2008 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Topping the Top of the Line

Mercedes-Benz adds power and refinement to its sleek and seductive SL luxury roadsters.

The venerable Mercedes-Benz SL-Class luxury roadster has had a moderate refresh, but not a major redesign. The two-seater’s sleek exterior retains its familiar-yet-racy appearance, and is now accentuated by minor tweaks like a revised front bumper with three air intakes and a more pronounced “V” contour, chrome-trimmed fog lamps and matte-finish louvered grille, newly cast alloy wheels, and updated taillamps.

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As before, the slickly operating, power-retractable hardtop is a show in itself, like the original SL’s vertically opening “gullwing” doors in the 1950s. Today’s doors open normally, but the top opens and folds away cleanly behind the rear seats at the push of a button, enabling the car to go from closed coupe to full roadster in but a few ticks of a Rolex. What’s more, it can be fitted with an optional glass roof to enjoy the view with full protection from the elements.

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The most significant changes to the new Mercedes-Benz SL-Class lie beneath the surface. A new, 5.5-liter powerplant replaces the previous 5.0-liter engine in the V8 version. That upgrade prompts a name change, from SL500 to the SL550. The new engine generates 20 percent more muscle than last year’s V8 could muster, with no decrease in fuel economy. The engine comes mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission with a manual-gear-selection mode that adapts its shift patterns to a motorist’s driving style.

Meanwhile, the supercharged V8 that powers the higher-performance SL55 AMG version has been modified to produce a blazing 510 hp. The twin-turbocharged V12 engine in the SL600 also produces 510 hp. The even-more-awesome SL65 AMG has a hand-built, 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine that produces 604 hp. This model is priced in Ferrari territory. Both AMGs and the SL600 come with a five-speed automatic transmission (also driver-adaptive and with a manual mode).

• Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Vehicle Summary

A newly improved version of Mercedes’ Active Body Control suspension maintains optimal handling and a smooth ride at all times, and enables the car to careen through even the sharpest corners at speed without a hint of body roll. A long list of chassis control features are on hand to help the driver maintain control, including four-wheel disc antilock brakes with brake assist and Sensotronic Brake Control, electronic stability and Automatic Slip Control. All those systems are recalibrated for the AMG versions, to afford more-aggressive cornering abilities.

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Inside, the face-lifted Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is dressed up with redesigned doorsills, higher-quality dashboard materials and new leather treatments. AMG versions now feature carbon-fiber trim. A hands-free phone and satellite radio with six months of service are newly added to the roadster’s extensive list of standard features. Side airbags, a pop-up roll bar and the TeleAid emergency communications system are also standard.

A limited-production 50th Anniversary model is expected late in the model year to honor the original Mercedes-Benz SL roadster. It will be distinguished by pewter metallic paint, brown leather upholstery and black ash wood trim.