As a true status symbol that lets the world know an owner has made it to the big time the SL-Class offers any owner lucky enough to own one a sports car performance and features that are unmatched in this class of vehicle. Normally only offered with a V8 engine the SL-Class for 2015 has added the SL400 to the lineup which offers a V6 engine and gives shoppers a price tag that is more than $20,000 less than its V8 counterparts to allow even more buyers to feel and show they have made it.
Competing in a class that includes the Jaguar XK, Porsche 911, and BMW 6 Series the SL-Class offers more prestige than all the others combined. With a great deal of power and high end technology along with the looks that let any onlookers know this car is a true luxury sports car that has been crafted to perfection, the SL- Class stands well above any competition that might come along. In addition to the new SL400, this lineup adds a new seven-speed automatic transmission to the SL65 AMG giving it and even better driving performance than before.
Driving the SL- Class of vehicles offers an experience that is virtually unmatched. While not quite as sporty as the pure sports cars, the SL-Class offers a smooth and deft driving experience that can handle any twist or turn when called upon to do so. The Active Body Control feature keeps the car from rolling in turns and helps with the handling that is taken care of by the highly responsive steering system and exceptional brakes. The brakes can be upgraded in the AMG models to give even more control and offer an even more impressive control of the vehicle.
Five engine variants are available for the SL-Class shoppers to choose from. All are attached to a high performing seven-speed automatic transmission and set up in rear-wheel drive. To assist with some fuel efficiency all models are equipped with the start/stop feature.
The starting point for these engines comes in the form of the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that shows up with a strong 329 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of torque. Even with this kind of power this model will give owners a fuel efficiency of 20 city/27 hwy mpg to enjoy.
The next engine is the 4.7-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that comes in with 429 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. This model gives quite a bit more power without giving up fuel mileage coming in at 18 city/25 hwy mpg.
The next two engines are both 5.5-liter twin turbocharged V8 engines the first offering 530 horsepower and 590 lb.-ft. of toque while offering a fuel mileage of 16 city/25 hwy mpg. The second is simply taking the first 5.5 engine and adding the Performance Package to increase the horsepower to 557 and allow up to 664 lb.-ft. of torque.
The top end of the power spectrum for the SL-Class shows up as a 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine that gives owners a monstrous 621 horsepower and 738 lb.-ft. of torque to enjoy. This engine does require payment of the gas guzzler tax as it only offer fuel mileage that comes in at 14 city/21 hwy mpg.
On the inside the SL-Class is in rarified air. First it is a large enough two-seater for tall adults to enjoy driving and not feel cramped. It also offers a large trunk to ensure making a weekend getaway is easy and enjoyable. All controls are top of the line and exquisitely positioned for optimal use and reach making it one of the best driving machines on the planet. Even with the top down the trunk space remains a large 13.5 cubic feet giving any owner the ability to full enjoy a great ride and convertible experience in this top of the line luxury sports sedan.
On the outside words can barely describe how elegantly stylish and sophisticatedly sporty this car is. The designers at Mercedes-Benz obviously put their heart into this awesome car and have given the world one of the most attractive road warriors on the planet. With the three point star and horizontal bar across the front along with the sweeping hood that runs at the most desirable angle to the roof the SL-Class makes owners proud and onlooker green with jealousy. Every angle of this awesome car offers some chrome accent to look at, but the chrome is in no way overdone, but rather the most well placed accents on the vehicle. Add the gorgeous 18-inch wheels underneath and this is one beast that is a true beauty.
With a price tag that is significantly lower than the rest of the lineup the SL400 base model might show up as an inferior product, but not when it carries the Mercedes-Benz name. The standard features adorning the base model include heated 16-way power seats with memory, a power wind-blocker, the Mercedes-Benz COMMAND system with a navigation system in place, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio and a Harman/kardon sound system. The V8 models add the Airscarf neck-level heating system, driver-selectable adaptive suspension and a hands-free trunk opening system. The SL63 and SL 65 AMG models add AMG styling and high-performance enhancements.
Optional features that can be had on the SL-Class include the Magic Sky Control, a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system a Splitview center screen, upgrades to the wood and leather trims, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warnings, radar based cruise control and Designo upgrades all to make the SL-Class more than just a top of the line luxury sports car.
Starting with the SL400, the SL-Class offers an $85,000 price point on the base model of this vehicle, but quickly increases from there. The SL550 starts out around $108,000 and the SL63 AMG will ask for a price that begins at $149,000. At the top end of the spectrum the V12 powered SL65 AMG shows up at a massive $216,000 for the lucky few who can afford all the luxury, power and sport this car can offer.
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