The classic two-seat cockpit embraces its passengers like the SL hugs the road. Technologically forward yet rooted in tradition, its open-air passion is met with unmatched civility, from its available season-extending AIRSCARF system to innovative sun-reflecting leather that's still carefully fitted to each seat by hand.
Nearly 140 kg lighter than its previous generation, the sophisticated body structure of the SL is crafted almost entirely from diecast, chilled-cast, hydroformed and extruded aluminum. With 20% greater rigidity, it tips the scales in favor of greater safety, comfort, and most of all, athletic performance.
Much as the SL body generates more strength from lighter mass, its biturbo engines rouse more power and torque from less fuel. Both the 362-hp V6 in the SL 450 and the 449-hp SL 550 V8 employ ultra-precise tech like piezoelectric Direct Injection and multispark ignition. Both self-tune with millisecond speed to quicken your 0-100 rush.
With rigid yet lightweight components, the 4-wheel multilink suspension teams with semi-active damping on the SL 450, for crisp handling with silky smoothness. The SL 550 features industry-advancing Active Body Control (ABC). Its innovative CURVE function leans into corners like a slalom skier to help reduce the g-forces you feel in the cabin when cornering.
Light, quick and efficient, the 9G-TRONIC automatic puts a wide range of ratios with shorter steps between them, to keep you on top of the engine's broad torque curve. Dynamic Select has a mode for every mood, adapting the throttle, shifting, steering and more from Comfort to Sport+. There's even a mode you can customize.
The SL's retractable power hardtop transforms from open roadster to cosseting coupe in seconds, even as you accelerate up to 40 km/h. The standard Panoramic roof features a see-through panel and sliding sunshade. For even more viewing options at the touch of a button, exclusive MAGIC SKY CONTROL lets you darken the overhead glass electrically.
Standard harman/kardon surround sound delivers 600 watts of lush audio, top-up or down. Innovative FrontBass subwoofers use body structure elements as acoustic chambers. Or you can immerse yourself in the audible and visible richness of a 1,020-watt, 7.1-channel Bang & Olufsen® BeoSound™ system. Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto are standard, too.
The SL has long led the way in roadster safety: Its pop-up roll bar was an SL first. Today, Intelligent Drive takes driver assistance into a new era. A network of cameras, radar and Active Distance Assist Distronic is just one way it eases your every journey.
