The SL-Class:
Continuing to set the new benchmark
• Unique package of sophisticated dynamic handling control systems
• Sensotronic Brake Control system changes the industry standard
• Exciting design incorporating styling features from the legendary 300 SL
• Roadster and Coupé in one thanks to vario-roof
• Lightweight body with high aluminium content
June 9, 2004, Beijing
Mercedes-Benz continues to elevate standards in the automotive industry with the SL sports car. A combination of state-of-the-art electronic chassis systems, which is unique to the world, enables the new SL to serve up an unparalleled, dynamic driving experience and, at the same time, provide maximum active safety making the higher-level SL a new breed of sports car.
Design: stylish mix of traditional and modern
Impressive lines symbolise the new SL sports car's technological superiority and, at the same time, ignite feelings of passion, enjoyment and excitement at the prospect of open-top motoring. The designers have captured the spirit of the great grandfather of the SL family from 1954 discreetly yet effectively. And, in so doing, they have given the SL a bright future to go with a past steeped in tradition. Classic SL features stylishly and harmoniously combine with more recent Mercedes forms which propel the Roadster far into the future. The headlamps are one example, a new and markedly more dynamic variation on the familiar "twin-headlamp" theme. The sophisticated clear glass look adds an extra quality to the headlamps and ensures a distinctive lighting design.
Vario-roof: from Roadster to Coupé in just 16 seconds
Further proof of the sheer design quality of the SL can be seen in the perfect integration of the newly developed vario-roof which communicates the same messages whether open or closed: uninhibited driving pleasure and unmistakable elegance.
The vario-roof transforms the sports car into an adventure car without compromise, combining the driving pleasure of an open-top roadster with the comfort of a Mercedes Coupé. At the push of a button, the roof can be opened or closed within 16 seconds, during which time a new, intelligent tilting mechanism ensures that the roof components retract into the top section of the boot to save even more space. Under this is a luggage compartment with 235 litres of capacity (VDA measuring method). When the vario-roof is closed, the boot of the new SL-Class (including the luggage box in the spare wheel well) holds a total of 317 litres, 52 litres more than the predecessor model.
Engine: 306 hp and 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds
A further aspect of that dynamic sports car experience comes in the form of the powerful V8 engine. Squeezing 225 kW/306 hp and 460 Newton metres of torque from its five-litre capacity, it ranks as one of the most potent engines in this vehicle class, meets the strict EU-4 emissions requirements and propels the new SL 500 from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds. And with a fuel economy of 12.7 litres per 100 kilometres, the new model is on a par with its predecessor, despite a host of new comfort and safety equipment.
These fuel consumption figures are thanks in no small part to the SL sports car's sophisticated, lightweight body: the bonnet, front wings, doors, boot lid, fuel tank partition and other components are made from aluminium, the most prominent lightweight component being the bonnet measuring some 1.40 metres in length. Never before has such a large and complex component been series-produced using aluminium alone. It is about 15 kilograms lighter than a comparable steel bonnet.
Another fuel-saving feature is the perfect aerodynamic form of the SL body. The cd figure of 0.29 is more than nine percent lower than in the case of the predecessor model.
Safety: revolutionary head-thorax bag for optimum lateral impact protection
Thanks to an integral vehicle safety concept, the SL-Class is on course to set the standard for a whole new generation of sports cars. The concept encompasses every aspect of vehicle safety - from crash avoidance by means of electronic safety systems such as SBC, ABC, Brake Assist or ESP, and the high-strength body structure, to the fastest possible rescue of the car's occupants in the event of an accident.
Occupant protection is optimised by the high-strength body structure and, among other things, two-stage airbags for the driver and passenger, new head-thorax bags in the doors, new integral seats, seat belt tensioners, belt force limiters and the sensor-controlled automatic roll-over bar.
Equipment: innovative systems and maximum exclusivity as standard
The comprehensive package of standard equipment in the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class meets the requirements of the discriminating car driver who, besides technical perfection, attaches great importance to comfort and exclusivity. Automatic climate control, xenon headlamps, leather-covered integral seats, multi-function steering wheel, stereo car radio, memory function for the electrically adjustable seats and numerous other invaluable details are all part of the standard equipment package in the SL 500.
Interior: reminiscing in the Mercedes-Benz sports car tradition
Leather, fine wood and aluminium are the materials used to ensure classic SL exclusivity and quality in the interior. Mercedes customers can choose from two types of leather, four high-quality trims and five interior colours. Shimmering matt chrome provides the surround for the four individual instruments in the SL cockpit, and adorns other lovingly crafted interior details. The cockpit immediately catches the eye by virtue of four individual instruments in the classic chronometer design, evoking images of the sports cars from days gone by. The automatic climate control continues this theme, sporting aesthetically-pleasing aluminium rings around its user-friendly controls.
The legend is well and truly alive. And the "SL" badge remains the mark of a car which, besides perfect technology, embodies two characteristic quality features above all: excitement and passion.
