2015 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Among the premier drop-top roadrunners flogging the world’s asphalt is the venerable Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. For 2015, this ultra-posh 2-seat potentate gains a V6-powered linemate in the debuting SL400 Roadster that brings this hardtop convertible into the price range of even B-league polo pony owners.
The latest SL-Class edition joins the SL550, the SL 63 AMG and the outrageously outfitted SL65 AMG. Each returns to the luxury roadster market with turbocharged power, world-class handling and a warehouse full of plush amenities. The hardtop convertible feature, complete with fixed glass sunroof, lets you enjoy sun and wind in season, while those dwelling in northern climes can cruise relatively unfazed by wintry weather worries. And, despite the fact that some may find a few too many bulges in its profile, there’s no denying that the SL-Class continues to represent the high-end Euro-cruising that has intrigued those well-heeled aficionados of agility for close to three generations.
For 2015, the brand new SL400 Roadster boasts a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder that comes under the management of a standard 7-speed shiftable automatic transmission to the tune of 329 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. Offering engine stop/start technology, the SL400 is expected to offer at least somewhat better gas mileage than its V8-powered siblings (though EPA estimates are as yet unavailable). Furthermore, at least one track test had this latest addition to the SL-Class Roadster lineup doing 0-60 mph in an impressive 5.1 seconds.
Should that not be quick enough, the next-up SL550 returns toting a 429-hp, 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 along with the ubiquitous 7-speed shiftable automatic transmission that manages 516 lb-ft of torque. Track tests measure this turbocharged V8 going from 0-60 in 4.5 seconds, with gas mileage estimated at 18 mpg city/25 highway using premium-grade gasoline.
Moving up to M-B’s track-inspired SL63 AMG, a 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine combines with a tweaked version of the 7-speed shiftable automatic that sports selectable drive modes to suit your need for speed. Look for 530 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque from the standard version of this potent powerplant, while an available Performance Package boosts those numbers to 557 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes claims this Performance Package gives the boosted SL63 AMG a top speed of 180 mph, not to mention a 0-60 time under 4 seconds flat. Expect 16/25 from the standard version of this mighty mill.
Speaking of mighty, the 2015 SL65 AMG returns packing an over-the-top 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine, again with the 7-speed shiftable automatic, which in this instance boasts “speedshift” programming that comes out of Mercedes’ AMG racing division. Driver-selectable shift points in the 7-speed automatic are complemented by selectable suspension damping to help this flagship model accelerate from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds and handle S-curves with admirable aplomb while burning gas at a 14/21 clip.
Seeing as the 2015 SL-Class is, after all, a Mercedes, one expects a certain amount of European-inspired plush. Well, you won't be disappointed with the 18- or 20-inch alloy wheels, the fixed sunroof, the leather upholstery the full power accessories or the heated power-adjustable sport seats that come standard throughout the lineup. Additionally, all trims offer standard cruise control, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, Bluetooth-integrated mbrace infotainment, a remote garage door opener and memory for driver settings to go with dual-zone auto climate control, GPS navigation and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
Entertainment-wise, the 3 lower trims boast a 600-watt Harman Kardon audio system featuring 11 Surround Sound speakers, a single-CD player, satellite radio and a memory-card slot. The SL65 AMG, meantime, gets an upgraded Bang & Olufsen system offering 900 watts and 14 speakers.
As you go up the chain of goodies, look for such added standards in higher trims as a rear-view camera and massaging seats, as well as front and rear parking sensors. An electrochromatic glass sunroof further adorns the top-shelf SL65 AMG.
Optional equipment includes — besides the SL63 AMG’s Performance Package — genuine wood cabin inserts, carbon fiber accents, ceramic brakes, a split-view display screen with separate images for driver and passenger, and safety-minded Night View Assist technology to boost night-vision capabilities.
Further standard safety equipment in the 2015 SL-Class drop-top lineup, finally, includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control and front side-mounted airbags with head protection chambers. Turn-signal-integrated mirrors, meanwhile, are complemented by standard adaptive high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlights and daytime running lights in all trims, while mbrace emergency telecommunications, a post-collision safety system and a remote antitheft alarm also add to the safety and security of all SL-Class variations. The SL65 AMG includes the Driver Assistance Package with pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assistance onto the list of standard safety features, with the same package offered as an additional option for lower trims.
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2015 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 10GB hard drive · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 11 · 600 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 16
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.65
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 16
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power retractable hard top · Moonroof: sliding sunshade · Sunroof: panoramic
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: lock operation
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · 10GB hard drive · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 11 · 600 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Active parking system: driver controlled brake, gas and gear selection · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 16
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.65
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Facebook · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: driver side auto-dimming
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 16
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: remote operation · Moonroof: sliding sunshade · Sunroof: panoramic
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: lock operation
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · 10GB hard drive · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 11 · 600 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 15.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.2 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Active parking system: driver controlled brake, gas and gear selection · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 16
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.65 · Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 16
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power · Moonroof: sliding sunshade · Sunroof: panoramic
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: premium leather
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: vehicle location
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · 10GB hard drive · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 11 · 900 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 15.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.2 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Active parking system: driver controlled brake, gas and gear selection · Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 16
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.65 · Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Side door type: soft close · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Facebook · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: self-leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 16
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: hard top · Moonroof: sliding sunshade · Sunroof: panoramic
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: premium leather
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: vehicle location
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation