Mercedes-Benz SL Grand Tourer Sport Car available at Thailand, United Kingdom, Australia, Dubai, US Top Mercedes-Benz Dealer Exporter
The Mercedes-Benz SL is a grand tourer sport car manufactured by Daimler Mercedes since 1954. The designation SL derives from the German Sport Leicht, or Sport Lightweight — and was first applied to the 300SL ‘Gullwing’ named also after its gullwing or upward-opening doors.
The term SL-Class refers to the marketing variations of the vehicle, including the numerous engine configurations spanning six design generations.
Fifth Generation Mercedes SL 2002-2011
The fifth generation SL was in production between 2002 and 2011. The all-new SL (initially just a 5.0 L SL500 version) featured a retractable hardtop (marketed as the Vario Roof) available on the SLK since 1997. This featured a 5.0 L 302 hp (225 kW) V8, with a 5.4 L AMG Supercharged V8 appearing in 2002’s SL55 AMG. V12 engines are available in the SL600 and the limited-production SL65 AMG and the SL350 3.7 L (3724 cc) 18-valve V6 245 hp in some markets SL350.
The R230 SL underwent a significant facelift in 2008 featuring new and revised engines and a new front end that evokes the classic 300SL with a large grille featuring a prominent 3-pointed star and twin “power domes” on the hood, the car also features new headlights with an optional “Intelligent Light System” and a new speed sensitive steering system. The SL 63 AMG replaced the SL 55 AMG.
Mercedes Benz 2012–present
In December 2011, Mercedes-Benz announced the all new SL-Class and was formally launched at the North American International Auto Show in January 2012. The new SL (R231) has been produced for the first time almost entirely from aluminium. The new aluminium bodyshell weighs around 110 kilograms less than it would using the steel technology from the predecessor. Although the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has more assistance systems on-board than its predecessor and therefore does actually sacrifice some of the weight saved through the aluminium bodyshell, the scales show some better figures: the SL 500 (1.785 kg) weighs around 125 kilograms less and the SL 350 (1.685 kg) is 140 kilograms lighter than its predecessor.
New features include the unique FrontBass system (it uses the free spaces in the aluminium structures in front of the footwell as resonance spaces for the bass loudspeakers) and adaptive windscreen wipe/wash system MAGIC VISION CONTROL, which supplies water from the wiper blade as required and depending on the direction of wipe. The R231 is also available with two different suspension systems: semi-active adjustable damping as standard. The optional active suspension system ABC (Active Body Control) is available as an alternative. Both suspension variants are combined with a new electromechanical Direct-Steer system featuring speed-sensitive power steering and a ratio that can be varied across the steering wheel angle and it also reduces the amount of steering required when parking and manoeuvring.
Contrasted with its predecessor, the new generation of the SL is much longer and wider. Shoulder room (+37 mm) and elbow room (+28 mm) have been increased too. In comparison, it is still not offered with a manual transmission.
Engines
| Model | Years | Type | Power, torque@rpm |
|---|---|---|---|
| SL 350 BlueEFFICIENCY | 2012– | 3,498 cc (213 cu in) 24V V6 (M 276 DE 35) | 306 PS (225 kW; 302 hp)@6500, 370 N·m (273 lb·ft)@3500-5250 |
| SL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY | 2012– | 4,663 cc (285 cu in) 32V V8 biturbo (M 278 DE 46 AL) | 435 PS (320 kW; 429 hp)@5250, 700 N·m (516 lb·ft)@1800-3500 |
| SL 63 AMG | 2012– | 5,461 cc (333 cu in) 32V V8 biturbo (M 157 DE 55 AL) | 537 PS (395 kW; 530 hp)@5500, 800 N·m (590 lb·ft)@2000-4500 Performance Package: 564 PS (415 kW; 556 hp)@5500, 900 N·m (664 lb·ft)@2250-3750 |
| SL 65 AMG | 2012– | 5,980 cc (365 cu in) 36V V12 biturbo (M 279 E 60 AL) | 630 PS (463 kW; 621 hp)@4800-5400, 1,000 N·m (738 lb·ft)@2300-4300 |