The award-winning SL-Class profile is so seductively engineered its lines are copied for practice in design schools around
the world. Crowned by its signature retractable hardtop - which silently conceals itself in just 16 seconds - it's a virtuoso
performer, deftly balancing raw power with unrivaled luxuries. In short, it's the ride of your life, with the handling to match.

2009 SL550

Starting at $96,775*
Under the aggressively redesigned hood growls a 382-horsepower V-8 engine capable of moving you from 0 to 60 in just 5.3 seconds.1 Equally
enthralling is its multilink suspension and 7-speed automatic transmission that actually adapts to your driving style. A new COMAND system
provides hard-drive-based navigation and Bluetooth® capability for hands-free calling. Bi-Xenon headlamps with Active Curve Illumination light
darkened corners, as well as the road ahead as you roll on large new 18-inch 5-spoke wheels.
5.5L 32-valve DOHC V-8 engine  -  382 hp @ 6,000 rpm


2009 SL600

Starting at $136,975*
Turbo-powered times two. The engine in the SL600 is a biturbo V-12, wielding 510 horsepower and a staggering 612 lb-ft of torque - meaning
this is a roadster that bolts to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.1 Massive new 18-inch 10-twin-spoke wheels and a split dual chrome exhaust declare this
vehicle's bold intentions. And inside, experience the pleasures of heated and active ventilated 12-way multicontour power seats for comfort in all
weather conditions.
Biturbo 5.5L 36-valve SOHC V-12 engine  -  510 hp @ 5,000 rpm
 


2009 SL63

Starting at $132,875*
The SL63 AMG is draped with the aerodynamics and attitude of AMG bodywork, from the aggressive front bumper to the rear apron diffuser. Once
inside, you'll revel in AMG sport seats clad in AMG premium leather and relish the sweeping use of carbon fiber trim. Now you know exactly what it
means to build - and drive - a true supercar..
AMG-built supercharged 6.3L 32-valve V-8 engine  -  518 hp @ 6,800 rpm




2009 SL65

Starting at $191,575*
The most powerful production SL-Class model, the SL65 features a 604-horsepower biturbo V-12, including Active Body Control (ABC) suspension,
AMG diamond-pattern designed multicontour seats, and carbon fiber trim.
AMG-built biturbo 6.0L SOHC 36-valve V-12 engine  -  604 hp @ 4,800 rpm


 
   The SL Roadster history

 
300SL (1954-1963)

In the beginning of the fifties Mercedes-Benz built the 300SL (W194) light racing car which had a chassis built up around thin steel tubes. The six cylinder engine provided an impressive 174bhp.

The 300SL was designed and built as a racing car.  Transforming the specially constructed pre-racer into a production automobile was a goal achieved in 1954, and the 300SL Gullwing was officially introduced at the 1954 New York Auto Show by Max Hoffman.

The car was extremely fast but not very convenient to drive and the design of the cabin and "Gullwing" doors made it difficult to enter and exit.  A roadster type of the 300SL was later made to compensate for this.

Production stopped in 1963 after having produced 1.853 samples.

190SL (1955-1963)
Along with the 300SL's introduction in 1954, the 190SL was also introduced at the 1954 New York Auto Show as a prototype. Mercedes-Benz recognized a need for a lower priced sports car as an alternative to the expensive 300SL.  The 190SL carried a four cylinder engine providing 105 bhp.  One year later, the first production version 190SL made its official debut.

In Mercedes-Benz nomenclature, the SL means Sports Light, however the 190SL was not incredibly light.  It did, however, have a very attractive, sporty image.  It was easy to drive and proved to be a very very reliable touring car with decent performance. 

The 190SL was produced from 1955 to 1963 and in total 25,881 were produced.

230SL (1963-1971)

The 230SL was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 1963 and effectively replaced both the 300SL and the 190SL. In 1967 it was followed by the 250SL and in 1968 by the 280SL which was slightly more powerful.

With a six cylinder engine and a 150 bhp rating, it was more powerful than the 190SL and more comfortable than the 300SL. 

The 230SL can be identified easily by its headlights.  The 230SL had the front lights vertically arranged against the newer SL models (W107) which had horizontally arranged front lights.

Production on the 230SL ended in 1971, with a total of 48,912 cars produced.

350SL (1971-1980)

In 1971 Mercedes introduced the 350SL, their heaviest version yet.  Its weight no longer qualified it as a "Sport Light" anymore, but it retained the distinction.  It carried a V-8 engine and was built as a convertible roadster and a four-seat coupe.

In 1973 both cars were made with a 4.5 liter V-8 engine and from 1974 the more economic 280SL was introduced with a 2.8 liter 6 cylinder with DOHC to address the ongoing oil issue of the day.

(1980-present)

At the Geneva Motor Show in 1980 Mercedes replaced the 350SL with the 380SL.  This model represented the official return to power and torque.  In 1985 a revamped version of the 280SL was presented at the Frankfurt Show with a 3-liter 6 cylinder engine with an impressive rise in bhp.  Within a year, the 380SL motor was overhauled again to provide a 4.2 liter 8 cylinder engine with a badge of 420SL.  A 5-liter 500SL with 245 bhp was also introduced, providing more power and better handling than ever before.

As the SL continues to evolve we're pleased to introduce the latest models available above.  After driving one, you'll no doubt gain as much from its heritage as you will its state-of-art safety and performance. 

* MSRP includes $775 transportation and handling charge and excludes all taxes, title/documentary fees, registration, tags, Mercedes-Benz Dealer prep,
labor and installation charges, insurance, optional equipment and accessories, certificate of compliance or non-compliance fees, and finance charges.
Actual prices may vary.
1. Stated rates of acceleration are based upon manufacturer's track results and may vary depending on model, environmental and road surface conditions,
driving style, elevation and vehicle load.