The descriptions and specifications in this press kit refer to the Mercedes-Benz brand’s international model range. There may be differences from country to country.
In brief
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class: living sports car legend
- Fifth generation of SL sports car legend
- Unique package of sophisticated driving dynamics systems
- Technical milestone: Sensotronic Brake Control
- Exciting design incorporating styling features from the legendary 300 SL
- Roadster and coupé in one thanks to vario-roof
- Three powerful engines: SL 350, SL 500 and SL 600
- Lightweight body with high aluminium content
Since its UK launch early in 2002, the fifth generation SL-Class Roadster has been winning accolades and fans with its blend of style, finesse and searing performance. The range continues a long tradition of stylistically scintillating and technically sophisticated sports cars that began in 1954 with the legendary “gullwing-door” 300 SL. Since then, the Stuttgart brand has produced some 490,000 of these exclusive sports cars of which dreams are made.
A combination of unique state-of-the-art electronic chassis systems enables the SL to serve up an unparalleled, dynamic driving experience and, at the same time, provide maximum active safety.
Of all the technical milestones incorporated, it is Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) – the electro-hydraulic braking system – that leads the way. With the SL Mercedes-Benz becomes the first automobile brand in the world to offer this system. SBC works together with ESP®– the proven electronic stability program – and with second generation Active Body Control (ABC) suspension (optional on SL 350, standard on other models). The latter reduces body roll to a minimum when cornering or braking. All of which means that the SL-Class comes with a unique package of high-performance electronic control systems fitted as standard.
These innovations revolutionise chassis design, active safety and drive dynamics. And, in the medium term, they may well change the entire concept of automotive development.
Sensotronic Brake Control pushes open the door to the future world of “by-wire” systems. This technology communicates the driver’s commands electronically via cable, rather than mechanically or hydraulically, as has traditionally been the case. Among the foremost performance characteristics of SBC are the extremely fast build-up of pressure and the precise observance of driver and vehicle behaviour by a complex sensory system. If the driver switches his foot quickly from accelerator to brake pedal, SBC recognises the early signs of an emergency situation. With the help of the high-pressure reservoir, the system automatically raises the pressure in the brake lines and instantaneously presses the pads onto the brake discs, which can then spring into action with full force as soon as the brake pedal is pressed. This system can reduce emergency stopping distances by up to three per cent.
Furthermore, variable brake force distribution means SBC can provide increased safety when braking around corners. And, thanks to its greater speed and precision, it also enhances the performance of the Brake Assist and the ESP®electronic stability program.
Design: stylish mix of traditional and modern
Impressive lines – penned by Briton Steve Mattin – symbolise the 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 forebear 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 markedly more dynamic variation on the familiar “four-eyed” theme. The sophisticated clear glass look adds an extra quality to the headlamps and ensures a distinctive lighting design.
Subtle changes introduced on 2006 model year SLs include a new bumper with three large cooling air intakes and a more pronounced “V-shape” as well as fog lamps with chrome surrounds which emphasise the power of the two-seater and give it a wider look. These features are complemented by the newly designed, matt-silver-painted radiator grille with three louvres and chrome highlights. The side view is enhanced by new light-alloy wheels whose powerful appearance emphasises the sporty character of the SL-Class. New rear light units complete the styling measures: with their horizontal divisions and red/white clear-lens design, they accentuate the width of the muscular rear of the SL-Class. The new body details harmonise perfectly with the widely acclaimed design of the SL-Class whose exciting and elegant lines are unique and unmistakable.
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 balletic three-piece 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 SL-Class (including the luggage box in the spare wheel well) holds a total of 317 litres, 52 litres more than the predecessor model.
An even higher level of operating comfort is provided by the optional remote boot-lid release system (which has a button on the boot lid for closing plus a button in the car for remote closing), providing access to the boot at the touch of a button. The standard equipment includes the removable luggage cover which increases the capacity of the boot by 22 litres to provide 339 litres of luggage space – more than any other vehicle in this segment. With a spare wheel fitted in place of Tirefit, the overall capacity is 310 litres. The luggage cover, which can be removed quickly and easily, not only increases the capacity of the boot, but also makes loading considerably easier and enhances usability.
A panoramic glass version of the vario-roof is available as an option, so enhancing that typical roadster feeling of freedom – not to mention a bright interior ambience – by virtue of the glass expanse.
In addition to its innovative chassis systems, a further guarantee for that dynamic sports car experience comes in the form of three powerful engines (for details on the SL AMG models, see separate packs).
SL 350
The 2006 model year SL 350 features a new 3.5 litre V6 engine, replacing the 3724cc V6 of its predecessor. Power output rises from 245 to 272 hp, while peak torque remains the same but delivered between 2400 and 5000 rpm rather than 3000-4500 rpm.
The SL 350 now accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 6.6 seconds – down from 7.2 – yet Combined cycle fuel consumption is now 27.4 mpg, up from 24.6 mpg
SL500
The 2006 SL 500 also has a brand new engine. With an output of 388 hp and 530 Nm of torque, it offers everything that is expected of a powerful sports car. The V8 has a displacement of 5.5 litres and is one of the most powerful engines in its displacement class. 0-62 mph is now achieved in 5.4 seconds (previously 6.2 seconds). Despite the 26 percent boost in performance, economy at 23.2 mpg Combined, matches its predecessor.
