Mercedes Benz SL-Class

Both the variants of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class have AMG-spec interiors, comprising of exclusive AMG highlights and elements like AMG Performance Nappa leather powered seats, AMG multi-functional, flat-bottom, Nappa leather-wrapped performance steering wheel, AMG aluminium, and gloss black inserts and AMG illuminated door sill plates.

In addition, the SL63 also gets AMG carbon fibre trim inserts and a Manufaktur roof liner in a black microcut microfibre theme. The cabin oozes modernness with a new-generation MBUX cockpit comprising a 12.3-inch full-TFT instrument console and a slanted 11.9-inch portrait touchscreen infotainment system covering most of the centre console. 

There is no dearth of luxury, comfort and convenience in the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, as this sports car gets premium features like heated and ventilated front seats with Airscarf, a wireless phone charger, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 11-speaker Burmester sound system, MBUX interior assistant, head-up display, ambient lighting and electronic parking brake. For a more convenient operation under direct sunlight, the infotainment system can be tilted from 12 to 32 degrees. 

Wearing a sleek and wide-boy design, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has a classy design that demands attention wherever it goes. While it might not be as outrageous in its design as some other sports cars in its league, the SL-Class has the persona of a high-end sports car, thanks to its AMG exterior package with vertical chrome slats and chrome highlights on the front and rear bumpers. 

Both the variants of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class have a long bonnet, a low-slung stance with 21-inch forged AMG alloy wheels – silver in SL43 and black in SL63, sleek and triangular digital LED headlamps with adaptive high beam assist plus and LED tail lamps.

Being a more expensive offering, the SL63 has more exclusive bits like a sportier front bumper with D-shaped cutouts having vertical fins on the sides and a sportier rear bumper with side vents and more angular tailpipes. The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class now has a soft-top fabric folding roof, which opens in 15 seconds and can be operated at speeds up to 60 kmph. 

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is one of the sportiest cars with the coveted three-pointed star badge, this convertible sports car gets AMG Active Ride Control suspension with active anti-roll stabilisation, active rear-wheel steering, electronically-locking rear differential, dynamic AMG engine mounts and drive modes like Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Race, and Individual.

Both the variants of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class have different powertrains, which are potent in their way. The base-spec SL43 has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with a mild-hybrid system. With combined power and torque outputs of 375 bhp and 480 Nm, the SL43 claims a top speed of 275 kmph and a 0-100 kmph sprint time of 4.9 seconds.

Meanwhile, the larger and more powerful 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine generates 580 bhp of maximum power and 800 Nm of maximum torque while claiming 315 kmph top speed and 3.6 seconds for the 0-100 kmph run. A 9-speed automatic transmission with AMG Speedshift tech is common to both powertrains. 

Besides having a comprehensive Driving Assistance Package consisting of ADAS features, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class also has GUARD 360-degree vehicle protection, interior monitoring system, parking package with reverse camera, active parking assist, 360-degree parking camera, airbags all around, ABS with EBD, vehicle stability control, traction control and more. 

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class might not be your usual sports car that gives a tough fight to the more brutal and unforgiving supercars. However, don’t be fooled by its sleek and elegant design, for this two-door sports car has brutal performance, agile driving dynamics, and hardware rich in tech and quality, putting it in the league of the best of high-performance sports cars.