In designing the 2009 SL-Class, the Mercedes-Benz engineers set out with the aim of accentuating the Roadster’s sporty attributes. This aspiration is reflected in the new, more aggressive, front-end design featuring as its centerpiece a wide and, therefore, very dominant V-shaped radiator grille. This is flanked by the flattened and sinister looking headlights.
A horizontal louvre makes the radiator grille appear wider and, in doing so, emphasizes the powerful aspect of the SL’s front end, making it seem surprisingly new yet also very familiar. By using expressive stylistics in this way, the Mercedes designers were able to forge a link with the SL’s history and create a front-end design that is reminiscent of the earlier SL Roadster models, which also expressed their poise and assurance through wide, very distinctive radiator grilles. Hence the front-end design of the new-generation SL shows Mercedes-Benz taking the styling of the legendary sports car to the next level by looking to their past.
The designers also pay homage to the forefather of the SL model series: the two powerdomes on the bonnet and the gill-style air outlets in the front wings are unmistakable hallmarks of the 300 SL from 1954 and have been given a modern interpretation for the 2009 SL-Class.
The Mercedes SL-Class features safety and comfort equipment in the form of bi-xenon headlamps, and an Intelligent Light System whose light functions are designed specifically for typical driving situations. Other new features onboard the 2009 SL 600 include AIRSCARF neck-level heating. This system - invented by Mercedes-Benz and available as an optional extra - enhances comfort when driving with the roof down, extending the roadster season until well into the winter months. Passengers are kept informed and entertained by the standard-fit COMAND multimedia system, which has also been fully redeveloped for the 2009 model, and features additional functions.
As soon as the ignition is switched on, the cockpit instruments grab the driver’s attention: the red speedometer and rev counter needles are aroused from their “six o’ clock position”, rotate once around the dials to their maximum values and then revert to their zero positions.
The V12 powerplant in the SL 600, which develops 380 kW/517 hp thanks to its twin turbochargers has been reworked to reduce fuel consumption by up to 0.4 litres per 100 kilometers.While offering identical performance to the previous generation.
The SL 600 underlines its top billing in the SL line-up even more clearly than previous years. Inside the passengers are cosseted by extremely soft Exclusive nappa leather and trim elements in elegant poplar wood. V12 emblems on the seat backrests, on the centre steering wheel spoke and on the door sills, as well as the uniquely designed interior door panels round off the refined twelve-cylinder ambience perfectly. On the outside, the flagship SL model is distinguishable by its exclusive 18-inch ten-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels and discreet yet highly effective detailing such as the matt-silver-painted louvres of the side air outlets and the centre divider in the trapezoidal exhaust tailpipe trims. Mercedes-Benz has upgraded the already extensive standard-equipment package by adding the KEYLESS-GO system and a remote-locking boot lid.
