2003-2008 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

A redesigned SL500 bowed as an early 2003 model. Soon, it was followed by an SL55 AMG version with styling, chassis, and powertrain modifications by Mercedes' in-house performance team. These two-seat rear-drive convertibles were slightly longer, lower, and wider than the 1990-2002 models. Yet, they were some 125 pounds lighter. A retractable metal hardtop replaced the prior cloth folding top. The SL500 retained a 5.0-liter V8, but the SL55's 5.4-liter V8 was newly supercharged for an extra 104 horsepower over the previous engine. Both SLs had a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift feature. The SL55 used a special "SpeedShift" unit with performance programming and steering-wheel shift buttons. Both models came with an traction/antiskid control and Mercedes' ABC active suspension, designed to reduce cornering lean. A shared industry-first was antilock four-wheel disc brakes with "brake-by-wire" technology that modulated hydraulic pressure to each wheel by computer signals. Both SLs also came with head/torso side airbags, a driver knee airbag, and a rollover bar that popped up if sensors detected an impending tip. Additional standard equipment included navigation and assistance systems, and a second battery mounted in the trunk to run power accessories. The SL55 had 18-inch wheels instead of 17s, plus higher-speed low-profile tires that were wider at the rear than at the front. Options for both SLs included a tire-pressure monitor; high/low-beam xenon headlamps; radar cruise control designed to maintain a set following distance; and ventilated/massaging seats. Mercedes' available Keyless Go system used a credit-card-sized transmitter for unlocking and starting the car simply by touch. Voice control for audio, phone, and other functions was available through dealers. Two-passenger competitors included the Cadillac XLR and Lexus SC 430.