The 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is offered in four variants: the V8-powered SL550 and V12-powered SL600, and the SL55 AMG and SL65 AMG, both high-performance-tuned, exclusive versions of the SL550 and SL600 respectively.
The high-performance SL550 luxury roadster gets the same larger, higher-power V8 that's also now offered in the big S-Class sedan. The new standard 5.5L V8 on the SL550 has 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, and comes hooked to a new seven-speed automatic that helps further reduce 0-60 times and real-world passing times.
The smooth, twin-turbo V12 in the SL600 makes 510 horsepower and 612 lb-ft of torque. Both AMG versions feature engines hand-built by the Mercedes-Benz tuner house of the same name. In the SL55 AMG the V8 has been cranked up to 510 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque, while in the SL65 AMG the twin-turbo V12 produces a mammoth 604 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque and can bring the SL to 60 mph in only 4.2 seconds. Each of the AMG cars, along with the SL600, have a five-speed automatic.
All SL-Class models have very large four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist. Other standard safety equipment includes ESP stability control and Active Body Control, a hydraulic active suspension system that helps keep the SL flat during severe cornering and braking and also helps improve ride during normal driving.
The SL-Class' retractable hardtop opens or closes with a single button in 16 seconds thanks to a sophisticated hydraulic system. With the top up, the trunk can hold up to 10.2 cubic feet, but the capacity diminishes to 7.2 cubic feet with the top down--still enough for a couple of lightly packed golf bags or a carry-on suitcase.
The SL550 comes with a full roster of top luxury features, including memory heated sport seats, a DVD-based COMAND navigation and audio system, Bose digital surround sound audio system with six-disc changer and Sirius satellite radio, and an automatic pop-up roll bar system, while the SL600 adds the Keyless Go entry and start system, a Nappa leather interior, electronic trunk closer, a heated steering wheel, and wood and leather trim. In addition to various trim and appearance changes, and larger brakes, both the SL55 AMG and SL65 AMG add sport seats with the Dynamic Multicontour feature, which helps adjust to keep occupants in place during cornering.
Options on the SL550 include active ventilated seats, adaptive cruise control, and a panorama roof. A limited run of 550 50th Anniversary Edition models will be built for 2007, commemorating the original 300SL roadster. It offers an appropriate pewter metallic paint scheme with cognac brown leather inside and black ash interior wood trim.
High Performance Luxury
High-tech Comfort And Safety Features.
The venerable Mercedes-Benz SL-Class gets a standard 5.5L V8 engine that's larger and has 25 percent more power for 2007, bringing a name change to SL550. The flagship, V12-powered SL600 also gets a slight bump in performance, to 510 horsepower.
The high-performance SL55 AMG gets redesigned 19-inch wheels, along with new carbon fiber trim for 2007. All SLs get new doorsills and revised, richer interior materials. Sirius satellite radio capability with a six-month subscription and a hands-free phone is now standard, though the common Bluetooth interface is still optional.
There's also a new 50th Anniversary Edition of the SL550 offered for 2007, in honor of the original 300SL roadster.
The two-seat Mercedes-Benz SL-Class roadster rides the line between high-performance and ultra-luxury for 2007, while the V12 SL600 is especially exclusive and the SL55 and SL65 AMG versions really bring out the potential in these cars. The top SL65 AMG model is nearly twice the price of the SL550, but offers performance that can beat some exotics. Any of the models can be equipped with some extraordinary high-tech features--such as Dynamic Multicontour seats--that aren't available in many vehicles at any price.
