Its highly rigid all-aluminium
bodyshell provides the basis for agile, sporty handling that has been
taken to an entirely new level, coupled with exemplary roll
characteristics and ride comfort. Even better driving dynamics come
courtesy of the new BlueDIRECT engines; they are more powerful yet at
the same time up to 29 percent more economical than the engines in the
outgoing generation. Other new features include the unique Frontbass
system, which turns the luxury sports car into a concert hall
regardless of whether the top is open or closed, and the highly
efficient adaptive windscreen wipe/wash system MAGIC VISION CONTROL; it
supplies water from the wiper blade as required and depending on the
direction of wipe.
Compared with its successful predecessor, the new Mercedes-Benz SL
offers considerably more comfort and sportiness, setting new standards
in the luxury roadster class. Added to which is uncompromising
day-to-day suitability, which turns the SL into an incomparable
all-rounder among sports cars. In short, anyone that talks about the
new SL is bound to be talking about the ultimate in passionate, refined
motoring. Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of
Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: "There are around 900
million cars in the world and thousands of models. But there are only a
handful of automotive icons. Our SL is one of them: it has class, it
has style, it is the ultimate in comfort and luxury. But it combines
all that with incredible sportiness and dynamism. You would struggle to
find a car that embodies Gottlieb Daimler's aspiration more perfectly
than our new SL: the best or nothing."
Lighter
and more rigid:
sophisticated all-aluminium bodyshell
The new-generation
Mercedes-Benz SL takes the meaning of the famous
letters "SL" – super, lightweight – literally.
Consistent weight reduction is one of the most outstanding design
characteristics in the new SL as was the case in its namesake, the
original SL of 1952 with its lightweight tubular frame. For the first
time Mercedes-Benz has implemented an all-aluminium bodyshell in a
series-production model. Only very few components consist of other
materials. The designers use the even lighter magnesium for the cover
behind the tank. High-strength steel tubing is integrated in the
A-pillars for safety reasons.
The new aluminium bodyshell weighs around 110 kilograms less than it
would using the steel technology from the predecessor. "The effect is
rather as if a heavyweight-class passenger had got out of the car" says
Dr Thomas Rudlaff, responsible for the aluminium bodyshell at
Mercedes-Benz. "The result is perceptible and measurable. Less weight
means more dynamism and less consumption. In other words: the motoring
enjoyment increases, the environmental burden sinks." The aluminium
structure is not only lighter but also proves superior to the
predecessor's steel construction in terms of rigidity, safety and
comfort. This is achieved thanks, among other things, to its
intelligent lightweight construction with components optimised for
their specific task. Thus, diverse processes are used to make different
kinds of aluminium depending on the use the component is to be given:
the parts are made by chill casting or vacuum die-casting, worked into
extruded aluminium sections or into aluminium panels of different
thicknesses. The result: high rigidity, high safety levels and better
vibration characteristics.
Although the new SL is even more comfortable and 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 astonishing figures: the new SL 500 (1.785 kg) weighs
around 125 kilograms less than its predecessor. On balance, the SL 350
(1.685 kg) is even 140 kilograms lighter – all thanks to a
host of other intelligent enhanced details to reduce weight, which
Mercedes-Benz has also implemented in the new SL in addition to the
aluminium bodyshell.
Driving
pleasure: frugal,
powerful engines and agile suspension
Powerful while
accelerating, effortlessly superior across all speeds, nimble on
winding roads – the new SL provides ample driving pleasure.
