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    Every earthly wish granted: three biturbo engines

    The perfect complement to the lighter, tighter body of the SL are the new-generation V-8s in the SL550 and SL63 AMG, and the superlative SL65 AMG V-12. Twin turbos and an abundance of advanced technology deliver 429 hp, 32% more torque and 0-60 in just 4.5 seconds(†) from the SL550 V-8. The SL63 AMG's handcrafted biturbo V-8 raises the ante to 530 hp and 4.2 seconds, all with earth-friendlier efficiency and emissions. The SL65 AMG quickly goes all in, with a hand-built 621-hp biturbo V-12 that rushes you to 60 in just 3.9 seconds.

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    Revs within reach: 7 speeds, 3 modes, 2 paddles

    Swift, sporty and smooth, the SL550's 7-speed automatic transmission is enhanced for crisper shifts and greater efficiency. Three selectable modes include true Manual control via steering-wheel mounted shift paddles, as well as a fuel-saving ECO Start/Stop System . The AMG models feature lightning-quick AMG SPEEDSHIFT technology with four modes, in racing-bred multi-clutch form on the SL63. The SL65 marks the first pairing of an AMG V-12 with seven speeds.

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    Decisive in every degree: advanced Direct-steer system

    Whether cornering, cruising or parking, the SL's new electromechanical power steering delivers crisp feedback and clear control. Innovative Direct-steer quickens response in corners, enhances straight-line stability and eases maneuverability.

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    Control with composure: Suspensions to suit your style

    With rigid yet lightweight components, the SL's multilink suspension teams up semi-active electronically adaptive damping to sharpen handling while smoothing the ride. The uncanny handling of Active Body Control (ABC) is optional on the SL550, and standard, including exclusive performance calibration, on the AMG models.

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    Reining in the power, even in the rain: adaptive brakes

    Authoritative stopping power comes from big ventilated disc brakes with aluminum calipers and a suite of adaptive braking technologies including Predictive Brake Priming and Automatic Brake Drying. The SL550 Sport Wheel Package includes visual and functional upgrades. The AMG models feature race-proven AMG compound brakes with 6-piston front calipers.

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    Performance

    We unite all aspects of performance to engineer something you can't get from a spec sheet.

    Learn more about Performance

Active Body Control (ABC)

Arguably the most advanced in production, ABC is a fully active suspension that ideally balances comfort and response in virtually every situation. A network of sensors and electronically controlled hydraulics is designed to counteract the effects of roll, vibration, pitch, dive and squat when cornering, braking and accelerating. A driver-selectable Sport mode provides virtually flat cornering capability far beyond ordinary suspensions. Automatic 4-wheel level control gradually lowers the ride height as speeds increase, to improve aerodynamics and stability.

FrontBass®

A leap forward in open-roadster audio quality, FrontBass takes advantage of the SL's innovative aluminum bodyshell by utilizing the rigid front frame members as resonance chambers for twin under-dash subwoofers. In addition to providing rich, precise bass regardless of the hardtop's position, the design saves weight and frees up space in the cabin and doors.

7-speed automatic transmission

The industry's first 7-speed automatic has been made even smoother, more responsive and more efficient. A wide range of closely spaced gear ratios delivers the ideal response in virtually every driving situation, for smooth cruising, quick acceleration, and thanks to two overdrive ratios, better highway fuel efficiency. Adaptive logic matches its shift points to your driving style, while three driving modes (ECO, Sport and Manual) can be selected to suit your mood.

brakes

Perforated front and rear brake discs are decisively clasped by aluminum calipers with distinctive Mercedes-Benz lettering.

PRE-SAFE®

Another Mercedes-Benz safety breakthrough, PRE-SAFE® is a predictive occupant-protection system that helps prepare for an accident in the critical moments before it occurs. If sensors detect certain vehicle movements that indicate that an accident is possible, PRE-SAFE takes action: Reversible electronic tensioners tighten the seat belts. The occupied passenger seat adjusts to a more favorable position for air-bag and seat-belt effectiveness, while both active front head restraints adjust for optimum protection. If severe skidding indicates that a rollover is likely, PRE-SAFE closes the side windows. If no accident occurs, the seat-belt tensioners reverse, and you simply readjust your seat, open the windows and continue on your way.

Adaptive Highbeam Assist

Engineered to maximize road illumination without creating glare for other drivers. Adaptive Highbeam Assist uses continuous input from a camera to automatically vary the range of your high-beam headlamps, based on the distance to oncoming vehicles and to those ahead of you.

AIRSCARF

With the optional AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, vents beneath each head restraint deliver warmed airflow to your neck, head and shoulders, like a virtual scarf. Each seat features individual 3-stage temperature controls and airflow automatically adjusted to your driving speed. (Standard on SL65 AMG)

Panorama roof

The Panorama roof opens up a whole new look, inside and out. Occupants enjoy an expansive view of the sky through a heat-reflecting transparent panel. A manual sunshade helps limit the amount of sunlight entering the cabin.

