Mercedes-Benz has a long and rich tradition of producing legendary sports cars, which continues with the Australian launch of the new-generation SL-Class in June. Featuring a new design with a strong emphasis on sportiness and effortless superiority, the SL is the world's most successful premium roadster in its class.

The handling qualities of the two-seater model now delivers even more athletic performance thanks to the SL roadster’s new direct-steer system, which also contributes to the new generation model’s enhanced comfort and safety. Fitted to the SL 350, SL 500 SL 600 roadsters, this innovative direct-steer system varies the ratio of the steering rack at different steering wheel angles and was developed in conjunction with Bishop Steering, founded by Australia’s Arthur Bishop.

A newly developed, highly responsive sports engine powers the new generation SL 350, boasting an impressive output of 232 kW while returning a fuel consumption figure that is 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres lower than its predecessor (NEDC).

AIRSCARF neck-level heating - invented by Mercedes-Benz and available as standard equipment across the entire new generation SL roadster range - enhances comfort when driving with the roof down, extending the roadster season until well into the winter months.

The standard-fit, fully revamped COMAND multimedia system keeps passengers entertained with a host of additional functions.

Safety as standard for the SL-Class

This range-leading Mercedes sports car extends its lead in the safety stakes courtesy of a raft of leading-edge safety equipment, including features such as bi-xenon headlamps with Active Light System cornering function, dynamic range adjustment and headlamp cleaning system. All vehicles in the SL-Class range will come standard with:

• Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Brake Assist (BAS)
• Anti-theft alarm system with interior motion sensor
• Automatically dimming interior and driver’s side exterior mirrors
• Automatically extending roll-over bar concealed behind head restraints
• Electronic Stability Programme ESP®
• Front airbags and head/thorax sidebags for driver and passenger
• PARKTRONIC parking assistance system
• Seatbelt pre-tensioners with belt-force limiters
• Tyre pressure loss warning system

Amazing performance courtesy of cutting-edge engineering: the new Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG

June sees the introduction of Mercedes-AMG’s latest sports car: the SL 63 AMG. This high-performance variant of the new generation SL-Class roadster range receives a new engine and transmission pairing and replaces the SL 55 AMG, which was powered by a supercharged 5.4-litre V8 engine.

The new SL 63 AMG is powered by an atmospherically-charged 6.3-litre V8 engine which develops a striking 386 kW of power and 630 Newton metres, making it today’s most powerful model with a V8 naturally aspirated engine in its class. This race-derived 6.3-litre power unit combines large displacement with the ability to rev quickly. Designed and built entirely by Mercedes-AMG, each engine is hand-built under AMG’s ‘one man, one engine’ philosophy.

The SL 63 AMG comes exclusively with the all-new, innovative AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission. The newly developed power transfer concept features a compact, wet start-up clutch that replaces the conventional torque converter. The resulting direct connection to the powertrain, together with the double-declutching and Race Start functions, guarantees an engaging and supremely dynamic driving experience.

SL 65 AMG: Poise and assurance to perfection

Top of the line in the exclusive 12-cylinder roadster segment is the SL 65 AMG. Its AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine produces staggering performance: 450 kW of power and a maximum torque of 1,000 Newton metres – unrivalled figures even four years after the model’s market launch. The SL 65 AMG accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds, impressive testimony to the outstanding power of the AMG V12 engine; top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).

This exclusive dynamism is down to the outstanding power of the 5,980cc AMG V12 engine developed by Mercedes-AMG. The peak output of 450 kW is continuously available between 4,800 and 5,100 rpm, while the electronically limited maximum torque of 1,000 Newton metres is on tap between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm. Amazingly, at just 1,000 RPM the AMG V12 biturbo engine already delivers a torque figure of 570 Newton metres at the crankshaft, and 750 Newton metres at 1,500 RPM.

Glorious history for Mercedes sports cars

The new generation SL caps a glorious history of Mercedes sports cars, which began in 1954 with the introduction of the legendary 300 SL "Gullwing", followed in 1957 by the launch of the first SL Roadster. To date, the Stuttgart manufacturer has produced a total of over 630,000 SL sports cars.

The exciting new-generation SL-Class is priced from $223,000* with the two high-performance AMG models starting at $382,000*.

Australian pricing (RRP)

Model	Price*
Mercedes-Benz SL 350	$223,000
Mercedes-Benz SL 500	$306,000
Mercedes-Benz SL 600	$385,000
Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG	$382,000
Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG	$468,000