2016 Mercedes-Benz SL Gains Power and Offers a Tribute to Its Racing Heritage

The Mercedes-Benz SL, now in its sixth design generation, has long epitomized flagship performance, luxury and safety in a two-seat coupe/roadster. Offered in four levels of performance, including two stunningly quick AMG models, the 2016 SL uses aluminum construction and bi-turbo engines to deliver rousing performance and unreserved comfort.

A space-saving power retractable hardtop converts the SL from a coupe to roadster in less than 20 seconds. At the touch of a button, a mesh screen rises from the rear cabin wall, helping to calm drafts and buffeting in the cabin for more comfortable and quiet top-down motoring. When not needed, it retracts elegantly into the rear cabin wall, out of sight and without taking up trunk space.

Even with its retractable top raised, the Mercedes-Benz SL offers a view of the sky and stars. The standard Panorama sunroof consists of a see-through polycarbonate roof panel with a manually operated roller blind. Optional MAGIC SKY CONTROL features a glass roof panel with variable tinting that uses technology similar to that in automatic dimming mirrors. Pushing a button above the rear-view mirror can, in an instant, change the roof panel from transparent to heavily-tinted.

Power Boost for SL550
For 2016, the SL550 gains 20 hp for its 4.7-liter biturbo V8, now with 449 hp and 516 lb-ft torque. The other three models include the SL400 with a 3.0-liter, 329-hp biturbo V-6 with 354 lb.-ft. torque; the AMG SL63 with a 577-hp biturbo AMG V-8 with 664 lb-ft torque, and the incomparable AMG SL65 with a 621-hp biturbo AMG V-12 with 738 lb-ft torque.

The AMG engines are hand-built by individual AMG master builders who affix their nameplates to the engines.

Heritage in Motion
Also for 2016, Mercedes-Benz commemorates the 60th anniversary of a 300SL’s victory in the production sports car class at the 1955 Mille Miglia, one of the world's most challenging long-distance races. The SL550 Special Edition Mille Miglia 417 takes its name from the winning car’s race number: a car’s race number corresponded to its starting time, in this case 4:17 a.m.

After 11 hours, 29 minutes and 21 seconds it had completed the race distance of 992 miles on public roads from Brescia to Rome and back. Driven by legendary American racer John Fitch, with assistance from his co-driver Kurt Gessl, the 300SL Gullwing took first place among production sports cars and fifth overall, beating numerous racing prototypes. In fact, production 300SL’s also took second and third place in the class. The 2016 SL550 Mille Miglia Edition celebrates that historic win with a run of 400 cars distinguished by special paint, upholstery and trim.

Lighter, Stronger
Nearly 300 lbs. lighter than its predecessor, the sophisticated body structure of the 2016 SL is crafted almost entirely from die-cast, chilled-cast, hydroformed and extruded aluminum. With 20-percent greater rigidity than the previous-generation SL, it also provides the foundation for greater agility, comfort and safety. Most of the body panels are also aluminum.

Intelligent lightweight construction also means that components have been optimized for their specific purpose. For example, high-strength steel tubes are integrated into the aluminum roof pillars for safety reasons, while several types of processing are used for the aluminum parts – permanent mold castings or vacuum die castings are processed into extruded sections or used as sheet aluminum with varying wall thicknesses. The result is high rigidity, high safety and improved noise characteristics. Magnesium is used for some structural parts.

Direct Injection Bi-turbo Engines

The first 300SL derived much of its high-performance capability from a mechanical direct fuel injection system, which was revolutionary for automobiles at the time. Today’s SL models are exclusively powered by biturbo V6, V8 and V12 engines. The four-engine lineup includes:

• SL400: 3.0-liter biturbo V-6; 329 hp and 354 lb.-ft. torque; 0-60 mph in 5.1 sec.
• SL550: 4.7-liter biturbo V-8; 449 hp and 516 lb.-ft. torque; 0-60 mph in 4.5 sec.
• AMG SL63: hand-built 5.5-liter biturbo V-8; 577 hp and 664 lb.-ft. torque; 0-60 mph in 4.1 sec.
• AMG SL65: hand-built 6.0-liter biturbo V-12; 621 hp and 738 lb.-ft. torque; 0-60 mph in 3.9 sec.

