2016 Mercedes-Benz SL-Roadster Design

Enlightenment. What modern performance is made of.

Nearly 300 lbs lighter than its predecessor, the sophisticated body structure of the 2016 SL is crafted almost entirely from diecast, chilled-cast, hydroformed and extruded aluminum. With 20% greater rigidity, it tips the scales in favor of greater safety, comfort, and most of all, athletic performance.

Illumination. How an icon comes to life.

Few cars can draw on 60 years of heritage with such a clear eye to the future. The timeless profile of a roadster is reinterpreted with Imaginative, innovative details. From its LED lighting to the way sun plays on its sculpted shape, the SL is everything it's always been: a sports car ahead of its time, and like no other.

Engagement. The neverending romance of a roadster.

The classic two-seat cockpit embraces its passengers like the SL hugs the road. Technologically forward yet rooted in tradition, its open-air passion is met with unmatched civility, from its season-extending AIRSCARF system to innovative sun-reflecting leather that's still carefully fitted to each seat by hand.

Individuality. The purest expression of freedom.

With exclusive, expressive and elaborately created paintwork, leather and interior trim options, designo offers an extraordinary degree of personalization and handcrafted quality that turns your SL into masterpiece you can commission for yourself.

Pure performance heaven brought down to earth.

Ideal mates to the lighter, tighter SL body are its four biturbo engines. Direct Injection and other advances rouse more torque from less fuel in the 329-hp SL400 V-6, the 449-hp SL550 V-8, and the AMG SL63's handcrafted 557-hp V-8. A hand-built 621-hp biturbo V-12 in the AMG SL65 delivers unbridled enthusiasm with uncanny smoothness.

Composed confidence that claws into corners.

With rigid yet lightweight components, the SL's multilink suspension teams with semi-active electronically adaptive damping, to sharpen handling while smoothing the ride. The industry-advancing Active Body Control (ABC) is optional on the SL400 and SL550. ABC is standard, and calibrated for even higher performance, on the AMG models.

A sense of direction with decisive authority.

Whether digging into a corner, kicking back on the open highway, or tackling a tight maneuver, the SL's electromechanical power steering delivers the ideal balance of crisp feedback and clear control. Innovative Direct-steer sharpens response in corners, enhances straight-line stability, and eases effort when parking.

Racing-proven performance, from one man's hands to yours.

Built and signed by its own master engine builder, the heart of an AMG SL roadster is its handcrafted biturbo engine: a V-8 in the AMG SL63 and the SL65's V-12. Turning raw power into refined performance is a litany of engineering derived from a legacy of racing victory, from the growl of their exhaust to the grasp of their massive brakes.

Feel the sunny breeze, or switch on the shade.

The SL's signature retractable power hardtop transforms from open roadster to cosseting coupe in seconds. The standard Panorama roof features a see-through panel and sliding sunshade. For even more viewing options at the touch of a button, exclusive MAGIC SKY CONTROL lets you darken the roof's glass panel electronically.

Feel the bass, or sink into the sound.

Standard harman/kardon surround sound delivers 600 watts of crystal clear audio, even with the top down. Innovative FrontBass subwoofers use parts of the aluminum body structure as acoustic chambers. Or you can immerse your senses in the richness and visible beauty of the 900-watt, 7.1-channel Bang & Olufsen BeoSound™ Premium Sound System.

Connect to your world, even as you escape.

From your car, computer or smartphone, mbrace connects you and your car. And it does it in ways you already connect with the world: With an ever-growing array of apps. Remote vehicle features. The search help of Google and Yelp. And assistance in an emergency. For 2016, five years of mbrace Connect features and services are included

Safeguard your travels, with supportive technology.

While the SL's legacy of safety leadership looks out for your future with breakthroughs like PRE-SAFE and ATTENTION ASSIST, its advanced Driver Assistance Package enhances the here and now. It combines Active Lane Keeping Assist with Active Blind Spot Assist and the stop-and-go ease of DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control.

2016 Mercedes-Benz SL-Roadster - Gallery

2016 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster Models

2016 Mercedes-Benz SL400 Roadster

2016 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Roadster

2016 Mercedes-AMG SL63 Roadster

2016 MercedesAMG SL65 Roadster