Radical Weight Reduction

The new Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, fully redesigned for the first time in 12 years, was unveiled to the world in January at theNorth American International Auto Showin Detroit, USA. I was present at the event, but to be honest, my initial impression was rather underwhelming.


By strategically employing panels of varying thickness, extruded parts, and various casting methods, this aluminum body shell not only achieves a weight reduction of approximately 110 kg compared to an all-steel construction but also significantly enhances rigidity and vibration characteristics.

Furthermore, the A-pillars incorporate high-tensile steel tubes to balance safety during rollovers with a slim profile for visibility, and magnesium is used for the cover behind the fuel tank. The goal wasn't simply to use aluminum, but to achieve targeted performance through the optimal use of materials for each application.


The extensive weight reduction efforts throughout the vehicle have resulted in a significantly lighter curb weight. The SL500 now weighs 1,785 kg, a reduction of 125 kg from its predecessor. The SL350 tips the scales at 1,685 kg, an impressive 140 kg lighter. Considering the increase in dimensions—50 mm longer and 57 mm wider—and the 12 years of advancements in comfort, safety, and environmental performance, these are remarkable achievements.


The powertrain has also been completely revised. The SL500 is equipped with a 4.7-liter V8 direct-injection twin-turbo engine, boasting a maximum output of 435 hp and 700 Nm of torque. The SL350 features a 3.5-liter V6 direct-injection unit, delivering 306 hp and 370 Nm of torque. Both models are paired with the 7G-TRONIC transmission and come standard with an idle stop system.

An Exquisite Interior

For this test drive around Malaga, Spain, we were handed the keys to the standard specification SL500, equipped with the adaptive damping system.

Upon entering the car, I was immediately struck by the superb ambiance of the interior. While I had expected it to resemble the SLS AMG or SLK with their circular air vents, the actual interior, with its flowing lines and surfaces from the dashboard to the door trims, felt significantly more elegant and luxurious. The premium feel of the Nappa leather upholstery further enhanced this impression. The cabin also feels more spacious, with an increase of 37 mm in shoulder room and 28 mm in elbow room.


There are storage compartments with lids on either side behind the seats. While a document case might fit on top, it's advisable to keep luggage in the trunk for security reasons.

An interesting feature is the ability to open and close the trunk lid with a kicking motion under the bumper. This hands-free access is incredibly convenient when your hands are full. While many recent German cars offer this feature, the SL uniquely allows you to both open and close the trunk with this gesture.


The weather was already warm in Malaga in March. We decided to drive with the vario-roof open from the start. The mechanism for this retractable hardtop has been improved, and it now opens and closes in under 20 seconds.

A Superb Ride Quality

Within meters of starting to drive, I was overcome with emotion. The new SL offers an exceptionally high level of comfort. The suspension moves with virtually no friction, absorbing and dissipating road inputs with remarkable smoothness.

In COMFORT mode, it felt almost too soft, but switching to SPORT mode provided a supple yet firmly composed ride. In either setting, the comfort was so profound that I initially wondered if I had mistakenly been given a car equipped with ABC (Active Body Control).

Not only is it comfortable, but the handling is also exhilarating. The electric power steering responds instantly the moment you turn the wheel, allowing you to change the car's direction precisely as intended. This is likely due to the weight reduction, wider track, and improved body rigidity. The static torsional rigidity has increased from 16,800 Nm/deg in the previous generation to 19,000 Nm/deg, a figure that actually surpasses that of the SLS AMG.



With such comfort, one might wonder if ABC is even necessary. After driving the standard specification and feeling it was excellent, I switched to the ABC-equipped version and was left speechless. The ride quality was so superb that it made the already excellent normal setting seem pale in comparison. This was despite the fact that this car had larger, 19-inch wheels...

The suspension travel felt even more supple, yet it absorbed large impacts without bottoming out. The car remained perfectly level, feeling like a magic carpet, to use a cliché. While the previous generation also offered a similar sensation, the new model elevates this experience to an entirely new level.

The normal setup is by no means bad; in fact, it's excellent. However, the sophistication of the ABC-equipped chassis exceeded all expectations and imagination.


The new engine in the SL delivers exhilarating acceleration. Torque is abundant in the practical range, and the speed increases effortlessly. Furthermore, if you keep the throttle open, the engine revs smoothly to the redline, quickly propelling you into very high speeds. For reference, the 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 4.6 seconds, a full 0.8 seconds faster than its predecessor. However, the acceleration feels smooth rather than forceful, likely a benefit of the weight reduction.

Is Open-Air Driving the True Form?

As evening approached, the wind began to feel chilly. However, thanks to the power-operated draft stop, there was no uncomfortable wind buffeting inside the cabin.

Even at speeds of 70 km/h or 200 km/h, the interior remained remarkably peaceful, with only a slight increase in noise. This has always been a hallmark of the SL. Furthermore, with seat heaters and the Airscarf system that blows warm air directly onto your neck, you can enjoy open-top driving even in the depths of winter.


What about when the weather is poor? If you opt for the Magic Sky Control, first introduced on the SLK, which allows you to instantly adjust the tint of the glass roof, you can keep the cabin bright even with the roof closed. Conversely, on hot sunny days, you can easily block out the light with the touch of a button. This is an option worth considering.

The body, which felt so rigid, seemed to gain even more solidity when the roof was closed. However, the noise from the footwell felt slightly more pronounced. Perhaps, as befits an SL, driving with the top down is its true form.


The wiper system, named Magic Vision Control, is also interesting. Instead of spraying washer fluid from the base of the windshield onto the glass, this system has integrated nozzles in the wiper arms, supplying the fluid directly in front of the wiper blades.

The washer fluid is wiped away the instant it hits the glass, eliminating the momentary loss of visibility common with traditional systems and improving wiping efficiency. However, the most significant benefit is that when driving with the top down, the washer fluid is not sprayed into the cabin.

Exceeding Expectations

By the time I finished test-driving these new features, I felt somewhat dazed. The new SL was, indeed, more SL than I had expected. This applies to its ride comfort, its sportiness, and everything in between. The element of "Super Leicht" – lightweight design – which had somewhat faded from the SL's identity, is now effectively enhancing all these aspects.


Flagship. Icon. Among the myriad of cars in the world, there are few that truly deserve such descriptors. The new Mercedes-Benz SL undoubtedly qualifies. There is no longer any room for doubt.

The new SL has already been unveiled in Japan on March 18th. In Japan, the SL500 will be sold as the "SL550 BlueEfficiency," and the SL350 as the "SL350 BlueEfficiency." I eagerly anticipate encountering it again on familiar Japanese roads.