Design
For generations, few cars have inspired desire like the SL. For 2020, it's as inspiring as ever. Flowing LED headlamps sweep back from a shapely grille. Sculpted lower body styling wraps around 19-inch wheels. And with its retractable hardtop, it's perfectly proportioned as a sleek coupe and as a classic open roadster.
The romance of the open road.
The classic two-seat cockpit embraces its passengers like the SL hugs the road. Technologically forward yet rooted in tradition, its open-air passion is met with unmatched civility, from its available season-extending AIRSCARF® system to innovative sun-reflecting leather that's still carefully fitted to each seat by hand.
The enlightenment of lightness.
Nearly 300 lbs lighter than its previous generation, the sophisticated body structure of the 2020 SL is crafted almost entirely from diecast, chilled-cast, hydroformed and extruded aluminum. With 20% greater rigidity, it tips the scales in favor of greater safety, comfort, and most of all, athletic performance.
The freedom of individuality.
With an expansive variety of leather upholstery colors and interior trim options, the SL cabin isn't just impeccably crafted. It's individually tailored. A rich palette of full-grain, smooth Nappa and superlatively supple designo leathers complement hand-finished matte or high-gloss wood, textured aluminum, or genuine carbon fiber.
Performance
Much as the SL body generates more strength from lighter mass, its biturbo engines rouse more power and torque from less fuel. Both the 362-hp V6 in the SL 450 and the 449-hp SL 550 V8 employ ultra-precise tech like piezoelectric Direct Injection and multispark ignition. Both self-tune with millisecond speed to quicken your 0-60 rush.
Four tires on a mission: Corner-carving confidence
With rigid yet light components, the 4-wheel multilink suspension teams with semi-active damping for crisp handling with silky smoothness. Industry-advancing Active Body Control® (ABC) is optional. Its innovative CURVE function leans into corners like a slalom skier to help reduce the g-forces you feel in the cabin when cornering.
Nine speeds and five modes: Always the driver's choice
Light, quick and efficient, the 9G-TRONIC automatic puts a wide range of ratios with shorter steps between them, to keep you on top of the engine's broad torque curve. DYNAMIC SELECT has a mode for every mood, adapting the throttle, shifting, steering and more from Comfort to Sport+. There's even a mode you can customize.
INNOVATION
The SL's signature retractable power hardtop transforms from open roadster to cosseting coupe in seconds at up to 25 mph. The standard Panorama roof features a see-through panel and sliding sunshade. For even more viewing options at the touch of a button, exclusive MAGIC SKY CONTROL® lets you darken the overhead glass electronically.
Feel the bass, or sink into the sound.
Standard harman/kardon surround sound delivers 600 watts of lush audio, top-up or down. Innovative FrontBass® subwoofers use body structure elements as acoustic chambers. Or you can immerse yourself in the audible and visible richness of a 1,000-watt, 7.1-channel Bang & Olufsen® BeoSound™ system. Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto are standard, too. Disclaimer[3]
Helpful connections. To set you free.
From the everyday to the unexpected, Mercedes me connect helps ease your way. You can control vehicle features from your smartphone. Get help in an emergency. Set up a service appointment. And more, all at no charge for three years, or even longer for many services. You can also add unlimited-data WiFi for a low monthly rate. Disclaimer[4] Disclaimer[5]
Protective by nature: A 360-degree network of safety advances
The SL has long led the way in roadster safety: Its pop-up roll bar was an SL first. Today, Intelligent Drive takes driver assistance into a new era. A network of cameras, radar and other sensors can help get you out of danger before you're in it. While Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC® is just one way the SL's technology can ease your every journey. Disclaimer[6]