Premium comfort and sportiness
Hollywood and Palm Springs, California - Mercedes-Benz relied on finesse and technical refinement to update its stunning SL-Class. In Canada, buyers will have a choice of two models: the SL550 and SL600.
A bit of history
The first North American SL convertibles or roadsters were introduced in Hollywood during the 1957 LA Auto Show. The 300SL Roadster was soon followed by the 190SL. A second generation was launched in 1963 with the 230SL and, in 1971, the 280SL. Meanwhile, the third-generation model made its debut in the early 1970s with the 350SL. Then there was the first 500SL, in 1980.
The fourth generation was born in 1989, while the fifth and latest generation dates back to 2001. For 2009, the car has been significantly redesigned and it certainly deserves a closer look. Having the media launch in Hollywood, where the stars always shine the brightest, could not have been more fitting. Such was the humorous observation by Jürgen Weissinger, Chief Engineer for Passenger Car Development at Mercedes-Benz.
Like the SLR
The styling of the new SL-Class is directly inspired from the ultra-sporty SLR and the brand's in-house performance division, AMG. The front grille has been revised and a rear diffuser was added to improve underbody aerodynamics. The two power bulges on the hood are a direct nod to the original 300SL, while the air outlets help the engine breathe more easily. Similarly, the side air vents improve engine and brake cooling. The redesigned mirrors create less drag, while the new muffler delivers a sweeter sound. Overall, both SL models are more aggressively styled.
Premium comfort
The 2009 SL-Class offers surprising comfort, even on bumpy roads and switchbacks. The seats are nicely supportive, with seatbelts that are easy to grab and adjust. They even feature heating/cooling settings.
With the roof down, occupants benefit from the extremely effective Airscarf neck-heating system (optional with the SL550) and a well-designed wind screen to reduce turbulences. We drove in the mountains with the temperature at barely 1 degree Celcius and we still felt comfortable. With this car, you'll be able to enjoy the warm summer sun, the cool breeze of the fall and even January rides.
The Harman/Kardon stereo system delivers a rich surrounding sound, almost like in a concert theater. I also appreciated the numerous storage bins (in the doors, behind the seats); they are fairly large yet subtly integrated to the interior layout.
Hollywood and Palm Springs, California - Mercedes-Benz relied on finesse and technical refinement to update its stunning SL-Class. In Canada, buyers will have a choice of two models: the SL550 and SL600.
 |
| Two aggressively-styled cars. |
A bit of history
The first North American SL convertibles or roadsters were introduced in Hollywood during the 1957 LA Auto Show. The 300SL Roadster was soon followed by the 190SL. A second generation was launched in 1963 with the 230SL and, in 1971, the 280SL. Meanwhile, the third-generation model made its debut in the early 1970s with the 350SL. Then there was the first 500SL, in 1980.
The fourth generation was born in 1989, while the fifth and latest generation dates back to 2001. For 2009, the car has been significantly redesigned and it certainly deserves a closer look. Having the media launch in Hollywood, where the stars always shine the brightest, could not have been more fitting. Such was the humorous observation by Jürgen Weissinger, Chief Engineer for Passenger Car Development at Mercedes-Benz.
Like the SLR
The styling of the new SL-Class is directly inspired from the ultra-sporty SLR and the brand's in-house performance division, AMG. The front grille has been revised and a rear diffuser was added to improve underbody aerodynamics. The two power bulges on the hood are a direct nod to the original 300SL, while the air outlets help the engine breathe more easily. Similarly, the side air vents improve engine and brake cooling. The redesigned mirrors create less drag, while the new muffler delivers a sweeter sound. Overall, both SL models are more aggressively styled.
Premium comfort
The 2009 SL-Class offers surprising comfort, even on bumpy roads and switchbacks. The seats are nicely supportive, with seatbelts that are easy to grab and adjust. They even feature heating/cooling settings.
With the roof down, occupants benefit from the extremely effective Airscarf neck-heating system (optional with the SL550) and a well-designed wind screen to reduce turbulences. We drove in the mountains with the temperature at barely 1 degree Celcius and we still felt comfortable. With this car, you'll be able to enjoy the warm summer sun, the cool breeze of the fall and even January rides.
The Harman/Kardon stereo system delivers a rich surrounding sound, almost like in a concert theater. I also appreciated the numerous storage bins (in the doors, behind the seats); they are fairly large yet subtly integrated to the interior layout.
 |
| Occupants benefit from the extremely effective Airscarf neck-heating system and a well-designed wind screen. |