Mercedes-Benz seems to be on a roll this year, with another new model introduced, this time the new 2009 SL-Class. A new baseline model joins the SL family – the SL280, which like the CLS280 is powered by a 3.0 litre V6 putting out 231 horsepower. The SL350′s 3.5 litre V6 now has an increased power output of 316 horsepower and a higher redline of 7,200rpm, while the SL500 and SL600 retains the previous cars engine.
The 7G-Tronic 7-speed automatic transmission which is standard on all SL-Class models now simulates double-declutching, which sounds great on downshifts and is easier on the transmission as it matches the rotational speeds of the crank and the tranny before engaging the gear.
New to the SL is the Direct Steer system which is also found in the new CLC. It is based on the familiar speed-sensitive power steering system. New features include a variable rack ratio, which adjusts in line with the steering angle, increasing sharply as soon as this reaches five degrees. It is quite like BMW’s Active Steering, which can take some getting used to at the beginning because the steering ratio is not constant. Active Body Control (ABC) compensates pitch, roll and yaw on the part of the body and adapts the suspension settings automatically to suit the current driving situation.
If you look at the shots of the interior after the jump, you will notice two little fans integrated into the back of each front seat’s headrest. This is the AIRSCARF system, which is a neck-level heating system which sucks in air behind the headrests and channels it through an electric heating element for rapid heating. This air then flows out of special openings in front of the headrests, thus warming the occupants necks, like a scarf. This is of course for the comfort of open top winter driving.
More photos after the jump.
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
After dabbling for years in the IT industry, Paul Tan initially began this site as a general blog covering various topics of personal interest. With an increasing number of readers paying rapt attention to the motoring stories, one thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history. An avid electronic gadget aficionado as well as big-time coffee lover, he's also the executive producer of the Driven motoring TV programme.
Hmm. The front-end takes a little getting used to. The taillights however, we’ve pretty much gotten used to them – so much so that they look kinda boring.
I wonder what’s with the razor-straight geometrics all around. The most glaring one is just beneath the rear bumper – some squarish-looking lines there.
Most of us can’t afford such a ride anyway so we can only comment here and there lol. “Doube-declutching” sounds techy!
Looks like a facelift la…tail lamp same as previous model. Front seat headrest macam ET head. Inspired by spielberg…. Whatever it is I still cant afford.Tengok saja laa
Not much change.
The rear just like the same. The front i prefer the old one.
Yeah, agree. Looks like a facelift. Wonder why Merc is so lazy in coming out with an all-new design. Even the interior looks the same as the old one (except for steering, headrest & some trims).
grr… i hate those headlights!!! it doesn’t match the SL’s profile at all
The front end does indeed need a bit of getting used to. I think the air intake and the emblem is a tad too big. The headlights are a copy of the sleek CLS but that’s not a bad thing.
Overall, the air intake and the emblem needs some revamping. I think will go for a CLS or a SLK over this new SL.
Yeah, agree. Looks like a facelift. Wonder why Merc is so lazy in coming out with an all-new design. Even the interior looks the same as the old one (except for steering, headrest & some trims).############
its not about lazy..its about cost to produce an all-new platform….
the vents at da back is 4 ETs…
hahaha !!!
certainly the only thing you need to get used to is the front lamps which look very weird
hmm.. usually SL has very long lifespan like the 1971 one which last till 1989..almost 20 years..then 1989 to 2001 which is 12 years.. now the current model only 7 years old…. but im confused in this facelift or new model ??
Rich ppl toys ~
WTF another facelift …its ugly