An ECO stop-start system turns off the engine at stops, then restarts it almost instantly when the driver’s foot touches the accelerator pedal again.

The SL400 and SL550 team their biturbo engines to a smooth, responsive and efficient 7-speed automatic transmission. A wide range of closely spaced ratios delivers the ideal response in virtually every driving situation, for quick acceleration, relaxed cruising, and, thanks to two overdrive ratios, better highway fuel efficiency. Adaptive logic adjusts the shift points to match your driving style, while shift paddles on the steering wheel let the driver enjoy manual-style control anytime.

Handling
With rigid yet lightweight components, the SL's multilink suspension teams with the standard semi-active electronically Adaptive Damping System (ADS), to sharpen handling while smoothing the ride, standard on the SL400 and SL550. ADS continually adjusts to driving inputs and the road surface and can respond at each wheel in just 10 milliseconds to sharpen handling while the ride stays smooth. Comfort and Sport modes let the driver tailor handling response and ride firmness.

The industry-advancing Active Body Control (ABC) is optional on the SL400 and SL550. It is standard, and calibrated for even higher performance, on the AMG models. ABC is a fully active suspension that ideally balances comfort and response in virtually every situation. Using a network of advanced sensors and electronically controlled hydraulics, ABC is designed to counteract the effects of roll, vibration, pitch, dive and squat. A selectable Sport mode effectively suppresses body roll in quick handling maneuvers, for uncannily flat handling. The car automatically lowers at highway speeds to enhance aerodynamics and stability.

Whether digging into a corner, kicking back on the open highway, or tackling a tight maneuver, the SL's electromechanical power steering delivers the ideal balance of crisp feedback and clear control. Innovative Direct-steer sharpens response in corners, enhances straight-line stability, and eases effort when parking.

SL Luxury
Within the two-seat cabin, the SL packs the best in Mercedes-Benz luxury and technology, from its season-extending AIRSCARF® system to innovative sun-reflecting leather that's fitted to each seat by hand. The AIRSCARF® neck-level heating system uses vents beneath each head restraint to deliver warmed airflow to the neck, head and shoulders. Each seat’s AIRSCARF has 3-stage temperature controls, and airflow automatically adjusts according to driving speed.

With exclusive, expressive and elaborately created paintwork, leather and interior trim options, designo program offers an extraordinary degree of personalization and handcrafted quality that allows the customer to commission a very special automobile.

COMAND, Control and Entertain
Featuring a high-resolution color display and a central controller on the console, the Cockpit Management and Data (COMAND®) system provides convenient control of audio, hands-free calling and navigation functions. Many features can also be accessed via the integrated steering-wheel controls. The standard navigation system features an 80GB hard drive to store maps and points of interest.

A standard harman/kardon® Logic 7 digital surround-sound system features award-winning FrontBass®, in which the bass speakers are mounted in the front firewall so the two front frame members also serve as large bass boxes. This natural amplification gives the system extraordinary punch and saves weight in the process, since separate bass boxes are no longer necessary. The harman/kardon audio system comes with Dolby® Surround 5.1 and uses two amplifiers with a total of 600 watts to power 10 speakers. For the consummate audiophile, the SL offers an available 900-watt, 7.1-channel Bang & Olufsen® BeoSound™ Premium Sound System.

New Connectivity
Mercedes-Benz, which pioneered automotive emergency calling, has upgraded its mbrace Connected Car Services for 2016, making the new mbrace2 Connect package standard for all models, along with five years of complimentary service.

The mbrace Connect package includes mbrace Mobile App, Web Services, Roadside Connection, MB Apps (non-streaming), Vehicle Homepage (EVs), Diagnostics Data and Remote Update for five years.

In addition, customers can choose from three mbrace subscription upgrade packages, mbrace Secure, mbrace Concierge and mbrace Entertain.

Voices will sound clearer thanks to new HD Voice for compatible mobile devices. And, on cars equipped with COMAND, SiriusXM® Traffic & Weather will be included as standard for five years (previously three years), further enhancing the value of this option.

