Expert Reviews

Model Lineup

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class comes in four models:

The SL550 ($95,900) has a 382-hp 5.5-liter V8 mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability via the gearshift or available steering wheel paddles. Standard equipment includes leather upholstery; heated 12-way power-adjustable seats with lumbar adjustment; dual-zone automatic climate control; interior air filter; navigation system; Tele Aid assistance system; power tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls; cruise control; memory for the driver's seat; exterior mirrors, and steering wheel; heated power mirrors with driver's side auto-dimming and passenger side tilt-down back-up aid; power windows and power door locks; remote keyless entry; Harman/Kardon AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD changer; auxiliary audio input jack; Sirius satellite radio with six-month subscription; Bluetooth wireless cell phone link; trip computer; auto-dimming rearview mirror; universal garage door opener; heated rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers; automatic headlights; power-retractable hardtop; wind deflector; theft-deterrent system; adaptive bi-xenon headlights; front and rear fog lights; Active Body Control adjustable suspension with level control; and P255/40ZR18 front and P285/35ZR18 rear tires on alloy wheels. Note the SL550 is saddled with a $1300 Gas Guzzler Tax.

The SL63 AMG ($132,000) comes with a 518-hp 6.2-liter V8 mated to a new seven-speed automated manual transmission called the AMG Speedshift MCT 7. The SL63 adds to the SL550 uprated brakes, massaging multicontour seats, carbon-fiber interior trim, alcantara headliner, Bose AM/FM/CD player, 6CD changer, sports suspension, 255/35R19 front tires, 285/30R19 rear tires.

The SL600 ($136,100) comes with a 517-hp 6.0-liter V12 and a five-speed automatic with manual shift capability. The SL600 also gets upgraded leather upholstery; massaging multicontour seats; wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel; alcantara headliner; keyless access and starting; front and rear park assist; panoramic roof; and a power trunk closer. The SL600, SL63 AMG and SL65 AMG have a $2600 Gas Guzzler Tax.

The SL65 AMG ($190,700) adds to the SL600 uprated brakes; leather-wrapped steering wheel; ventilated seats; carbon-fiber interior trim in place of wood trim; sports suspension; and P255/35ZR19 front and P285/30ZR19 rear tires.

Options include a Premium package for the SL550 ($3750) and SL63 AMG ($3050) that includes ventilated/multicontour seats, keyless entry and starting, Airscarf heating, power trunk closer. A Wheel package for SL500 and SL600 ($1950) adds ventilated rear brake discs, sport steering-wheel with shift paddles, unique exterior trim, 19-inch alloy wheels with performance tires. An AMG Performance package for SL63 AMG ($14,220) includes a limited-slip rear differential; 15.4-inch diameter two-piece compound ceramic brakes; performance tires; unique alloy wheels; and 186 top-speed limiter. The SL550's Trim package ($1510) adds a wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and upgraded leather upholstery. Front and rear park assist is optional ($1140) for SL550 and SL63 AMG. Illuminated door sills are available for SL500 ($700), Adaptive Cruise Control is optional for all ($2230), and the Panorama glass roof is optional for SL500 and SL63 AMG ($1950). Special paint options are available.

Safety features include dual front airbags, side-impact airbags, driver knee airbag, pop-up roll bar, tire-pressure monitor, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, traction control, and electronic stability control. Front and rear park assist are standard on SL600 and SL65 AMG and optional for SL550 and SL63 AMG.

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