* Based on opinions and should be considered as general guidance only.
- Reliability (3)The M111 engine is mechanically stout, but the car is prone to 'soft-touch' interior trim peeling and potential hydraulic failures in the complex roof mechanism.
- Maintenance (3)Parts are widely available, but Mercedes-specific components and specialized labor for the roof and supercharger can make long-term ownership relatively expensive.
- Technology (3)The Vario-roof was a groundbreaking piece of engineering for the era, though the interior features and safety systems are now considered very basic and dated.
- Comfort (4)With the hardtop up, it offers coupe-like refinement and excellent noise insulation; the seats are supportive and the ride quality is impressively supple for a small roadster.
- Dynamics (3)The supercharged inline-four provides adequate torque, but the recirculating-ball steering feels numb and the chassis is tuned more for stable cruising than agile cornering compared to its peers.