2008 Mercedes SL-Class pricing and specifications
April 24, 2008 by George Skentzos
Mercedes-Benz has today announced the pricing and specifications for its next generation SL-Class – a line bred from the iconic 300 SL “Gullwing”.
For the princely sum of $223,000 the new SL-Class could be yours, while for the adventurous with an equally eager wallet, the two high-performance AMG models start from $382,000.
The SL-Class debuts a new direct-steer system which adjusts the steering ratio depending on speed (excluding AMG models), a technology developed in conjunction with Bishop Steering, founded by Australia’s Arthur Bishop.
In addition to bi-xenon headlamps, COMAND multimedia system and convenient airscarf neck-level heating, standard safety features for the SL-Class include:
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
- Brake Assist (BAS)
- Anti-theft alarm system with interior motion sensor
- Automatically dimming interior and driver’s side exterior mirrors
- Automatically extending roll-over bar concealed behind head restraints
- Electronic Stability Programme ESP®
- Front airbags and head/thorax sidebags for driver and passenger
- PARKTRONIC parking assistance system
- Seatbelt pre-tensioners with belt-force limiters
- Tyre pressure loss warning system
The SL-Class model line-up is comprised of five variations, the SL 350, SL 500, SL 600, SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG, ranging in power from 232kW to numbers so staggering its best to just read on.
The SL 63 AMG is powered by something Mercedes colourfully describe as an atmospherically-charged 6.3-litre V8 engine – as opposed to the supercharged 5.4-litre V8 engine of its predecessor – and swaps cogs exclusively with the all-new AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission.
The only thing more staggering than the 386kW of power and 630Nm produced by its V8 engine is the fact that it is still only the first of two AMG models.
The SL 65 AMG, despite its deceptive namesake, sports a 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine developing a phenomenal 450kW of power and restricted maximum torque of 1000 Newton metres – in a convertible!
Perhaps even more shocking is that rather than breaking the chassis in two when the loud pedal is depressed, the SL 65 AMG instead rockets to 100km/h in just 4.2 seconds and onto an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.
At a lazy 1000rpm, the 5980cc AMG V12 already delivers 570Nm at the crankshaft, which jumps to 750Nm with an increase of just 500rpm.
Pricing for each model is as follows:
Mercedes-Benz SL 350 $223,000
Mercedes-Benz SL 500 $306,000
Mercedes-Benz SL 600 $385,000
Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG $382,000
Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG $468,000
Print it: 
Nice if you can afford to buy and run. Why an AMG 63 and a AMG 65? The 63 has similar performance to the 65!
I love the looks of the old version but this version I just don’t get it. Not my style anymore.
i like this even though it was the first hardtop on the market its one of few that look integreated
Wow, it must be a heavy car if it can’t get below 4 seconds with an engine like that.
I agree with DUDE, the current style is not to my liking as well. The previous SL shape in the front of the car was better.
The style is getting worse compared to previous incarnation! Looks weird now! Albeit heavy as too! Great engine and slow times 0-100kms.