The SL-Class
Forged in a fire that never goes out: passion It was over fifty years ago that an automobile was created that was to go on to receive the title “Sports Car of the Century�. It was the legendary 300 SL, the model that established a unique tradition of sports cars. Today, a new SL era is beginning as the newest generation brings a new dimension of outstanding design and engineering excellence to the legacy of its distinguished forbear. The legend lives on.
Wide awake, yet still a dream Although an SL is a dream to drive and extremely comfortable, it is always alert and designed to ensure that you are, too. A range of intelligently coordinated safety components, which can be extended optionally with practically every driving assistance system currently available, makes it one of the world’s safest cars. Which is, after all, what one would expect from the SL, the Mercedes among roadsters.
Nothing less than luxury The new SL embodies a design philosophy which rejects the everyday in favour of the exclusive. There are no bass loudspeakers to be found in the doors, for example. Instead, the sound is emitted from the side members of the front section of the car. The vehicle body itself becomes a resonance cavity – an innovative and acoustically impressive design solution.
On course for euphoria Open up the vario-roof, open up the throttle and feel the endorphins kick in. The new SL delivers performance that will have the adrenalin surging through your veins. Even when stationary, it has looks with the power to move you.
Sportiness
Design
The Mercedes among sports cars. There is always one clear objective when a new SL is created: to build the most elegant sports car in the world. And now, in developing the latest generation of this model series, we have also created the sportiest luxury roadster of all time. A body made of aluminium and a systematic approach to lightweight design ensure a particularly low weight. The SL succeeds in reconciling high performance and the highest level of comfort thanks to the enhanced Active Body Control ABC active suspension system (option). This unique system features special sensors which monitor the condition of the road and are able to transmit the necessary corrective signals to the four active suspension struts in a matter of milliseconds. The result is an even more intensive driving experience combined with a noticeably higher degree of ride comfort.
A masterpiece from our designers. There is arguably no greater honour for a designer than that of being given the opportunity to create an SL. And no greater challenge, either. The key is to achieve a harmonious combination of traditional formal elements from the history of the legendary SL and trend-setting, innovative design. With its elongated form, its few – yet pronounced – lines, and its powerfully sculpted surfaces, the newest generation of the SL once again has an unmistakable look. The wide air intake and the tapering headlamps which are positioned at the very outer edges form the striking, masculine front in typical SL style. This impression is underlined by the bi-xenon headlamps and the LED sidelamps and daytime running lamps. No less distinctive is the shoulder line which extends over the entire length of the vehicle, all the way to the tail lights, like a tensed muscle. The interior, too, is a design tour de force. Minute joint gaps communicate outstanding precision. Extensive use of fine wood, leather and aluminium elements creates a unique sense of perceived value combined with exceptional attention to detail – as reflected in the nappa leather sports steering wheel or the turbine-style air outlets, for example.
– Efficient BlueDIRECT engines with higher output yet significantly lower fuel consumption than the predecessor model – Aluminium body – Adaptive damping standard for SL 350 and SL 500 – Optimised Active Body Control ABC with greater differentiation between comfort and sport settings (option) – AMG Sports package with sports suspension (option) – Torque Vectoring Brakes for agile cornering
The SL-Class. Athlete. Aesthete
– Masculine, sporty design with dynamic lines – 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel in nappa leather, with flattened bottom section – Sporty DIRECT SELECT lever in centre console – Newly developed sports seats – High perceived value in the interior through extensive use of wood or aluminium trim elements – Optional ambient lighting
Open-top motoring
Safety
Open season. It takes less than 20 seconds for the new SL to transform itself from a sports coupé into a thoroughbred roadster. And you don’t even have to be in the car while it’s doing it. A radio remote control signal can be used to trigger the mechanism which causes the roof to disappear into the boot – the latter, incidentally, being considerably larger than one would expect for a roadster. The new SL is also able to prolong the open-top driving season: with the optional AIRSCARF system you can enjoy comfortable open-top driving even when temperatures are distinctly chilly. This is even possible at high speeds thanks to two specially designed draught-stops (electrically or manually actuated). And if the sun is shining, the optional leather appointments with a sun-reflecting coating contribute to greater comfort by preventing the surface of the seats from heating up. Incidentally, you can still enjoy the view of the blue sky with the roof closed thanks to the optional panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL.
The measure of all things. The new SL has a special responsibility to live up to its traditional role as a sports car with impressive handling. Needless to say, it does this extremely successfully. It is also able to call on advanced assistance systems whose technology provides the basis for the highest possible degree of safety. There is the optional Intelligent Light System, for example, which automatically adjusts to changing traffic conditions. Radar sensors, also available as an option, help keep the driver informed about the situation around the vehicle. If necessary, the various assistance and safety systems can give the driver visual, audible and tactile warnings (for example, by means of the steering wheel vibrating) and can even go so far as to intervene actively in the control of the vehicle if the situation calls for it. If a collision can no longer be avoided, the PRE-SAFE® Brake, part of the Driving Assistance package Plus, can initiate emergency braking autonomously, thereby mitigating the severity of the accident. Further protective systems, such as adaptive airbags or, if necessary, the special roll-over protection, can then be activated.
