Mercedes-Benz always permits the critics and customers alike to expect something big with every new launch. The company’s reputation and its cars have almost always won over the market. So what can we expect from the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class? It is a delight to discover that the company seems to have taken all constructive criticism and transformed the SL-Class into a very impressively styled and sporty-feeling luxury model. For its hefty MSRP of about $98,500 to $194,700, the SL-Class is definitely both classy and fast. Driving is sheer pleasure in both the SL-Class trims (SL550 Roadster, SL63 AMG Roadster, SL600 Roadster, and SL65 AMG Roadster).

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is definitely top amongst most other models from the same parent. It is real fast: the 550 goes from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 s, 63 achieves it in 4.6s, the 600 does it in 4.4s, while the 65 accomplishes the feat in merely 4.2 seconds. The immensely powerful performance on the road is mainly due to the adjustable suspensions and V8 engines and that deliver anywhere between 382 horsepower to a mind-blowing 604 horsepower. The trims have either 5-speed or 7-speed automatic transmission which matches up to the other amazing features.

Seating and Interiors are matchless and the cleverly designed hardtop is retained, for ultimate top-down driving experience. There is legroom, headroom and shoulder room, with options of heating and cooling as needed. The COMAND interface has always been between okay and good; though one would prefer the knob in the C-Class to the circular toggle button in the SL. The sport steering wheel is a nice addition.

Automatic collision notification, TeleAid emergency assistance, pop-up roll bar for rollover case, and driver knee airbag add to the long list of standard safety features in the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. Direct-Steer system and Active Body Control assist in the braking, steering and handling department.

Looking at what others have to say, you find Top Gear stating that “The headlamps’ pinned-back perma-surprised look, the widened grille’s eerie rictus, the flattened forehead - all have the aspect of someone who has their cosmetic surgeon on speed-dial.” As a show-stopper, the car is a natural success. With its new aggressive looks, the car wipes out any hint of boring softness. But luxury is never compromised. Overall, perhaps one could say that the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (especially the SL65 AMG) is simply too powerful (and expensive) to take home for regular commuting.

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Specs and Safety

Specification Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2-door convertible
Wheelbase, in. 100.8
Overall Length, in. 178.5
Overall Width, in. 71.5
Overall Height, in. 51.0
Curb Weight, lbs. 4220
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 10.2
Standard Payload, lbs. –
Fuel Capacity, gals. 21.1
Seating Capacity 2
Front Head Room, in. 37.7
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.9
Rear Head Room, in. –
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. –

Engines dohc V8 dohc V8 Turbocharged sohc V12 Turbocharged sohc V12
Size, liters/cu. in. 5.5 /333 6.2 /379 5.5 /336 6.0 /365
Horsepower @ rpm. 382 @ 6000 518 @ 6800 510 @ 5000 604 @ 4800
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 391 @ 2800 465 @ 5200 612 @ 1900 738 @ 2000
Availability Standard Standard Standard Standard

EPA City / highway mpg
5-speed automatic –/– –/– 11/18 11/18
7-speed automatic 13/21 12/19 –/– –/–

Model Prices:
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
SL550 2-door convertible $95,900 $89,187 $825
SL63 2-door convertible $132,000 $122,760 $825
SL600 2-door convertible $136,100 $126,573 $825
SL65 2-door convertible $190,700 $177,351 $825

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