Apart from the powerful engines, the sportily tuned yet comfortable
suspension, which also boasts intelligent lightweight construction,
proves outstanding. For instance, the steering knuckles and spring
links on the front axle are also made out of aluminium to reduce the
unsprung masses. The same also applies to virtually all the wheel
location components on the rear axle. The new SL is available with two
different suspension systems: the SL features 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. This ensures
excellent straight-line stability and, therefore, a high degree of
assuredness when travelling at motorway speeds and makes the SL very
agile. It also reduces the amount of steering required when parking and
manoeuvring. The new V8 in the SL 500 develops 320 kW (435 hp) from its
displacement of 4663 cc and thus around 12 percent more than its
predecessor despite some 0.8 litres less displacement. The fuel
consumption has been reduced by up to 22 percent. At the same time, the
torque has increased from 530 Nm to 700 Nm – a gain of 32
percent. Although the displacement remains the same at 3499 cc, the new
V6 engine in the new SL 350 develops 225 kW (306 hp) and delivers 370
Nm of torque. It uses just 6.8 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres,
making it almost 30 percent more economical than its predecessor. Both
engine variants come with a standard-fit ECO start/stop function. The
7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, which has been optimised in
relation to fuel consumption and comfort, also contributes to the
exemplary, low fuel consumption. The fuel economy of the BlueDIRECT
engines takes nothing away from the roadster's raciness. Quite the
contrary: the SL 350 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds,
making it three tenths of a second faster than its predecessor. The SL
500 takes just 4.6 seconds – eight tenths less than the
previous SL 500.
Interior:
aesthetic,
stylish, sporty
The new SL combines its
aesthetically honed profile, which follows the Mercedes-Benz tradition,
with a luxurious feel. Fine materials, perfectly finished with great
attention to detail, distinguish the style and character of the
interior. Compared with its predecessor, the new generation of the SL
is much longer 4612 mm (+50 mm) and wider 1877 mm (+57 mm), providing
more room for more comfort in the interior, too. Shoulder room (+37 mm)
and elbow room (+28 mm) have been increased, exceeding the dimensions
normally found in this vehicle class. Clear lines create a formally
coherent internal space within this comfortable interior. Generously
used wood trim extends from the centre console across the dashboard
into the doors, creating a pleasant wrap-around effect. Three types of
wood along with two different aluminium trim finishes are available.
Perfectly in tune with the roadster's character, it combines the
unpretentious atmosphere of a high-performance sports car with a
comfortable, stylish ambience one comes to expect in a luxurious
touring car.
Design: classic SL
proportions
The designers have brought
the latest generation of the SL unmistakably to life on the basis of
tradition but added new perspectives and visions. The result is a
stylishly sporty and elegant luxury sports car with the classic
hallmark SL balanced proportions: the long bonnet gives way to a
compact passenger compartment that is set well back. A wide, powerful
rear end giving the impression of raciness provides the finishing
touch. A handful of elaborately styled lines define the powerfully
sculpted and yet calm surfaces of the flanks. Finely worked details, a
striking rear end as well as ventilation grilles with chromed fins from
the dynamic traditional Mercedes-Benz design heritage visually
emphasise the SL legend.
An upright classic sports car radiator grille clearly marks out the new
SL visually as a prestigious member of the current Mercedes-Benz sports
car family. The centrally positioned star is a contemporary
reinterpretation of the famous trademark, which now extends into the
centre section with its organically flowing contours.
Dynamically slanting headlamps set well to the outside flank the
striking front end and give the new roadster its own unmistakable face.
The headlamps come as standard with the Intelligent Light System (ILS).
With five different lighting functions that are tailored to typical
driving and weather conditions, and are activated depending on the
driving situation, they offer the driver a much better illuminated
field of vision. The striking sidelights and the horizontal strip of
the daytime running lamps in the far ends of the bumper feature LED
technology.
Vario-roof:
MAGIC SKY
CONTROL as an option
The sixth generation of the
SL also offers a vario-roof that can be retracted into the boot using
an electrohydraulic mechanism to save space, which converts the SL in a
few seconds into a roadster or a coupé, depending on the
driver's wishes and the weather. Unlike its predecessor, three versions
are available for the new SL: painted, with glass roof or with the
unique panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL. The transparent
roof switches to light or dark at the push of a button. When light it
is virtually transparent, offering an open-air experience even in cold
weather. In its dark state the roof provides welcome shade and prevents
the interior from heating up in bright sunlight. The frame of the three
roof versions is made of magnesium, making the roofs around six
kilograms lighter than the roof on the predecessor, thus providing a
lower centre of gravity for the vehicle and, in turn, better agility.