Convertible Safety Leader
Pop-up roll bars and a myriad of other electronic safety systems have helped make the SL a safety leader among convertibles. Its crash avoidance systems include standard ATTENTION ASSIST and ESP stability control as well as optional DISTRONIC PLUS, PRE-SAFE Brake, Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist. In a collision, occupants are protected by the high-strength body, smart front airbags, knee air bags, side air bags and head-thorax air bags, seat belt tensioners and belt force limiters. Other standard features for the SL include Mercedes-developed NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints and a front end with a large, yielding impact area and an active front hood to help protect pedestrians.

Visibility gets a boost in messy weather with MAGIC VISION CONTROL, which uses laser-cut passages along the wiper blades to distribute washer fluid directly in front of the moving blades. The volume of fluid is also reduced automatically when the top is down, so occupants can clean the windshield without getting sprayed with washer fluid.

AMG Style and Performance
The characteristic AMG styling includes the front skirt with large openings for cooling the engine oil, water, intercooler and transmission oil, the specially designed sill panels, the AMG spoiler lip and the rear skirt with a diffuser visual and body-color inlay.

High performance of the hand-built engines is supported by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7-speed sports transmissions, AMG adaptive sport suspension based on Active Body Control (ABC), AMG speed-sensitive sports steering and the AMG high-performance compound brake system, with available AMG high-performance Carbon Ceramic braking system.

Providing the direct feedback of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic, the seven-speed MCT with AMG SPEEDSHIFT features an innovative wet start-up clutch, which runs in an oil bath and replaces a conventional torque converter. Thanks to its low rotational mass, the start-up clutch helps the transmission respond instantaneously and dynamically with exceptionally quick throttle response and no interruption of power. Designed to offer smooth and precise shifts, AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7-speed automatic uses a torque converter due to the power of the engine in the SL65.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS transmissions offer impressive versatility and ultra-fast shift times, controllable through the multiple driving modes of the AMG DRIVE UNIT. Four drive modes include “C” (Comfort); “S” (Sport); “S+” (Sport plus) and “M” (Manual) to provide customized shift control. In the “C” mode, smooth shifts coupled with a “soft” accelerator response are set up for silky smooth power transfer. Also active in the "C" mode, the ECO start/stop function turns off the engine when the car is at a stop. Additionally, Race Start functionality optimizes rpm at launch to maximize launch traction.

Both the SL63 and SL65 roll on standard staggered forged AMG 19-inch light-alloy wheels with 255/35 R19 front and 285/30 R20 rear tires. The forged wheels are also available in matte black with polished outer rims, and on the SL65, exclusive high-gloss wheels coordinate with high-gloss accents, all with 255/35 R19 tires at the front and 285/30 R20 at the rear.

The high-performance compound brake system features 15.3-inch compound discs with six-piston fixed calipers at the front and 14.2-inch integral discs with single-piston floating calipers at the rear. Available on both AMG models is an AMG high-performance Carbon Ceramic braking system, providing immense stopping power, featuring 15.8” discs up front with six-piston fixed calipers and 14.2” discs at rear with four-piston fixed calipers. The optional AMG high-performance Carbon Ceramic braking system reduces unsprung weight by 40% percent versus a conventional steel setup.

Six-Decade SL Heritage
The SL has been the best-known model in the Mercedes-Benz line for 60 years. The first one, the 1952 300SL, was a pure racecar with no road-going cousin. With its innovative tubular space frame, teardrop-shaped aluminum body with gullwing doors and direct-fuel-injection engine, the 300SL seemed years ahead of its contemporaries. And it proved to stay miles ahead by winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Carrera Panamericana in its debut season.

At the urging of the Mercedes-Benz U.S. importer at the time, Max Hoffmann, Mercedes engineered a road-going version of the 300SL. The production car appropriately debuted in New York. The car earned the nickname “Gullwing” for the doors that opened into the roof, and the name stuck. The space-age door design was no mere affectation, but rather an engineering necessity dictated by the space-frame chassis. Not unlike today’s SLK, the 190SL – a smaller, less expensive convertible that debuted in 1955 -- was marketed in parallel with the 300SL.