The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, in its previous iteration, carried a certain gentleness in its design. Its rounded headlights and softly sculpted rear gave it an almost delicate appearance, a departure from its more angular and assertive predecessors. While undeniably elegant, the design language perhaps didn’t immediately scream high-performance driving. Some critics even playfully labeled the previous SL a “trophy wife car,” though its merits were certainly more profound.
For the 2009 model year, Mercedes-Benz sought to inject a dose of aggression and visual impact into the SL. The result of this endeavor is immediately apparent in the redesigned front fascia. While photographs might initially present a slightly jarring effect, witnessing the updated SL in person reveals a successful transformation. The swept-back headlights and the more pronounced, wide-mouth grille effectively communicate a heightened sense of sportiness and dynamism. Judging by the positive reactions observed from onlookers in locations known for automotive appreciation, Mercedes-Benz appears to have achieved its objective of creating a more striking and assertive SL.
The enhancements to the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL extend beyond mere aesthetics. The lineup saw the introduction of new AMG variants, including the SL63, which shares its potent 6.2-liter V8 engine with other contemporary AMG models, and the even more formidable SL65 AMG Black Series. A standout feature exclusive to the SL63 is the innovative Speedshift MCT seven-speed automated manual transmission. This advanced gearbox employs a wet-clutch system with six clutches, enabling the pre-selection of gears for exceptionally rapid shifts. This technology delivers seamless and instantaneous gear changes, eliminating the sometimes jerky transitions associated with single-clutch automated manuals found in vehicles from other manufacturers. The SL65 AMG Black Series takes performance to an extreme level with the addition of twin turbochargers and weight reduction, achieving supercar-caliber acceleration and handling, albeit at a significantly higher price point, tripling the cost of the base SL model.
Significant improvements were also made to the steering, braking, and handling across the entire 2009 SL-Class range, including the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 550. The new Direct-Steer system dynamically adjusts the steering ratio based on factors such as front wheel angle, vehicle speed, and suspension loads. Furthermore, the refined Active Body Control system utilizes computer-controlled shock absorbers to continuously manage body movement in response to speed, steering input, and other driving dynamics. The combined effect of these upgrades results in a markedly superior driving experience for the SL. Particularly in AMG guise, the 2009 SL provides enhanced feedback and maintains remarkably flat cornering characteristics at varying speeds, making the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 550 and its siblings more engaging and responsive.
In conclusion, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class lineup, with the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 550 at its heart, represents a substantial leap forward compared to previous SL models. Its remarkable ability to function as both a refined and comfortable cruiser for leisurely drives and a capable sports car for spirited back-road excursions is genuinely impressive. Moreover, no other convertible in its premium segment offers the same level of versatility as the SL’s retractable hardtop, which can also be equipped with a panoramic glass sunroof. However, while the AMG versions offer exhilarating performance, particularly the SL65 and the extreme SL65 Black Series, their value proposition becomes debatable when considering alternatives such as the Audi R8, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, and Porsche 911 Turbo, which offer comparable or even superior performance and prestige at similar or lower price points.
