2008 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class V8

• Dual-intensity LED brakelamps & taillamps
• Electro-hydraulic retractable aluminum hardtop w/easy-pack system
• Halogen front foglamps
• Programmable daytime running lamps
• Pwr heated mirrors w/memory, auto-dimming driver mirror
• Rain-sensing wipers w/heated washer nozzles
• Single rear red foglamp
• Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps-inc: polycarbonate lenses, automatic level control, heated headlamp washers, selectable light-sensing auto-on headlamps

• 12-way pwr front seats-inc: 3-position memory, pneumatic lumbar support, easy- access courtesy feature, automatic height-adjusting front head restraints
• Aluminum door sills
• AM/FM stereo w/rear cabin mounted 6-disc CD changer
• Attachable fine-mesh wind deflector
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Automatic dual-zone climate control-inc: electrostatic dust, pollen & active charcoal filters, smog, sun, humidity & dew point sensors, tunnel mode w/1-touch closing of all windows, REST mode w/engine heat recirculation feature or cabin ventilation, seat belt usage sensors
• Bose Cabin Surround multi-channel digital surround sound system
• COMAND cockpit management & data system
• Cruise control
• Dual multi-function displays in speedometer & tachometer faces-inc: trip computer, exterior temp gauge, maintenance system, oil level check, digital speedometer, reminder & malfunction messages, driver-programmable settings, cruise control, touch shift gear & shift mode selection, audio status, navigation route guidance
• DVD navigation system
• Electronic analog tachometer & gauges for fuel level & coolant temp
• Hands-free communication system
• Heated front seats
• Integrated HomeLink compatible (3) button garage door opener
• Leather-trimmed pwr 4-way tilt/telescopic steering wheel-inc: memory, audio & multi-function display controls, programmable easy-exit feature
• Leather-trimmed shift knob
• Locator lighting
• Mercedes-Benz Maintenance System display-inc: distance remaining to next maintenance, type of service due, reminders, brake-pad wear
• Night security illumination
• Premium leather upholstery
• Pwr windows w/1-touch express up/down front & 1-touch express down rear windows
• Rear window defroster w/auto-shutoff based on time & driving speed & exterior temp
• Removable trunk separator
• Shelf behind seats w/retractable luggage straps, locking dual enclosed storage compartments beneath luggage shelf
• Sirius satellite radio (subscription required)
• SmartKey infrared remote-inc: trunk open, windows open/close, panic alarm, fuel filler door, selective unlock all, hard top raise/lower doors or drivers
• SmartKey system-inc: remote central locking system, anti-theft engine immobilizer, drive away automatic locking
• Tele Aid global positioning system (GPS) satellite system-inc: stolen vehicle recovery, remote door unlock service, automatic alarm & collision notification
• Tire pressure monitoring system

• 18 x 8.5 front 5-dual-spoke aluminum wheels
• 18 x 9.5 rear 5-dual-spoke aluminum wheels
• 5.5L DOHC 32-valve V8 engine
• 7-speed electronically controlled driver-adaptive automatic transmission w/ Touch Shift
• Active Body Control (ABC)-inc: coil spring & electronically controlled hydraulic cylinder w/gas-pressurized shock absorber at each wheel, automatic all-wheel level control, driver-selectable ride-height control, automatic speed-sensitive lowering
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS) w/brake assist system
• Compact spare tire
• Dual chrome exhaust tips
• Electro-hydraulic braking system w/automatic brake drying & predictive brake priming
• Electronic stability program (ESP)
• Independent 4-link front suspension
• Independent multi-link rear suspension
• P255/40R18 front high performance tires
• P285/35R18 rear high performance tires
• Pwr 4-piston perforated & internally vented front & 1-piston solid rear disc brakes
• Rear wheel drive
• Vehicle-speed-sensitive pwr rack & pinion steering

• 3-point seat belts-inc: emergency tensioning device, belt force limiter, shoulder belt automatic height-adjusters
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS) w/brake assist system
• Door-mounted side-impact head & thorax airbags
• Driver & front passenger dual-stage airbags w/occupant classification system, adaptive for passenger
• Drivers knee airbag
• Electronic stability program (ESP)
• Illuminated emergency interior trunk release
• Pop-up roll bar
• Programmable daytime running lamps

Model Highlights

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is offered in four variants: the V8-powered SL550 and V12-powered SL600, and the SL55 AMG and SL65 AMG, both high-performance-tuned, exclusive versions of the SL550 and SL600 respectively. The high-performance SL550 luxury roadster gets the same large, high-power V8 that's also offered in the big S-Class sedan. This engine churns out 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, and comes hooked to a seven-speed automatic transmission that helps out with the 0-60 times as well as more mundane real-world passing. The smooth, twin-turbo V12 in the SL600 makes 510 horsepower and 612 lb-ft of torque. Both AMG versions feature engines hand-built by the Mercedes-Benz tuner house of the same name. In the SL55 AMG the V8 has been cranked up to 510 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque, while in the SL65 AMG the twin-turbo V12 produces a mammoth 604 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque and can bring the SL to 60 mph in only 4.2 seconds. Each of the AMG cars, along with the SL600, have a five-speed automatic. All SL-Class models have very large four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and brake assist. Other standard safety equipment includes ESP stability control and Active Body Control, a hydraulic active suspension system that helps keep the SL flat during severe cornering and braking and also helps improve ride during normal driving. The SL-Class' retractable hardtop opens or closes with a single button in 16 seconds thanks to a sophisticated hydraulic system. With the top up, the trunk measures 10.2 cubic feet, but the capacity diminishes to 7.2 cubic feet with the top down--still enough for a couple of lightly packed golf bags or a carry-on suitcase. The SL550 comes with a full roster of top luxury features, including memory heated sport seats, a DVD-based COMAND navigation and audio system, Bose digital surround sound audio system with six-disc changer and Sirius satellite radio, and an automatic pop-up roll bar system, while the SL600 adds the Keyless Go entry and start system, a Nappa leather interior, electronic trunk closer, a heated steering wheel, and wood and leather trim. In addition to various trim and appearance changes, and larger brakes, both the SL55 AMG and SL65 AMG add sport seats with the Dynamic Multicontour feature, which helps adjust to keep occupants in place during cornering. Options on the SL550 include active ventilated seats, adaptive cruise control, and a panorama roof. A $5,460 package brings some of the features of the SL55 AMG--though not the engine--to the SL550, including AMG wheels with high-speed tires, compound brakes, and an AMG-designed steering wheel with black shift paddles.