetic point of view, I've always preferred the uninterrupted roofline of a coupe. Especially in a car whose design is such an intrinsic part of its appeal.
But I have to concede the SLS Roadster is a beautiful car, even without the wings. That elongated nose, huge wheels and muscular rump create a shape that's elegant, yet undeniably sexy. To me, a cloth top is the equivalent of sneakers with a dress suit, but I must admit this one is neatly finished. Still, it's much better left stowed. It can be activated at speeds up to 50 km/h and we're impressed with the mere eleven seconds it takes to deploy, but you can kiss rear visibility goodbye.
