We know how it looks like already, thanks to previously leaked B&W brochure shots, but here’s the sixth-generation Mercedes-Benz SL in its full glory, from every angle. Making its world debut at NAIAS 2012, the new SL is an all-new chapter in a lineage that dates back 60 years.
“There are around 900 million cars in the world and thousands of models. But there are only a handful of automotive icons. Our SL is one of them: it has class, it has style, it is the ultimate in comfort and luxury. But it combines all that with incredible sportiness and dynamism,” summarises Dr Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the Daimler AG Board of Management and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.
“You would struggle to find a car that embodies Gottlieb Daimler’s aspiration more perfectly than our new SL: the best or nothing,” he adds. Want one already?
The new SL, which is longer (+50 mm) and wider (+57 mm), has been produced almost entirely from aluminium and weighs up to 140 kg less than its predecessor. The all aluminium body is also credited for the claimed “agile, sporty handling that has been taken to an entirely new level, coupled with exemplary roll characteristics and ride comfort”.
In addition, the steering knuckles and spring links on the front axle are also made out of aluminium to reduce unsprung mass. The same also applies to virtually all the wheel location components on the rear axle. The standard suspension is a semi-active adjustable damping system, with ABC (Active Body Control) is an option. There’s also a new electromechanical Direct-Steer system featuring speed-sensitivity and variable ratio.
The new 4,663 cc V8 in the SL500 develops 435 hp, around 12% more than its predecessor despite being 800 cc smaller. Fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 22%. At the same time, torque is up from 530 Nm to 700 Nm – a 32% gain. The SL500 does 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, eight tenths faster than the old car.
Similar improvements are seen in the “entry” SL350. The new 3,499 cc V6 makes 306 hp and 370 Nm of torque. It uses just 6.8 litres of petrol per 100 km, making it almost 30% more economical than before. This one does the century sprint in 5.9 seconds (0.3 sec faster than before), enough to see off those pesky hot hatches.
Both engine variants come with a standard-fit ECO start/stop function and Merc’s 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission. Lovely gear knob, too.
New features include the FrontBass system, which “turns the SL into a concert hall” regardless of whether the top is open or closed, and the adaptive windscreen wipe/wash system called Magic Vision Control. The latter supplies water from the wiper blade as required and depending on the direction of wipe.
Unlike its predecessor, three roof versions are available: painted, with glass roof or with the unique panoramic vario-roof with Magic Sky Control. In the latter, the transparent roof switches to “light” or “dark” at the push of a button. When “light” it is virtually transparent, offering an open-air experience. In “dark” the roof provides shade and prevents the cabin from heating up.
The frame is made of magnesium, making the roofs around six kg lighter than before. The operating mechanism for the roof and boot lid has been refined and it now takes less than 20 seconds to open or close.
The COMAND system now comes with web browsing along with access to a Mercedes-Benz online service, offering anything from weather reports to location search. There is also the option of sending destinations and routes via Google Maps to the SL. Merc is also offering new apps for the SL for Facebook, news, share prices and a car park finder, among other things.
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It’s going to take me a LOOOOONG time to get used to that front end of the car…
And what’s with the fancy font on the bottom of the steering wheel?
What happened to the legendary SL-Class?! This car seems so feminine and toned down…
The headlights is too big…
and it will take you a Loooooooooooooooong time before you own one.LOL
Yummy!
oh shit~ look a bit like volvo’s head lamp now!
i prefer the previous look!
The front end looks kinda weird. Like not really proportionate. Large nose but too thin of a lip or chin, whatever you guys rather call it. Hahaha
the era where MB produces some of the most gorgeous and elegant cars in the world has officially ended…….mourn to the everly-so-gorgeous previous generation of SL-Class, still a fan of how it looks, especially the original and the first facelift version (of the previous gen)…..
now i can only imagine how the new C-Class and S-Class might look like……..oh well…….can someone tell them to remove or at least tone down the gigantic and hideous nose?? it’s like everything has to make way for them to put the nose down, and everything is actually designed around that BIG NOSE……
beauty lies in the eyes of the beholders dude.
i think MB design is still awesome.
Mercedez-Benz :)
they ruined the CLS. now the SL. mercedes was my dream marque. i just wish by the time i can afford them, there would still be a model they havent ruined.
a funny front… doesn’t have the SL look, more like a shark/cartoon figure by looking at its headlights n the nose..
Take a peek at the headlight of the latest Mercedes-Benz B class…then take a look at this…hehe :D
want more ‘garang’, wait for the AMG version la. btw, the fuel consumption is very low for a 3500cc car.
“…the “entry” SL350. The new 3,499 cc V6 makes 306 hp and 370 Nm of torque. It uses just 6.8 litres of petrol per 100 km, making it almost 30% more economical than before. This one does the century sprint in 5.9 seconds…”
Realistically speaking, being a 40+ YO Bolehlander and couldn’t really see a drastic change of NAP soon, I think I would be happy to have this entry level marque 5-6 years down to the road as my weekend car.
If you have a brand as strong as Mercedes, you have the ability to bend people’s mind to accept your design. This is the same with BMW, when they first introduce the Banggle design (the previous 5 series) many people disliked it but not long after they came around to adore it. Other manufacturers even copied its styling cues because they know the public had already accepted it.
Mercedes has been designing many beautiful models lately, the new c class facelift is great and the new E class is just fabulous, the more you look at them the more you like them.
wow, you are just one of he kind
have to say that the retro lines at the rear wheel arch ,which is reminiscence of the pontoon makes it look very much like an “uncles” car .
The headlights are hideous!
why did they stuck an audi A5 headlamp to the car ?
something pretty wrong has happened to the designers , none of the lines on the car are harmony and blend well to each and other .
except the interior … yummy
I light the headlights by i think the grill is not coherant with the lights. I should be less slanting, then it would be awesome. Then it will create a more classic look.
The question is , will i ever have the chance to own this car in my life????
i love it!!!
I have got a feeling that this car is not photogenic . it could look better in real life