2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Review

A “chick car” no more, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has received even more testosterone-based styling for 2009 to bring it more in line with the vehicle’s, hardy, capable, “drive me quickly” engine. Auto reviews are impressed and photos confirm: this isn’t your mama’s Mercedes-Benz anymore...though she can take it for a spin now and then if she wants.

Long suffering from a girly image due to its design and lines, this convertible luxury car also suffered in sales as the men-folk cast their eyes on cars, like the Porsche 911, that were not necessarily better performers, but were definitely more manly in appearance. Mercedes-Benz has taken the hint with stylistic changes that began in 2009, and are continued successfully in 2009.

Performance & Model Lineup

One place where the SL-Class is not shy or shirking its duty in any regard is in the engine. Powered by some of the strongest engines you can find cruising the highways, the 2009 SL-Class offers four different trims and engine options to choose from.

The SL500 Roadster has a standard 5.5-liter, 24-valve V-8, which brings out a smooth 382hp and can accelerate from zero to sixty in just 5.3 seconds. The SL600 uses a twin-turbo engine that harnesses 510 horsepower using a 5.5-liter V-12 and only a five-speed automatic which can get from zero to sixty in 4.4 seconds. The SL63 AMG Sedan has a standard supercharged V-8 which ups the horsepower ante to a remarkable 518hp, but doesn’t quite have the acceleration as the SL600 and only does zero to sixty in a still-impressive 4.8 seconds. The SL65 AMG Sedan sits at the top of the dog-pile, but not for long, jetting out in just 4.2 seconds using its massive 6.0-liter V12 that harnesses a herd of 604 horses for its driver’s use.

All four models have incredible power and acceleration, with handling that is to be praised and lauded as much as you can bear before running out of compliments. There is a top speed of only 155 across all of the vehicles which may offend some drivers with visions of tearing down a raceway in their eyes (while ignoring the high probability of wailing sirens behind them), but the limitation does not detract from this new car guide in any way.

Unfortunately, the specs on fuel economy for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class cannot be so highly praised. Across the line the best figures are only 13/21 miles per gallon from the base SL550, and the worst of them (and the fastest) can only eek out 11/18 miles per gallon. Noe exactly the most eco-friendly cars in the world.

Exterior Features

The best part of the newest features of the SL-Class is in the exterior. Gone are the highly feminine curves and soft front grille to be replaced by sharper lines and angles starting at the front grille and working back subtly from there. Make no mistake this is no Porsche or Ferrari as far as raw “dude-power” is concerned, but it is a far sight more masculine in appearance.

The power retractable hardtop for the SL-Class is its most distinguishing feature when all is said and done and makes a great difference in the look of this roaster. When folded down (and taking up significant trunk space, the push of a button will automatically lift the roof in order to enable easier packing into what space you have. 18-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels are standard which carefully accent the side vents and powerful look of this car.

Interior Features

The inside of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is done in leather and walnut that screams every bit of the car’s $98,000 car pricing – before options. Luxury amenities include dual zone climate control, a Keyless-Go system with SmartKey, 12-way adjustable power seats with heating and ventilation, electronic everything, and a wood/leather steering wheel. Technology starts with Bluetooth connectivity, a hard-drive based navigation system that includes an iPod/MP3 media interface, a 6-disc CD/DVD Player, and SIRIUS satellite radio all wrapped up in a Harman/Kardzon Logic 7 system.

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is roomy and spacious inside for the driver and the passenger, whether they’re enjoying a cruise along the coast at 50 miles per hour, or hurrying to get from point A to B at 125 miles per hour. Very suitable and laudable for a daily drive (if you can afford it), there is nothing in the performance that defies the daily commute.

Safety & Specifications

Though not yet government-tested for the 2009 model, if the number of standard safety features are any indication, the Mercedes-Benz S-class will leave a buyer or car insurance agent little to worry about in terms of car safety. Bi-xenon headlights that turn to illuminate the curves in the road ahead, rain-sensing wipers, traction stability control, antilock brakes with brake assist, all compliment the automatic rollover bars and 5 dual-stage airbags. This results in some very affordable car insurance rates.

Upgrade Options

Even with an impressive array of standard features available to buyers of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, there is an even greater listing of upgrade options available. A partial listing includes:

• Parking Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Panoramic Sunroof (yes in a hardtop convertible)
• Active Ventilated Seats
• Driver or Passenger Multicontoured Seats
• Airscarf (blows warm air down your neck and back from the headrest so you can have the top down on cool days)
• Five-Spoke 19-inch wheels

Improvements from the 2008 Mercedes SL-Class

Though there have been no significant engine or performance improvements since 2008, the change in body styling as mentioned before, is definitely worth a second mention and a second look.

How the 2009 SL-Class Compares to Other Premium Sports Cars

The Audi A5 and the Chevrolet Corvette are both less expensive than the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, however, that smaller price tag will come at the cost of some luxury, options and performance, but not by much. The Jaguar XF compares to the SL-Class in virtually every category except price (the Mercedes-Benz is significantly more expensive), and may be a serious contender.

Conclusion: Is the 2009 Mercedes SL-Class a Good Buy?

Though J.D. Power Quality Ratings have not yet released their review for the 2009 SL-Class, they were remarkably impressed with last year’s model. The IntelliChoice 5-Year Cost of Ownership for the SL-Class is something of an Achilles heel. Taking into account the fuel consumption, the vehicle warranty, car insurance, and reliability, the SL-Class comes up with a “Poor” or “Below Average” ranking based on model. For a car that is going to cost one $100,000 they might reasonably expect more life out of their money, but then again, if they can afford it, they might not care so much.