The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a two-seat roadster with a retractable hardtop available in five models: SL550, SL600, SL63 AMG, SL65 AMG and SL65 AMG Black Series.Standard features on the SL550 include 18-inch wheels; an active suspension system; active bi-xenon headlamps; a wind deflector; heated wipers and washer nozzles; rain-sensing wipers; auto-locking interior storage bins; dual-zone automatic climate control (with sensors that detect sun position, roof and window position, humidity/dew point and the number of vehicle occupants); power tilt/telescoping steering wheel; 12-way heated power front seats with memory; leather upholstery; Bluetooth; Mercedes-Benz's COMAND electronics interface; a navigation system; and a Harmon Kardon Logic7 surround-sound stereo with six-CD/DVD changer, iPod integration, SD memory card reader and an in-car hard drive for digital music storage. The SL63 AMG adds a 6.2-liter V8, Speedshift MCT transmission, 19-inch wheels, AMG exterior and interior trim, and multicontour sport seats with multiple lumbar and bolster adjustments.
The SL600 adds a twin-turbocharged V12 engine, different 18-inch wheels, rear park assist, a panoramic sunroof, a power trunk closer, keyless ignition/entry, cooled multicontour seats and Airscarf head restraints that blow warm air on occupants' necks for comfortable top-down cruising in cool weather. All these features, except for the engine and wheels, are available on the SL550 and SL63 AMG as part of the Premium 1 package, while the SL600's wood steering wheel and shifter are also optional on the SL550.
The SL65 AMG is equipped similarly to the SL600 but adds an even more powerful biturbo V12, unique 19-inch wheels, diamond-pattern leather upholstery and exterior and interior trim consistent with the SL63. Many of the AMG upgrades -- minus the engines -- are available on the SL550 and SL600 through a pair of packages. Active cruise control is optional on all Mercedes SL-Class models. For those looking to feed their inner Darth Vader, the sinister new SL65 AMG Black Series utilizes featherlight carbon-fiber body parts, a wider stance and numerous mechanical and aerodynamic upgrades for mind-blowing performance. The $300,000 price tag gets you the satisfaction of having the most powerful roadgoing Benz ever, but the roof is not retractable.
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