The engineers have refined the operating mechanism for the roof and
boot lid. It now takes less than 20 seconds to open or close the roof
completely.
Two world premieres: Frontbass and MAGIC VISION CONTROL
With two innovations, the new SL remains true to its tradition as
technological trendsetter: • MAGIC VISION CONTROL is a new,
intelligent and highly efficient wipe/wash system. The innovative wiper
blade concept always applies the washer fluid just in front of the
wiper blade lip via the channels integrated into the blade –
in both directions of wipe. As a result, no water is splashed onto the
windscreen during spraying to disrupt the driver's visibility, while at
the same time cleaning the windscreen perfectly. The water also remains
on the windscreen, thus ensuring it is cleaned without troubling the
occupants, even with the roof down. For the first time a fully heated
wiper blade is available as an option that prevents snow or ice from
forming on the blade in winter. This heating function also allows warm
water to be applied directly onto the windscreen for the first time,
even in cold temperatures.
• The likewise unique Frontbass system intelligently uses the
free spaces in the aluminium structures in front of the footwell as
resonance spaces for the bass loudspeakers. As a result the new SL
features clear, crisp bass sounds that make possible a concert hall
ambience even with the top down, and frees up space in the doors. Both
innovations are part of the extensive standard equipment of the new SL.
Aerodynamics:
new
standards
The design of the new SL
not only meets high aesthetic demands but it also boasts exemplary
aerodynamic qualities. As such, the roadster merits best marks in its
segment in four important disciplines:
- With the lowest
drag coefficient (cd = 0.27 in the SL 350);
- With the lowest
wind noise that is virtually on a par with a closed saloon;
- With the best
comfort for open-top motoring so that you can still have the roof down
even at high speed;
- With virtually
no accumulation of dirt on the side
windows.
Two world premieres: Frontbass
and MAGIC VISION CONTROL
With two innovations, the
new SL remains true to its tradition as technological
trendsetter:
- MAGIC VISION CONTROL is a new, intelligent and
highly efficient wipe/wash system. The innovative wiper blade concept
always applies the washer fluid just in front of the wiper blade lip
via the channels integrated into the blade – in both
directions of wipe. As a result, no water is splashed onto the
windscreen during spraying to disrupt the driver's visibility, while at
the same time cleaning the windscreen perfectly. The water also remains
on the windscreen, thus ensuring it is cleaned without troubling the
occupants, even with the roof down. For the first time a fully heated
wiper blade is available as an option that prevents snow or ice from
forming on the blade in winter. This heating function also allows warm
water to be applied directly onto the windscreen for the first time,
even in cold temperatures.
- The likewise unique Frontbass system
intelligently uses the free spaces in the aluminium structures in front
of the footwell as resonance spaces for the bass loudspeakers. As a
result the new SL features clear, crisp bass sounds that make possible
a concert hall ambience even with the top down, and frees up space in
the doors.
Both innovations are part
of the extensive standard equipment of the new SL.
HANDS-FREE
ACCESS: 'kick' to open
The HANDS-FREE ACCESS
system is another Mercedes-Benz innovation which provides hands-free,
contactless operation of the boot lid. The driver simply moves their
foot in the vicinity of the rear bumper. Mercedes-Benz is the only car
maker to offer a system which not only automatically opens the boot lid
but closes it as well.
The
safest roadster
Thanks to the
crash-optimised aluminium structure, standard-fit PRE-SAFE® and
assistance systems on the same high level as the S-Class, the SL is the
world's safest roadster. The rigid aluminium bodyshell forms a sturdy
passenger compartment along with precisely defined deformation zones in
the front and rear ends. In the event of the vehicle overturning,
A-pillars made out of a mix of steel and aluminium and two roll-over
bars protect the passenger compartment. The restraint systems including
the two-stage driver and front passenger airbags have been further
developed. A headbag integrally covers the side head-impact area. An
additional thorax airbag in the seat backrest can protect the upper
body in the event of a side impact. Another new feature is the
crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints developed by Mercedes-Benz
which are fitted as standard in the SL. An active bonnet and a front
end with a large, yielding impact area help ensure pedestrian
protection.