Bang & Olufsen Beosound

A true audiophile-quality system, its 12 high-performance speakers and four acoustic lenses deliver 900 total watts from two amplifiers — a compact 500-watt ICEpower unit and a 400-watt digital processor that converts stereo and Dolby Digital 5.1 audio into 7.1-channel surround sound. Reproduction quality is exceptional at every seating position, yet very little sound, even the powerful bass, is audible outside the car. Even when not in use, the system elevates the cabin´s aesthetics with its signature aluminum speaker grilles and dash-mounted tweeters. (Standard on SL65 AMG)

Bi-Xenon headlamps

Bi-Xenon headlamps help deliver greater visibility than halogen headlamps because their brighter, whiter light is much closer to natural daylight. Active Curve Illumination helps you see better into corners at night, swiveling the headlamps as you steer to increase usable illumination by up to 90% over conventional fixed headlamps.

LED front

Bright white LED Daytime Running Lamps help increase the visibility of your vehicle to oncoming traffic by illuminating front lights whenever the car is switched on. With long life and low energy consumption, the light-emitting diode (LED) lamps also add a distinctive high-tech styling touch.

biturbo V-12

Generating 621 hp @ 4,800 rpm, the handcrafted 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12 of the SL65 AMG outputs more torque than any AMG engine before it: a pavement-trembling 738 lb-ft @ 2,300-4,300 rpm. Innovative liquid-to-air intercooling helps reduce intake temperatures by up to 25% at full throttle. The twin turbochargers operate at up to 22 psi boost, while an instantly variable high-pressure fuel pump and high-speed engine management deliver instant response at all ranges of rpm and engine loads. The results are summed up in a 3.9-second 0-60 time and an electronically limited 186-mph top speed.

DISTRONIC PLUS

This advanced, radar-based cruise control monitors the vehicle ahead and adjusts your speed to help maintain a chosen following distance. Its stop-and-go function can bring the car to a halt if it senses stopped traffic, then resume automatically. Should the car ahead slow or stop suddenly, the PRE-SAFE Brake system can automatically engage up to 40% of available braking power and issue an audiovisual alarm. If you still haven't applied the brakes within 0.6 seconds of a calculated impact, it automatically engages 100% braking power. (Standard on SL65 AMG)

harman/kardon

Specifically engineered for the SL-Class, this premium digital sound system fills the cabin with 600 watts of beautifully balanced audio. No fewer than 12 strategically placed speakers plus two subwoofers deliver a wholly immersive listening experience through Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound technology. Digital Dynamic Volume Control impeccably and imperceptibly maintains the sound spectrum for consistent listening pleasure in varying driving conditions.

body structure

Nearly 90% of the SL body is crafted from aluminum that, depending on its role in the structure, is stamped, cast, chilled-cast, extruded or thermoformed to add strength and rigidity while reducing overall weight. The only steel used in the body structure is for the windshield frame and its supporting pillars.

Active Blind Spot Assist

At speeds above approximately 20 mph, this system can alert the driver to some unseen vehicles in the next lane. If radar sensors in the rear bumper detect a vehicle in the "blind spot" area to either side, an indicator lights up in the appropriate side mirror. If you activate a turn signal while a vehicle is detected, a warning sounds. And if you disregard the alerts and begin changing lanes, advanced active technology can apply the brake to a single rear wheel, to help guide the car back into its lane. (Standard on SL65 AMG)

biturbo V-8

With reduced displacement, numerous innovations and twin turbochargers, the advanced 5.5-liter V-8 of the SL63 AMG outputs a thunderous 530 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 590 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-4,500 rpm. While it bears the signature of the single technician who lovingly assembled it by hand, it's a high-tech powerhouse. Its twin turbochargers spin up to 185,000 rpm to dramatically boost low-end torque. High-pressure Direct Injection microscopically fine-tunes the fuel spray while rapid-multispark ignition fires up to four times in a millisecond. Along with substantially improved efficiency and emissions, plus the everyday smoothness for which AMG engines are renowned, it also delivers 60 mph in a breathtaking 4.2 seconds.

retractable hardtop

Transform your SL from closed coupe to open roadster in seconds. With a single button on the console, the hardtop folds into the trunk. The rear window pivots 180 degrees as the top lowers to help preserve cargo space with the top stowed.

power windblocker

At the touch of a button, a mesh screen rises from the rear cabin wall, helping to calm drafts and buffeting in the cabin for more comfortable and quiet top-down motoring.

FrontBass®

A leap forward in open-roadster audio quality, FrontBass takes advantage of the SL's innovative aluminum bodyshell by utilizing the rigid front frame members as resonance chambers for twin under-dash subwoofers. In addition to providing rich, precise bass regardless of the hardtop's position, the design saves weight and frees up space in the cabin and doors.

Active Lane Keeping Assist

With technology that monitors ordinary road markings, Active Lane Keeping Assist helps detect unintended drifting off-course, and alerts the driver by vibrating the steering wheel. If the driver continues to drift, it can apply the brake to a single rear wheel to help guide the car back into its lane. (Standard on SL65 AMG)

shift Paddles

A pair of paddles strategically positioned behind the upper steering-wheel spokes allows you to manually upshift and downshift the 7-speed automatic transmission with just a flick of your fingers.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT

The 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT transmissions feature four driving modes that can be selected on demand: "Controlled Efficiency" features a fuel-saving new ECO Start/Stop function. "Sport" mode raises the shift points and reduces shift times by 30%. And both a "Sport+" and paddle-shifted "Manual" mode offers lightning-quick 100-millisecond shifts and maintains the selected gear at full throttle or upon reaching the redline. On the SL63, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT transmission features innovative multi-clutch technology and a wet startup clutch, for instant, efficient response to any driving situation.

