Overiview

The modern classic
Shaped by its heritage and honed by the wind, the SL is at once timeless and modern, inside and out.

382-horsepower V-8
With a dual-length intake and 32 valves, the 5.5-liter V-8 outpours a seamless swell of torque.

16-second hardtop
Its signature power retractable hardtop vanishes into the trunk with acrobatic agility.

Fully active suspension
Arguably the most advanced suspension in production, Active Body Control rules the road.

Design

A classic roadster on the cutting edge of timelessness
When the world saw the first SL in 1954, its lightweight, aerodynamic body did more than set a new standard. It served proof that icons are born from lasting brilliance. Today, the advanced engineering and timeless proportions of the SL convey the thrill of acceleration, the acceleration of progress, and the enduring soul of a sports car.

Sun, stars or snug sanctuary, whenever you wish
The signature of the SL is its folding aluminum roof. With the touch of a button on its console or SmartKey remote, the SL converts from hardtop coupe to sunny roadster in 16 seconds. An optional Panorama roof lets you enjoy the sun and stars through a heat-reflecting tinted glass panel.

Aggressively sculpted sport body styling
Muscular lower bodywork leads both the eye and the wind around the SL’s perfectly proportioned physique. A deep front air dam with mesh grilles flows into chiseled side sills and a sculpted rear valance. Dual polished chrome exhaust tips provide a brilliant finish and a reminder of the power within.

Optional 19″ wheels and a more menacing look
The optional Wheel Package amplifies the SL550′s race-bred style and substance. Massive 19-inch AMG 5-spoke wheels set off perforated rear brake discs and Silver-painted front brake calipers. Dark-tinted headlamps and taillamps complete the look, while inside, a sport steering wheel with paddle shifters and a Manual shift mode sharpen its performance edge.

A cockpit for two, where driver and car become one
The SL-Class unites its two passengers in a sporty, elegant cabin that simultaneously lets the driver and car enjoy their own special connection. Twin heated and Active Ventilated seats, an abundance of top-stitched leather and polished wood, and advanced Audio and Navigation set your spirit free to take on the world, or leave it all behind.

Performance

382-hp 5.5-liter DOHC V-8 engine
Dual trapezoidal exhaust tips resonate a mellow rumble as its 382-hp 5.5-liter V-8 launches the SL550 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. With a dual-length intake manifold and variable timing of its 32 valves, it generates a 391-lb-ft crescendo of torque over a wide range of rpm. The engine´s rigid yet light diecast-alloy block contributes to the SL 550´s ideal front-to-rear weight distribution.

Arguably the most advanced suspension on the road
Quite possibly the most advanced, fully active suspension in production, Active Body Control (ABC) adapts instantly to driving conditions for crisp cornering with silky comfort. It also automatically lowers the car as speed rises, and offers a driver-selectable Sport mode.

Innovative steering for the right feel in every situation.
Pioneered by the SL-Class, the Direct-steer system varies the steering ratio based on how far you turn the wheel. The result is quicker response in tight corners, precise on-center feel, inspiring straight-line stability, and easier effort at low speeds.

More confident, and convenient, braking
With perforated front discs and generously sized hardware, the SL sheds speed with confidence. It also brakes with greater intelligence. Lift off the accelerator quickly and Predictive Brake Priming sets the pads closer to the discs, for more immediate response when you hit the brakes. In the rain, Automatic Brake Drying gently applies the brakes periodically, to sweep away water build-up.

Technology

Connected. So you can feel free.
Advanced technology keeps you connected to the world around you. Navigation features a fast 40GB hard drive, Enhanced Voice Control that responds to your normal way of speaking, and built-in Zagat® Survey ratings. Live SiriusXM Traffic can help you avoid a jam. And a Bluetooth interface offers hands-free calling convenience.

Surrounded. To fill the air with your music.
A 10-speaker harman/kardon LOGIC7® system outputs 510 watts of Dolby® Digital 5.1 surround sound.Your listening choices are virtually limitless: a 6-DVD/CD changer, HD Radio™ stations, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, iPod® integration, a memory card reader, and a 4GB in-dash Music Register for storing your digital music.

Seasonable. So you can keep the top down longer.
In addition to heated seats, two innovative climate-controlling features are standard. Active Ventilated seats circulate cooling air through perforations in the leather. And the innovative AIRSCARF neck-level heating system can deliver warmed air from the head restraints, so you can enjoy top-down driving further into a cool evening or the change of seasons.

Mercedes-Benz mbrace. Your world, from your car.
From your car, online or via the mbrace Mobile Application on your iPhone®, mbrace® helps keep you connected with nearly 20 different security, destination planning and convenience services. Combining advanced technology with 24-hour support from helpful experts, two available service packages can help you plan a trip, remember where you parked, or even handle an unexpected emergency.

Safety. Thinking ahead is part of our history.
The SL is a Mercedes-Benz, so pioneering innovations in safety is a part of its heritage. It was among the first sports cars equipped with an Air bag (it provides five of them today), ABS and ESP®. And in 1989 it was the first roadster to feature a Pop-up roll bar that deploys in a fraction of a second when sensors detect an impending rollover.

Overview

Aggressive new design
From its crossblade grille to its muscular fenders and impeccable cockpit, it’s an ultramodern classic.

New-generation power
A new-generation V-6 outperforms in every way, packing more punch but gentler to the earth and sky.

