2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Twelve-cylinder flagships and a 7-speed automatic transmission keynote 2004 additions to Mercedes' costliest convertible. This 2-seater has a retractable metal hardtop and offers four models. The SL500 has a 302-hp 5.0-liter V8. The high-performance SL55 AMG has a 493-hp supercharged 5.4 V8. The new SL600 has a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V12 also rated at 493 hp, but at lower rpm and with more torque than the SL55's V8. Introduced midyear as a 2005 model was the SL65 AMG with a 604-hp twin-turbo 6.0 V12. The SL500 uses Mercedes' industry-first 7-speed automatic transmission. Other SLs have a 5-speed automatic with a manual-shift gate; the SL55's "SpeedShift" version features performance programming and steering-wheel shift buttons. All SLs have antiskid/traction control and Mercedes' ABC active suspension designed to reduce cornering lean. Their ABS uses "by-wire" technology to modulate brake pressure to each wheel. The SL65 has 19-inch wheels, the other models have 18s. Standard on all are head/torso side airbags, driver knee airbag, and a rollover bar that pops up if sensors detect an impending tip. Also standard are navigation and assistance systems, and a second battery, mounted in the trunk, to run power accessories. Other features include bi-xenon headlamps and ventilated and massaging seats. Also available is Mercedes' Distronic cruise control, designed to maintain a set following distance. Voice control for audio, phone, and other functions is a dealer option. SLs are factory prewired to accept a newly optional dealer-installed satellite radio. And Mercedes' Keyless Go option, by which the driver starts the car via a shift-knob button, now takes its signal from the keyfob instead of a pass card.