‘Techno’ Drop top: The New Mercedes Benz SL

Reinventing the immortal roadster, the new generation of Mercedes-benz has history to live up to. Following the legendary 1954 300 SL ‘gullwing’ the German manufacturer has sold 630,000 SL’s to date. The New SL offers the unique age-old Mercedes premium: a balance and combination of safety, comfort and scorching performance. Yes the SL is refined, and there is a renewed hope in that the company can once again live up the brand name that was one synonymous with impeccable build quality.

‘Sharp and distinctive looks; a subtle tin-top makes for a comfortable, stylish and reliable car’.

Yet those words describe Peugeot’s 207cc as well as Volkswagen’s Eos, need we continue? What makes the 2008-generation SL new exactly, I hear you ask? Technology…technology…technology the answer!

Mercedes have made strides in the safety stakes due to the inclusion bi-xenon headlamps as standard, and the ‘Intelligent Light System’ whose light functions includes five different lighting functions: country, motorway, active bend lighting, fog and cornering.

The Active Body Control (ABC) system fitted as standard for the SL 500 and the Mercedes Benz SL 600, compensates pitch, roll and yaw adapting the suspension setting automatically to deal with any driving situation.

The power is there unquestionably, although that is a pre-requisite of any SL. The new V12, 517 bhp engine has been tweaked to improve fuel consumption by 3% and it’s always the little things that go a long-long way.

The most interesting of development is the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system. It enhances comfort when driving with the roof down, extending the convertible season through the winter chill.

The standard-fit COMMAND multimedia system has been fully redeveloped. It is the latest generation LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system, which controls the navigation, telephone and audio systems, which is based on its ability to recognize entire words.

In this new SL, technology plays an important role catapulting the new design to the fore desirable roadsters. Distinctive looks coupled with unique technological developments make the SL an easy choice to make.