Impeccable handling, exceptional comfort
Active Body Control (ABC) ensures the SL-Class strikes a perfect balance between dynamic handling and all-round ride comfort and safety.
The system uses an array of sensors to monitor the car’s body movement at all times. It then adjusts the suspension accordingly, helping reduce body roll when braking, cornering or accelerating.
At speeds above 60km/h, ABC also lowers the vehicle height by up to 11 millimetres. This adjustment takes a fraction of a second yet significantly improves aerodynamics and fuel consumption.
The system also features a Sport setting for an even more responsive, exhilarating driving experience.
SL 350
Now sportier than ever, the SL 350’s V6 unit produces higher revving (6,800 rpm with a peak of 7,200 rpm available) and an impressive 315 hp. Boasting a 0-62 mph time of just 6.2 seconds, the SL 350 also features a double declutching function on the downshift, which helps maximise power transmission. In addition, fuel consumption has been improved to 28.5 mpg combined.
SL 500
This formidable 5.5L naturally aspirated V8 is guaranteed to get your adrenalin flowing. Producing some 388hp and a gutsy 530Nm of torque, it blends raw power with impeccable performance, launching the SL 500 from 0-62mph in just 5.4 seconds.
SL 600
The sound alone produced by this twin turbo V12 powerplant is enough to set your pulse racing. With an impressive power output of 517hp and 830Nm of torque, the SL 600 surges from 0-62mph in an amazing 4.5 seconds.
SL 63 AMG
Producing an impressive 525hp, this 6.3L naturally aspirated V8 boasts the performance to match its racing pedigree. Power is harnessed by an all-new AMG Speedshift MCT 7 speed transmission to deliver a supremely rewarding driving experience.
SL 65 AMG
The most powerful engine in the range, this V12 bi-turbo has a staggering output of 612hp and an astonishing 1000Nm of torque. If you’re looking for jaw-dropping acceleration, look no further.
Smoother, faster, more efficient
Fitted as standard on the SL 350 and SL 500, 7G-tronic transmission helps reduce fuel consumption and noise levels, thanks to lower average engine speeds. In addition, you enjoy smoother, faster gear changes and improved acceleration.
With the optional Sport Package, you’ll also enjoy steering wheel mounted gearshift paddles for F1-style changes.
The SL 63 AMG boasts the all-new 7G-Tronic MCT. This ultra-responsive transmission offers motor-racing feel, plus gear changes some 20% faster than its predecessor, the AMG Speedshift 7G-Tronic.
The SL 600 and SL 65 AMG feature our superb 5-speed automatic transmission with Tipfunction. Steering wheel mounted gearshift paddles provide F1-style gear changes for an even sportier experience.
Power steering with a difference
All SL-Class models feature speed-sensitive power steering as standard. So you enjoy greater power assistance when manoeuvring at lower speeds, and less assistance when cruising on the open road.
You can also choose Direct Steering as an option. Developed specifically for Mercedes-Benz roadsters, this is speed-sensitive power steering with a difference.
Featuring an innovative new spur rack, the system blends incredible driver comfort with a sporty edge. On winding country roads you enjoy superb touch and response. At higher speeds, straight-line stability is outstanding. And at low speeds – when parking, for example - you’ll be amazed how little steering effort is required.
A helping hand when and where you need it
As well as having an overall improved steering system to give you a more direct drive, the new SL-Class comes with parameter steering. This responsive power steering system adjusts to your speed to give you the optimum amount of assistance at all times. This means you get less assistance when you're enjoying the open road, and more when you're manoeuvring or parking in a tight spot.
Memory seats - know your body better than you do
With seats this comfortable, you’ll want to stay that little bit longer - not only are they remarkably adjustable, but the standard memory feature means you won't waste time adjusting them before every drive. Your personal settings can be saved and set at the touch of a button.
For the ultimate luxury, opt either for multi-contour seats with massaging function - where a gentle pulsing motion is released through the seat to help relieve tension - or choose air-conditioned seats which use a heating and ventilation system to provide the optimal temperature at all times.
Goes the extra mile
Even the steering wheel on the SL-Class exceeds expectations by doing that much more than the obvious. Up to eight menus can be accessed easily, giving you complete control of the radio, CD player and optional integrated mobile telephone. You can even use it to check with the navigation system that you're going in the right direction. And since you won't need to take your eyes off the road, your driving will be that much safer.
Keep your distance
Developed by Mercedes-Benz, Distronic is a radar-assisted cruise control that does more than keep you at a constant speed. A special sensor in the grille determines how far you are from the car in front. Should you get too close, the system will automatically ease up on the throttle, and even activate the brake if necessary. An intelligent use of technology, it helps to soothe the atmosphere when you're driving in congested traffic.
