2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

NEW FOR 2009:

- SL63 AMG replaces SL55 AMG

- Exterior and interior styling facelift for all models

- Standard AMG body styling for SL550 and SL600

- New-generation audio and communications including standard Bluetooth, MP3, TeleAid, media interface, and COMAND APS with hard-drive navigation

- Available AIRSCARF heater vents

- Standard bi-Xenon headlamps

- New wheel designs for all models

Redesigned in 2007, the SL-Class undergoes a facelift for 2009, including new front and rear styling, hood power dome, new "gill" side air inlets, larger mirrors, new exhaust pipes, updated instrument cluster, and 12-button, three-spoke steering wheel design.

Also new is the SL63 AMG, which replaces the previous SL55 AMG; it features a 518-horsepower engine with new AMG Speedshift MCT (Multi-Clutch Technology) seven-speed sports transmission, a unit engineered in-house by AMG with no torque converter, and with five shift modes, including Race Start.

The SL-Class consists of the SL550, with 5.5-litre V8 and seven-speed automatic transmission; the SL63 AMG, with 6.2-litre V8 and seven-speed AMG Speedshift MCT transmission; the SL600, with twin-turbo 5.5-litre V12 and five-speed automatic; and the SL65 AMG, with twin-turbo 6.0-litre V12 and five-speed AMG Speedshift transmission.

Features on the SL550 include 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, limited-slip rear differential, Harmon/Kardon Logic7 surround sound stereo, SIRIUS satellite radio, auxiliary interface, hard-disc-drive navigation system with voice control, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, AMG styling package, active bi-Xenon headlamps with washers and cornering lights, power-folding heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, heated washers, two-stage rain-sensing wipers, multi-contour seats with massage function and memory, Burl Walnut trim, leather upholstery, multi-function steering wheel with power tilt and telescopic column, auto-dimming rearview and driver's side mirrors, fabric windscreen, rear luggage belt, Parktronic parking sensors, tire pressure monitoring system, first-aid kit and side head/thorax airbags.

The SL600 adds 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, heated and cooled seats, Exclusive Nappa leather upholstery, Alcantara roof liner, panoramic sunroof, AIRSCARF heater vents, Keyless Go proximity key, and electronic trunk closure.

The SL63 AMG builds on the SL550 with 19-inch alloy wheels, AMG carbon fibre trim, Nappa Leather upholstery, Alcantara roof liner, leather-wrapped multifunction sport steering wheel, wheel-mounted shifter paddles, and Keyless Go proximity key.

The SL65 AMG builds on the SL600 and adds 19-inch forged alloy wheels, AMG carbon fibre trim, and wheel-mounted shifter paddles.

Luxurious and sporty, the SL-Class models feature a retractable roof that folds and stores itself under a hard tonneau cover; the SL600 and SL65 AMG put a glass panel into the roof as well, for an airy feeling when the top is up. Boasting more power than the supercharged edition it replaces, the SL63 AMG also uses a new transmission that makes this model even more fun to drive, thanks to five selectable shift modes, three ESP modes, and a memory button that lets you store the perfect setting once you've found it. While it's still an expensive vehicle, prices drop from their 2008 levels, and the SL63 AMG has a lower price-tag than the outgoing SL55 AMG.