A safety highlight is the unrivalled anticipatory occupant protection
system PRE-SAFE® developed by Mercedes-Benz which is fitted as
standard. If the system detects a serious risk of an accident, it
reflexively activates precautionary protective measures for the vehicle
occupants, so that the seat belts and airbags are able to fulfil their
protective function to the full during an impact.
Additional post-crash measures supplement the integral safety concept
and facilitate rapid assistance: regardless of the severity of the
impact, the doors can be automatically unlocked after an accident, the
interior lighting activated and the side windows lowered by 50
millimetres to ventilate the interior more effectively. The steering
wheel can also be moved upwards.
Standard:
ATTENTION ASSIST AND ADAPTIVE BRAKE
In
the new SL too, a unique combination of driver assistance systems helps
prevent accidents. These include the standard-fit drowsiness detection
system ATTENTION ASSIST and the ADAPTIVE BRAKE. The latter features
ABS, acceleration skid control (ASR) and active yaw control, and offers
comfort and convenience functions in addition to safety functions. The
ADAPTIVE BRAKE works in conjunction with the equally adaptive brake
lights. In emergency braking situations, it warns vehicles behind with
flashing brake lights.
PRE-SAFE® Brake:
autonomous partial and emergency braking in response to a serious risk
of a rear-end collision
As an option DISTRONIC PLUS
proximity control and PRE-SAFE® Brake, which is already well
proven in other Mercedes-Benz models, are available. Both work on the
basis of the same radar sensors. Once a serious risk of a rear-end
collision is detected, the PRE-SAFE® Brake warns the driver
initially and can initiate autonomous braking if the driver fails to
react, and so either prevent the accident or at least mitigate its
severity. PRE-SAFE® can also activate occupant protection
measures.
Active
Parking Assist: automatically manoeuvred into a parking space
The Active Parking Assist
is new in the SL. Using ultrasound sensors it can identify parking
spaces and automatically steer the vehicle into the space while
parking.
Infotainment:
COMAND with internet access
Even in the entry-level variant, the new
Mercedes-Benz SL comes with the "Cockpit Management and Data System"
COMAND. Functionality includes Bluetooth telephony along with simpler
operation of the car phone. COMAND Online with internet access and DVD
changer is also available as an option. It provides unlimited web
browsing while the vehicle is stationary along with high-speed access
to a Mercedes-Benz online service – for instance requesting a
weather report or a special destination search. There is also the
option of sending individual destinations and routes via Google Maps to
the vehicle. For the first time, Mercedes-Benz is also offering new
apps for the new SL: in addition to a free news app and a Facebook app,
there are optional Mercedes-Benz apps for share prices and a car park
finder. A Yelp app to look for restaurants is available for the US
market.
Both COMAND versions feature a high-resolution TFT colour display with
17.8 cm diagonal (800 x 480 pixels) at the side next to the instrument
cluster. This screen arrangement prevents the driver from being
distracted as far as possible.
The new SL can be ordered
from 15 December 2011.
The prices including 19% VAT are as follows:
SL 350 BlueEFFICIENCY: 93,534.00 euros SL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY:
117,096.00 euros
To coincide with the launch
of the new SL, Mercedes-Benz will also be offering a special-edition
model, the "Edition 1", for a limited period. The "Edition 1" is
superbly equipped and comes as standard with a panoramic vario-roof,
AMG bodystyling, sports suspension, AMG 19-inch light-alloy wheels,
designo nappa leather with contrasting topstitching, AIRSCARF, heated
seats, electric draught-stop, ambient lighting and
Harman/Kardon® Logic7® surround sound system and much
more. The designo crystal silver magno special paintwork is available
exclusively for the "Edition 1", along with trim in wave or deep white
aluminium. Depending on the basic model, the extra charge is between
19,028.10 euros and 22,598.10 euros.
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