Making summers last longer
Built into the SL-Class’s head restraints, Airscarf neck-level heating channels a stream of heated air onto your neck, head and shoulders – so you can enjoy open-top motoring even in colder conditions. Featuring individual 3-stage temperature controls and airflow that adjusts to your driving speed, Airscarf makes sure a clear day never goes to waste.
Enhancing every journey
Fitted as standard on the SL-Class, the COMAND system caters for all your entertainment, navigation and communication needs. And with its high-resolution 6.5” integrated colour display and intuitive design, it’s a joy to use.
Hard disk-based navigation offers colour maps for digitised areas of Europe, so planning routes is simple. For music lovers, there’s a 6-disc DVD changer and Music Register, which lets you copy and store MP3 files on the integrated hard disk. And Linguatronic voice control and Bluetooth® connectivity are also included for your safety and convenience.
The perfect soundtrack for the perfect drive
A perfect driving experience deserves music to match. So the SL-Class is fitted with a 6-disc DVD changer and aux-in socket for connecting iPods or other MP3 players. In addition, Music Register lets you store up to 1,000 tunes on the car’s hard-disk. Simply transfer them from memory cards or from your CD or DVD collection.
Optional extras include the media interface, for easy operation of MP3 players via the vehicle’s head unit or multi-function steering wheel. And DAB digital radio, for a wider choice of channels and superior sound quality.
Time well spent
Want to change your SL-Class from hardtop coupé to open-top roadster? With the acclaimed vario folding roof it takes just 16 seconds, so you can adapt the car quickly and easily to suit the conditions.
Roof up or down, the SL-Class looks sensational and noise levels are blissfully low. And thanks to the folding mechanism’s smart design, the car retains a generous-sized boot. There’s also a panoramic option, with continuous glass from windscreen to rear window – the next best thing to open air.
The path of least resistance
With its low body position and sleek, athletic lines, the new SL-Class promises impressive aerodynamic performance – and it doesn’t disappoint. A class-leading drag co-efficient of just 0.3 cd helps reduce fuel consumption, minimise noise, and improve handling and acceleration.
Air apparent
Despite its generous dimensions the latest generation SL-Class is an impressively lightweight vehicle. This is due to the innovative aggregate of high-strength steel, aluminium, magnesium and plastic used in its construction, that not only makes it lightweight, but also improves torsional rigidity.
Adaptive brake lights
The latest SL-Class also features our adaptive brake light safety feature. With this system the braking reaction time of drivers travelling behind can be shortened by up to 0.2 seconds in emergency braking situations if the three brake lights on the vehicle flash rapidly instead of lighting up like a conventional brake light.
A truly arresting innovation
The SL-Class is fitted with the innovative electro-hydraulic braking system (SBC™). A landmark piece of technology developed by Mercedes-Benz, it links with the existing anti-lock braking system (ABS) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP®). It comes as standard on every SL-Class. The system enhances the mechanical braking process with sophisticated electronics. Sensors "feel" the driver's foot on the pedal and transmit messages to the SBC™ computer, making for a truly remarkable system that works with you for smoother and more responsive braking.
Outstanding occupant protection
In the event of an accident, the SL-Class’s rigid passenger cell comes into its own. Specially designed to compensate for the non-permanent roof, it provides 5-star protection in front, rear, side and rollover impacts.
In addition, a roll bar raises automatically when the car’s sensors detect a critical situation. It can also be activated via a switch on the centre console. Otherwise, it is safely tucked away so the car’s exquisite lines are unimpaired.
The SL-Class also boasts driver and front seat passenger airbags, plus the world’s first head-thorax airbag. A combination of windowbag and sidebag, it significantly reduces the risk of injury in a side impact.
Safety on all sides
The SL-Class can be locked and unlocked in a variety of ways: using the electronic key; pulling the door handle (with the optional Keyless-Go); pressing a button on the dashboard; or manually with the spare key. The electronic key can also be used to open or close the vario-roof.
Closing the boot is effortless thanks to an automatic closing aid which detects when you push down on the boot lid and softly pulls the boot shut for you.
You can also keep your valuables safe even when the top is down by storing them in one of the lockable interior storage compartments. Situated in the rear, glove compartment and centre armrest, these storage areas can be secured manually, or using the central locking system.
Taking things up a notch
The optional Sports Package takes SL-Class styling to another level. Highlights include eye-catching 19” alloy wheels in a bold 5 twin-spoke design, plus dark-tinted headlamps and tinted rear lights. Exclusive detailing includes painted front brake calipers with “Mercedes-Benz” lettering and drilled rear brake discs.
On the SL 350 version, we even fit a special Sports air filter for a more gutsy, sporty engine note.


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