The central design theme of "aviation
engineering" is reflected in the wing-shaped dashboard, the centre console
in the style of a jet's operating console and the four striking air vents
reminiscent of aircraft engines. The interior of this new swing-wing car
offers authentic motor sports practicality, the safety typical of a Mercedes
and outstanding ergonomics. Fine materials such as nappa leather, solid metal
and (optionally) genuine carbon-fibre facings underline the pronounced
"custom-built" nature of the SLS interior, and show enormous attention to
detail. "The interior of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is not only very special
because of the exclusive swing-wing doors. The visible influence of aviation
engineering, the high-grade materials and the practicality typical of a sports
car will make the hearts of sports car enthusiasts beat faster. At the same
time the new interior styling indicates the design philosophy for coming
generations of Mercedes sports cars", says Gordon Wagener, Head of Design
at Mercedes-Benz. Sport, purism, reduction and authenticity are the design
emphases for the interior of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. But above all
the design is influenced by the world of aviation - which is clearly demonstrated
by the new swing-wing. The characteristic styling feature is the dashboard,
whose powerful and dramatic wing-shape makes for an impression of width.
The four air vents with their adjustable, cru-ciform nozzles are reminiscent
of a jet's engines. An aircraft cockpit is also the visual and practical
design inspiration for the long "Silver Shadow" centre console in solid metal,
in which all the central controls including the AMG DRIVE UNIT, which is
inclined towards the driver, are consolidated. On request the centre console
and other features are also available in carbon fibre. As a new feature,
the E-SELECT shift lever controls the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports
transmis-sion on the drive-by-wire principle. Its shape immediately calls
the thrust control of a jet aircraft to mind, and the same applies to the
concave inner panels of the swing-wing doors. The high waistline reinforces
the cockpit-like impression, while imparting a feeling of safety and security
at the same time. All the controls are ergonomically grouped around the driver,
easy to reach and in-tuitive to operate. In this respect too, the interior
of the SLS is reminiscent of an air-craft cockpit. The logically conceived
control and display concept follows well-proven Mercedes principles, easy
identification of the major functions and rapid ac-cess to frequently used
functions being the major attributes.
Interior with an authentic "custom-built"
character
Electrically adjustable sports seats with integrated head restraints ensure
excellent lateral support and a high level of comfort on long journeys. The
AMG Performance leather steering wheel in a three-spoke design has a
365-millimetre rim with a flattened lower section, shift paddles and a metal
insert, underlining the authentic custom-built look in the same way as the
attractive instrument cluster. As standard equipment the SLS features
hand-stitched designo leather with a contrasting seam on the dashboard, sports
seats, interior door panels and armrests. Comfort and convenience features
include THERMOTRONIC, cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC, PARKTRONIC, a rain
sensor, Headlamp Assist and KEYLESS-GO. Even more onboard comfort is ensured
by optional extras such as the newly developed Bang&Olufsen sound system,
designo Exclusive leather, a DVD changer, the Media Interface and the Interior
Carbon package. The best possible passive safety for the occupants is ensured
by three-point seat belts, belt tensioners, belt force limiters and eight
airbags: two adaptive airbags and a kneebag each for the driver and passenger,
plus two sidebags integrated into the seats for maximum occupant protection
and two separate windowbags that deploy from the door waistline.
The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG will celebrate its market launch in spring
2010. |