AGILITY CONTROL

Engineered specifically for performance driving, AGILITY CONTROL automatically adjusts the individual shock absorbers based on the road surface and the driver's current driving style. Valving inside each shock absorber automatically firms up during stronger body motions for sharper handling feedback and stability, and reduces the damping rates during gentler motions for a smoother, more composed ride.

Active Ventilated

By gently circulating air through perforations in the seat and backrest, Active Ventilated seats help keep you cooler and your clothes dryer during warmer months. On cold or damp days, using both the ventilation and heating features together can circulate the seat heating more quickly, to help keep you warm and dry. Three levels of heating and cooling ventilation are offered. (Standard on SL65 AMG)

SL550 V-8

The 429-hp 4.6-liter V-8 in the SL550 combines numerous advances and twin turbos to deliver 12% more power. Its 516 lb-ft torque peak offers 45% more thrust at just 2,000 rpm. New rapid-multispark ignition can fire up to four times per millisecond, while high-pressure Direct Injection can microscopically fine-tune fuel spray in just 0.1 milliseconds, reducing emissions, fuel consumption and noise. A lightweight diecast-alloy block, quicker and more widely variable valve timing, reduced friction, and clever "on-demand" ancillary components like the alternator further boost efficiency.

19-inch AMG wheels

Legendary 19-inch AMG alloy wheels feature five tapered spokes with an aggressively chiseled design. Staggered in width, the rear wheels and high-performance tires are wider than the fronts, for greater acceleration grip without sacrificing crisp steering feedback.

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rear lighting

Not only brighter than traditional incandescent bulbs, LED technology also delivers quicker illumination of the brake lights lamps. By offering drivers behind you more time to react, their stopping distance may be reduced by several feet, which could make a critical difference in a panic stop.

ATTENTION ASSIST

The first system of its kind, ATTENTION ASSIST continuously monitors different parameters of driving behavior, and can automatically alert the driver with both visual and audible warnings if it detects signs of drowsiness on long trips.

MAGIC SKY CONTROL

A Mercedes-Benz exclusive, this innovative evolution of the Panorama sunroof concept alters the transparency of the roof when electrical current is applied. At its darkest setting, the thermal energy entering the cabin is less than a household light bulb. And even in its fully transparent mode, both UV and infrared rays are effectively blocked, helping keep the cabin cooler. (Standard on SL65 AMG)

ECO Start/Stop

The fuel-saving ECO-Start/Stop system automatically shuts off the engine at stoplights and other idle situations. As soon as the driver lifts off the brake, the engine instantly restarts, for immediate acceleration response. The ECO-Start/Stop system can also be shut off by the driver at any time.

paddle shifters

A pair of paddles strategically positioned behind the upper steering-wheel spokes allows you to manually upshift and downshift the 7-speed automatic transmission with just a flick of your fingers.

adaptive braking

Adaptive braking technology integrates a suite of advances. If you lift off the accelerator quickly, Predictive Brake Priming sets the pads closer to the discs for more immediate response when you apply the brakes. In the rain, Automatic Brake Drying periodically applies the brakes just enough to sweep water build-up from the discs. During uphill starts, Hill-Start Assist helps prevent unwanted rollback. And a HOLD feature can make long red lights or stopped traffic a little easier.

Sport Wheel Package

An even sharper focus on performance comes from this suite of upgrades: 19-inch AMG alloy wheels, enhanced brake hardware, and a sport steering wheel with perforated side grips.

Direct-steer

Direct-steer automatically varies the steering ratio based on how far you turn the steering wheel. It provides quicker steering and lighter effort while parking while maintaining excellent directional stability and crisp feedback at higher speeds.

adaptive damping

The semi-active Adaptive Damping System continually adjusts to driving inputs and the road surface. Using a network of sensors, the system can respond at each wheel in just 10 milliseconds, to sharpen handling while the ride stays smooth.

Active Ventilated

By gently circulating air through perforations in the seat and backrest, Active Ventilated seats help keep you cooler and your clothes dryer during warmer months. On cold or damp days, using both the ventilation and heating features together can circulate the seat heating more quickly, to help keep you warm and dry. Three levels of heating and cooling ventilation are offered. (Standard on SL65 AMG)
DESIGN
TECHNOLOGY

* Excludes all options, taxes, title, registration, $905 transportation charge, and dealer prep fee.

Vehicles depicted may feature optional equipment. Production equipment may differ.

† 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.

†† 2013 EPA estimated fuel economy. Compare the estimated mpg to the estimated mpg of other vehicles. You may get different mileage depending on how fast you drive, weather conditions and trip length. Your actual highway mileage will probably be less than the highway estimate.