– Fully electrically retractable Mercedes-Benz vario-roof – Transparent panoramic vario-roof with roller blind (option) – Electrotransparent panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL, which can be darkened at the touch of a button, available as an option – Draught-stop, electric (option) – AIRSCARF (option) blows warm air around the neck area of the driver and front passenger – Excellent acoustics, even during open-top driving, thanks to Front Bass technology (world first) – Sun-reflecting leather which heats up far less in strong sunlight (option, standard in SL 500 and higher)
– Part-LED hybrid headlamps including Intelligent Light System and Adaptive Highbeam Assist – Two-stage driver and front-passenger airbags as well as newly developed headbags and sidebags – NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints – PRE-SAFE® system – Speed Limit Assist with COMAND Online (option) – ATTENTION ASSIST – Active Parking Assist (option) – Driving Assistance package Plus (option, comprises DISTRONIC PLUS including PRE-SAFE® Brake and BAS PLUS brake assistance, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Active Lane Keeping Assist)
→ www.mercedes-benz.com
Lightweight design Less is more. The new SL is well over 100 kilograms lighter than its predecessor. The body is made almost entirely from aluminium while systematic lightweight design and intelligent details make for further weight savings. The lighter rear axle is complemented by the use of tube-in-tube structural elements as well as light-gauge hollow sections. Hollow-cast longitudinal members are also employed. Despite their light weight, these elements actually enhance the strength of the body. Working as an integrated system, these measures result in a light and torsionally stiff bodyshell which offers an ideal weight to rigidity ratio. The new model has a level of torsional strength some 20 percent greater than that of the predecessor model which already had a high degree of torsionall stiffness. The extensive use of aluminium makes the new SL not only lighter but sportier, more economical and safer, too.
The aluminium bodyshell of the new SL plays a significant role in the systematic lightweight design
Standard equipment Outstanding features come as standard with the new SL, a case in point being the vario-roof painted in the vehicle colour. It disappears into the boot quickly and conveniently at the touch of a button. For a driving experience which is both responsive and comfortable, the new SL is equipped with the Direct Steer system which offers enhanced handling with significantly less steering effort. The Torque Vectoring Brakes support agile driving right up to the handling limits by distributing the power selectively to the wheels. At the same time, the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission ensures that the engine always operates at the optimum speed while reducing fuel consumption and shifting gear almost imperceptibly.
The Adaptive Damping System (ADS) can be adjusted to the driver’s
A world first: the MAGIC VISION CONTROL adaptive wiper system
requirements at the touch of a button
The interior of the new SL impresses with its outstanding comfort which is embodied in everything from the multifunction sports steering wheel in nappa leather to the ergonomically shaped seats with Memory package to the selector lever with its elegant leather trim. What’s more, the inclusion of Front Bass technology marks the premiere of a new dimension of sound reproduction. Headlamps with the Intelligent Light System, LED daytime running lamps, ATTENTION ASSIST and PRE-SAFE® contribute to the enhanced level of safety.
Ergonomically optimised: the DIRECT SELECT lever in the centre console
The multifunction sports steering wheel in nappa leather with shift paddles
Optional extras It may not be possible to improve on perfection, but it can be individualised. The numerous optional extras available for the SL allow it to meet practically any special requirement. A touch of a button is all it takes to darken the panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL. AIRSCARF makes for particularly comfortable open-top driving. The enhanced suspension with Active Body Control ABC can be set to sport or comfort
AMG Sports package
mode, in line with the driver’s preferences. If it’s a question of underlining the dynamic potential of the new SL, the AMG Sports package is the right choice. The AMG front and rear aprons, AMG side skirts, AMG light-alloy wheels and the sports suspension, which has a stiffer setup and is lowered by 10 millimetres, underline the power and athletic character of the Roadster. The Driving Assistance package Plus, comprising
DISTRONIC PLUS, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, BAS PLUS and PRE-SAFE® Brake, makes an active contribution to enhanced safety in everyday driving. Enhancements to the interior are available in the form of the active multicontour seats with massage function, a digital TV receiver, internet access via COMAND Online and many other extras.
Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system
COMAND Online with DVD changer and weather screen
Ambient lighting on dashboard and doors
Seats with AIRSCARF nozzles
Electrically operated draught-stop for increased comfort during open-top
Panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL
driving
NON-METALLIC PAINTS
METALLIC PAINTS1
SPECIAL METALLIC PAINTS1
040 black
755 tenorite grey
057 designo zircon red
590 fire opal
775 iridium silver
281 cerussite grey metallic SHAPE
BLACK
CRYSTAL GREY (option)
701 Leather/fabric
METALLIC PAINTS1
183 magnetite black
197 obsidian black
792 palladium silver 208 Leather2
736 high-gloss black ash wood (option)
736 high-gloss black ash wood (option)
739 light longitudinal-grain aluminium
739 light longitudinal-grain aluminium
731 high-gloss brown burr walnut wood (option)
731 high-gloss brown burr walnut wood (option)
729 satin-finish light brown poplar wood (option)
729 satin-finish light brown poplar wood (option)
794 pearl beige
799 diamond white metallic BRIGHT
526 dolomite brown
1
2012|8013|5014 Leather1
Optional extra 2 Man-made leather 3 Nappa leather 4 Exclusive nappa leather 5 Only in conjunction with AMG Sports package
H76 hematite longitudinal-grain aluminium (option)5
GINGER BEIGE/ESPRESSO BROWN (OPTION)
PORCELAIN (OPTION)
BENGAL RED (OPTION)
NUT BROWN (OPTION)
2052|8053|5054 Leather1
8153|5154 Leather1
2072|8073|5074 Leather1
8043|5044 Leather1
736 high-gloss black ash wood (option)
736 high-gloss black ash wood (option)
736 high-gloss black ash wood (option)
736 high-gloss black ash wood (option)
739 light longitudinal-grain aluminium
739 light longitudinal-grain aluminium
739 light longitudinal-grain aluminium
739 light longitudinal-grain aluminium
731 high-gloss brown burr walnut wood (option)
731 high-gloss brown burr walnut wood (option)
731 high-gloss brown burr walnut wood (option)
731 high-gloss brown burr walnut wood (option)
729 satin-finish light brown poplar wood (option)
729 satin-finish light brown poplar wood (option)
729 satin-finish light brown poplar wood (option)
729 satin-finish light brown poplar wood (option)
Dimensions
958 1316
507 581 234
16001 1877
998
2585 4612
1029
1472
1409
16281 2099
All measurements in millimetres. The dimensions shown are mean values and apply to standard-specification, unladen vehicles 1 Carrying 2 people, each weighing 68 kg
Technical data
PETROL ENGINES
SL 350 BlueEFFICIENCY
SL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY
Cylinder arrangement/number
V6
V8
Total displacement (cc)
3498
4663
Rated output1 (kW at rpm)
225/6500
320/5250
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (s)
5.9
4.6
Top speed, approx. (km/h)
2502
2502
urban
9.9–9.3
12.9–12.7
extra-urban
6.1–5.4
7.1–7.0
combined
7.5–6.8
9.2–9.1 214–212
Fuel consumption3 (l/100 km)
CO2 emissions (g/km) combined
176–159
Emissions class
Euro 5
Euro 5
Efficiency class
C
E
Tank capacity (l)/incl. approx. reserve
65/8.0
65/8.0
With roof closed
504
504
With roof open
364
364
Turning circle diameter (m)
11.04
11.04
Kerb weight4 (kg)
1685
1785
Perm. GVW (kg)
2065
2165
3
Luggage compartment capacity (l)
1
Figures in accordance with Directive 80/1269/EEC in the currently applicable version 2 Electronically governed 3 The figures shown were obtained in accordance with the prescribed measuring process (Directive 80/1268/EEC in the currently applicable version). The figures are not based on an individual model and do not constitute part of the product offer; they are provided solely for purposes of comparison between different vehicle models 4 Figures according to Directive 92/21/EC, version 95/48/EC (kerb weight with fuel tank 90% full, driver, 68 kg, and luggage, 7 kg) for standard-specification vehicles. Optional extras and accessories will generally increase this figure and reduce the payload capacity accordingly Further technical data can be found at www.mercedes-benz.com
Take-back of end-of-life vehicles. Coming full circle. At the end of its long life, you can return your SL-Class to us for environment-friendly disposal in accordance with the EU End-Of-Life Vehicle Directive1. But that day lies a long way off. 1 Applies
in accordance with national regulations to vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes gross weight. Mercedes-Benz passenger cars have met the statutory regulations governing the suitability of their design for reuse and recycling for a number of years now. A network of vehicle take-back depots and dismantlers has been established which will process your vehicle in an environment-friendly manner. The ways in which both vehicles and parts can be recovered are subject to ongoing development and improvement. Consequently, the SL-Class will be able to comply with any future increases in the recycling quota within the stipulated time limits
Please note: changes may have been made to the product since this brochure went to press (25.07.2011). The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes to the design, form, colour and specification during the delivery period, provided these changes, while taking into account the interests of the vendor, can be deemed reasonable with respect to the purchaser. Where the vendor or the manufacturer uses symbols or numbers to describe an order or the subject of an order, no rights may be derived solely from these. The illustrations may show accessories and items of optional equipment which are not part of standard specification. Colours may differ slightly from those shown in the brochure, owing to the limitations of the printing process. This brochure has been compiled by Daimler AG of Germany and is distributed internationally. It provides a general indication of the range of models, features, optional extras and/or colours available in various countries. Some of the models, features, optional extras and/or colours shown may not be available in your country or may only be available in a different specification. Additionally some models, features, optional extras and/or colours may only be available in combination with others. For current and more specific information in relation to the range of models, features, optional extras and/or colours available in your country, and their pricing, you should contact your nearest authorised Mercedes-Benz Passenger Car Dealer. www.mercedes-benz.com Daimler AG, Stuttgart BC/MC 6701 · 0816 · 02-00/1211 Printed in Germany