The SLX's greatest shortcoming is in the drive-train. It did an excellent job of calculating the appropriate gear for varying situations, even down-shifting sufficiently well in traffic to obviate the need for pulling the transmission lever out of overdrive. In power mode, the engine roared eagerly toward the 6,250-rpm ignition kill point. Ride quality was only fair. It was harder than most luxury buyers likely would find endearing.
Some harshness slips through, and the suspension gets very loose in the joints over nasty surfaces.
The SLX had more creaks and rattles than we've become accustomed to, even in sport-utes. There was a bare sufficiency of leg room for the 6-foot driver, but the steering wheel projected rather far from the dash, leading to a somewhat cramped feeling. The variably assisted power steering was weighted just about right. Leasing plans are available to reduce the monthly toll considerably. We welcome your comments .