MAGIC SKY CONTROL
The world’s first variable-transparency retractable hardtop, from clear to dark at the touch of a button.

Coupe to roadster, faster
Three choices in power hardtops, any of which can vanish into the trunk in under 20 seconds.

Design

All-new, from the Star in front to the sky above
From its iconic grille to its signature power hardtop, the 2012 SLK-Class advances the rich racing heritage of Mercedes-Benz sports cars. LED Daytime Running Lamps, LED taillamps and aluminum-trimmed roll bars meld substance with sporty style. And with a more aerodynamic shape and a wider stance, it’s sculpted to slice through the wind and carve through every corner.

In 20 seconds, it can transform you
Like the Gullwing doors of the iconic 300SL, the hallmark of the SLK is its power retractable hardtop. In under 20 seconds, it folds into the trunk, leaving ample luggage space and delivering open-roadster euphoria. Choose from the standard steel roof or two Panorama sunroof options: a tinted see-through panel, or an innovative electronically variable tinted panel called MAGIC SKY CONTROL.

Holds you close, and sets you free
Pure sports-car magic: the embrace of two deeply contoured seats with every pleasure of driving at your fingertips. The impeccable SLK cockpit offers both an intimate bond with the open road and a sense of total escape: Precisely stitched leather. A racy flat-bottom steering wheel. And crisp metallic trim on its gauges, controls and the round air vents inspired by the SLS AMG supercar.

Trendsetting or timeless, as you wish
Sporty coupe or open roadster. Pure performance with rich refinement. And as modern or classic as you want your SLK to be. Hand-fitted leather is set off by cool aluminum trim on the console and roll bars. Or you can opt for super-soft cross-stitched Premium leather, as well as the warmth of the Trim Package, with Burl Walnut wood on the steering wheel, shift knob and console.

Performance

Cleaner getaways
A new-generation engine delivers more power, richer torque, cleaner emissions and greater efficiency. With its new 3.5L V-6, SLK350 is quick from 0 to 60, and in some surprising ways, too: Advanced rapid-multispark ignition fires up to four times in a millisecond. And new high-pressure Direct Injection micro-manages the fuel spray as fast as 0.1 millisecond.

Power in your hands
The world’s first 7-speed automatic transmission has been re-engineered for performance that’s more responsive and more efficient. Paddle shifters let you control gear changes without taking a hand from the 3-spoke steering wheel.

Performance with panache
The optional Sport Package further hones the performance edge of the SLK-Class. Staggered-width 18-inch AMG 5-spoke wheels are set off by aggressive Sport lower body work: A deep front air dam with mesh air intakes, sculpted side sills, and a rear valance framing polished chrome tailpipes. Adding visual heat to the cockpit, the console and doors are outlined in Solar Red direct ambient lighting.

Confidence with convenience
Lift off the accelerator quickly and Predictive Brake Priming sets the pads closer to the discs, for more immediate response when you hit the brakes. In the rain, Automatic Brake Drying gently applies the brakes periodically, to sweep away water build-up. During uphill starts, Hill-Start Assist helps prevent unwanted rollback. And a HOLD feature can make stop-and-go traffic a little easier.

Poise under pressure
Lowered, sport-tuned and precisely engineered, the 4-wheel multilink suspension of the SLK provides the ideal balance of sharp handling, surefooted control and smooth comfort. Speed-sensing power steering with our innovative Direct-steer system offers quicker cornering response, crisper on-center feel, and easier low-speed maneuvers.

Technology

The world is your playlist
Standard audio gear includes a 5.8″ LCD screen, HD Radio™ stations, Bluetooth audio streaming and a USB input. The Premium 1 Package adds a 11-speaker, 500-watt harman/kardon surround sound, SiriusXM Satellite Radio and iPod® interface. The Multimedia Package adds hard-drive navigation with a 7″ widescreen, SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Weather, plus a 10GB Music Register and more.

The stars are aligned
An SLK exclusive, the Panorama sunroof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL alters its transparency by uniformly orienting particles embedded within its glass panel when electrical current is applied. At its darkest setting, the thermal energy entering the cabin is less than a household light bulb. And even in its fully transparent mode, both UV and infrared rays are effectively blocked, helping keep the cabin cooler.

More thrills, fewer chills
The optional Premium 1 Package helps you transcend the seasons. In addition to heated seats, it includes the innovative AIRSCARF neck-level heating system. By delivering warmed air from the head restraints, it lets you enjoy top-down driving further into a cool evening or the change of seasons. New AIRGUIDE wind deflectors are clear, manually pivoting draft-stops on each roll bar.

Keep connected with mbrace
Mercedes-Benz mbrace can help you plan a trip, remember where you parked, handle an emergency and much more. From your car, online or via the mbrace Mobile App on your compatible smartphone, mbrace integrates nearly 20 security, destination planning and convenience services. And every new SLK-Class includes a complimentary 6-month trial subscription.

In the moment, and for your future
The SLK-Class raises the bar for roadster safety engineering, even with the top down. Its exceptionally rigid body extensively uses ultra-high-strength steel, aluminum and magnesium. Its dual roll barsare fiber-reinforced. Eight air bags and advanced Adaptive Brakes are standard. And ATTENTION ASSIST can alert the driver it detects signs of drowsiness on longer trips.