2010 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

NEW FOR 2010:

- SL550 and SL600 add standard Sport Package and variable-ratio Direct Steering

- Nappa-covered steering wheel

- SD memory card interface capable of accepting new Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) cards up to 32 GB; HD Radio standard in conjunction with Sirius satellite radio (limited coverage in Canada)

- New navigation function calculates best route for fuel economy

- Exterior colours: Indigolite Blue Metallic and Pearl Beige Metallic added

For 2010, changes to the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class are minimal. The SL550 and SL600 receive a standard Sport Package, which includes 19-inch AMG five-spoke wheels, sport steering wheel with shift paddles, upgraded front calipers, perforated rear rotors, and tinted head- and taillights. Also new is standard Direct Steering similar to that used on the SLK-Class. The leather-wrapped steering wheel now uses Nappa leather, the navigation system includes an "Economic Route" function for optimal fuel mileage, and Sirius satellite radio includes HD Radio, although coverage is currently very limited in Canada. Prices are unchanged from 2009.

The SL-Class comes in four models. The SL550 uses a 5.5-litre V8 with seven-speed automatic transmission; the SL600 uses a twin-turbo 5.5-litre V12 with five-speed automatic; the SL63 AMG uses a 6.2-litre V8 with seven-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission; and the SL65 AMG uses a twin-turbo 6.0-litre V12 with five-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission. All come with a fully automatic retractable hardtop.

Features on the SL550 include 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, Active Body Control, hard-drive navigation system with Music Register, Harman/Kardon Logic7 surround sound system, media interface, Sirius satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, AMG skirt package, active bi-xenon headlamps with cornering lights and washers, power-folding heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, rain-sensing wipers, multi-contour leather seats with massage function and memory, Burl Walnut trim, three-spoke leather and wood multifunction steering wheel with power tilt and telescopic column, auto-dimming rearview and driver's exterior mirrors, auto up/down windows, fabric windscreen, rear luggage belts, Parktronic parking assist, cruise control, Smart Key, garage door opener, TeleAid emergency calling system, tire pressure monitoring system, and first-aid kit.

The SL63 AMG is similarly-equipped, but adds AMG carbon fibre trim, Nappa leather upholstery, Alcantara headliner, leather-wrapped multifunction sport steering wheel, and Keyless Go.

The SL600 builds on the SL550 and adds perforated Nappa leather heated and cooled seats, Alcantara headliner, panoramic vario-roof, Airscarf heating system, Keyless Go, and electronic trunk closure.

The SL65 AMG builds on the SL63 AMG and adds exclusive Nappa leather perforated heated and cooled seats, panoramic vario-roof, Airscarf heating system, and electronic trunk closure.