Model Update

You’ll probably locate the pick of the luxury open-top tourers for two in the Mercedes Benz SL-Class range. The Mercedes Benz SL-Class is quick, comfortable and superb to drive.

Freshly swept over by the designer’s pen, the new look Mercedes Benz SL-Class is athletic and powerful in its appearance, while under the hood are a range of engines that boast V6, V8 and V12 power – none of which take longer than 6.2 seconds to sprint to 100 km/h.

All the models come with active safety features, an array of alloy wheels, colours and leather interiors. Electronic luxuries are first class, and you’ll definitely be driving one of the most coveted cabriolets on the road.

Gunning through the apexes, storming down the straights and powering past slower traffic is what the Mercedes Benz SL-Class does with assurance. The sort of calm, clinical composure one expects from a top executive addressing the board meeting is how one could describe the sort of prowess the Mercedes SL-Class has on the road ahead.

Vision and knowledge go hand in hand when you get to drive a car as fast as the SL-Class. The vision the driver must have to take the next corner at speed and the knowledge of the car’s ability to eclipse even the best sports cars beyond the next corner is the thrilling experience touched with anticipation that the driver of the exclusive SL-Class enjoys at leisure.

Under the long striking bonnet lines lies an engine that is made for the race track. Four engines are offered to the Mercedes Benz SL-Class: the SL350 (V6/232 kW/360 Nm), the SL500 (V8/285 kW/530 Nm), the SL600 (V12/380 kW/830 Nm 1900-3500 rpm) and, lastly, the SL63 AMG (V8/386 kW/630 Nm). Sprint times from 0-100 km/h are 6.2 seconds, 5.4 seconds, 4.5 seconds and 4.6 seconds, respectively.

Low in its profile, and athletic, the Mercedes Benz SL-Class has pretty detailing that manages to look elegant and powerful at the same time. Dynamic AMG body styling has the impressive AMG bonnet, the chromed twin-pipe exhaust of the AMG sports exhaust system and the AMG spoiler lip. Slip into any of the SL-Class seats, and the comfort and support one has from the heated and ventilated front seats is splendid. Leather is the norm here, and the stitch and finish of the upholstery is breath taking. Nicely balanced, the centre console displays an onboard computer screen which links up with the satellite navigation, music and other important vehicle information. A range of veneers is available for the central console and other insert surfaces. Colour choice for the seats and interior trim is extensive but always spot on. Not many cars compete with Mercedes for fit and finish –apart from, perhaps, Audi and Lexus.

Underway, the Mercedes Benz SL-Class is very surefooted and refined. Prod the accelerator a little, and the glorious engine notes bring smiles of delight from the two lucky travellers onboard the SL roadtser. Gear shifts are smooth and exact. The SL350 and the SL500 have the Mercedes 7 G-Tronic gearbox. Linked to the V12 model, the 5-speed automatic copes brilliantly with the force of the engines potent performance and mountainous torque. Mercedes Benz’s SL63 AMG has a special AMG Speedshift gearbox that boasts seven gears. And with a limited top speed of 250 km/h, you’ll ruffle your hair just a little.

Speaking of ruffling the hair, you’ll definitely ruffle the feathers of drivers in other high performance machines – particularly the feathers of those driver’s who let their ego get the better of them. However, you will note that the cabin area does remain very composed with the top down. This is a designer’s accomplishment, but at Mercedes it’s what they would expect.

There is plenty of technology onboard the Mercedes Benz SL-Class. High line headlights boast bi-xenon headlamps with the Active Light System with a cornering light function. Mercedes has equipped the SL-Class with Active Body Control, which helps provide potent handling – and is available as standard equipment on the SL 500, SL 600 and in the AMG model. It is an optional extra for the SL 350. With Active Body Control the active suspension lowers the vehicle body by up to 15 millimetres at higher speeds to improve control and aerodynamics.

An Electronic Stability Program is standard on all SL-Class models. A roll-over bar, which is also controlled by sensors, activates in a fraction of second – if the worst happens. Airbags that include head/thorax bags for the driver and passenger are standard. An automatic headlamp cleaning system is clever. For the luxury buffs: the Mercedes Benz COMAND APS with DVD navigation system, integral radio, 6.5-inch colour display (16:9) and DVD/CD drive should keep you happy enough!

Cruise control with a SPEEDTRONIC variable speed limiter is standard. ABS and BAS is standard. KEYLESS-GO automatic lock/unlock and drive authorisation is perfect for a car of this class. And you’ll enjoy the LINGUATRONIC voice control system, multifunction steering wheel, parking assistance system and rain sensor, too.

Definitely a car for those with high-class tastes, the Mercedes Benz SL-Class knows how to please and knows how to perform.

The current model series includes the:

• SL350
• SL500
• SL600
• SL63 AMG

For any more information on the Mercedes Benz SL-Class, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quotes requests out to our national network of Mercedes Benz dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

Back to Mercedes Benz Car Reviews