The 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL embodies the pinnacle of luxury roadster design, offering a blend of exhilarating performance and opulent comfort. This model year presented discerning drivers with a range of choices, from the spirited SLK250 to the powerful SLK55 AMG, each meticulously engineered and appointed to deliver an exceptional driving experience. This article delves into the standard equipment, performance metrics, safety features, and customization options available for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL, providing a comprehensive overview for enthusiasts and potential owners alike.
Comfort and Convenience Features of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL models were designed with passenger comfort and convenience in mind, offering a suite of standard and optional features to enhance every journey. Across the range, a panorama roof brought an open-air feeling to the cabin, while the central controller with a 5.8” high-mounted display served as the command center for vehicle functions and entertainment. Bluetooth interface for hands-free phone use was standard across all models, ensuring connectivity on the go. A 3-spoke leather multifunction steering wheel with power adjustment for height and reach provided a touch of luxury and personalized ergonomics for every driver. Aluminum trim graced the doors, console, and roll bars, adding a modern, sophisticated touch to the interior aesthetic. 8-way power sport seats with 3-position memory for seats, steering column, and exterior mirrors, along with 4-way power lumbar support, ensured optimal comfort and posture for both driver and passenger. Single-zone climate control with a Max Cool function kept the cabin environment pleasant, while electronic cruise control added ease to long drives. Remote central locking with SmartKey, power windows with express up & down, auto-dimming mirrors, an integrated garage door opener, and intermittent wipers with a rain sensor further enhanced the convenience factor. Dual cupholders and vanity mirrors added practical touches for daily use.
Stepping up to the SLK350 and SLK55 AMG models brought additional refinements in comfort and technology. Leather upholstery with a sun-reflective coating elevated the interior ambiance and comfort, particularly in warmer climates. Heated seats provided added warmth in cooler conditions, becoming standard in the SLK55 AMG. These higher trim levels also boasted an iPod/MP3 Media Interface, a harman/kardon LOGIC7 surround sound system with CD/DVD, USB port, Bluetooth audio streaming, and HD Radio, or SiriusXM with 6 months of service, depending on the specific configuration. The SLK250, while offering a robust audio system with a single-disc CD player, USB port, Bluetooth audio streaming, and HD Radio, provided a slightly different set of standard audio features. For those seeking the ultimate in open-top driving comfort, the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system was available on the SLK350 and standard on the SLK55 AMG, extending the top-down driving season.
Performance and Handling Specifications of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL Models
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL lineup offered a spectrum of performance capabilities, catering to diverse driving preferences. The SLK250 was powered by a 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder forced induction engine, delivering 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque. The SLK350 featured a 3.5-liter V6 naturally aspirated engine, producing 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. At the top of the range, the SLK55 AMG boasted a formidable 5.5-liter V8 naturally aspirated engine, unleashing 415 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque.
Each engine was paired with a transmission optimized for its performance profile. The SLK250 offered a 6-speed manual transmission, while the SLK350 came with a 7-speed automatic with shift paddles and Efficiency, Sport, and Manual modes. The SLK55 AMG featured an AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission with similar driving modes and shift paddles, tuned for even more responsive performance. Rear-wheel drive was standard across all models, emphasizing the sporty character of the SLK.
Performance figures varied accordingly, with the SLK250 reaching a top speed of 150 mph, the SLK350 achieving 155 mph, and the SLK55 AMG also limited to 155 mph, with an optional AMG Development Package raising its top speed to 174 mph. The SLK models shared a rack & pinion steering system with Direct Steer and speed-sensitive power assist, along with similar front and rear suspension designs for balanced handling. Braking systems were also model-specific, with the SLK55 AMG featuring larger, more robust brakes, including 14.2” perforated and ventilated front discs with fixed four-piston calipers, compared to the single-piston calipers on the SLK250 and SLK350. Dual exhausts with chrome tailpipes and stainless steel pedals with rubber studs added sporty visual and tactile cues to all models. ECO Start/Stop was included in the SLK350 and SLK55 AMG to enhance fuel efficiency.
Safety and Security Features in the 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL
Mercedes-Benz has long been synonymous with safety, and the 2015 SL upheld this reputation with a comprehensive suite of safety and security features. All models were equipped with mbrace2 connectivity with a trial period, a New Vehicle 4 Year/50,000 Mile Warranty, and a 24-Hour Roadside Assistance Program. A high-strength steel reinforced cabin with front & rear crumple zones provided a robust safety cell. Supplemental Restraint System with occupant sensor, two-stage dual front airbags, driver & passenger knee airbags, head airbags, and thorax airbags offered multi-layered occupant protection. 3-point seat belts with pretensioners & dual-stage belt force limiters and NECK-PRO active head restraints further enhanced safety. 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS & BAS, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), and ATTENTION ASSIST driver drowsiness monitor were standard active safety systems. Dual integrated roll bars provided rollover protection in the convertible roadster format. For security, an anti-theft alarm with engine immobilizer, night security illumination, tire pressure monitoring system, and a panic button remote key were included across the range.
Paint, Upholstery, and Trim Options for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL offered a wide array of customization options to personalize the vehicle to individual tastes. Polar White, Black, and Mars Red were standard paint options across all models. A range of metallic paints, including Obsidian Black, Steel Grey, Iridium Silver, Palladium Silver, Lunar Blue, Indium Grey, and Diamond Silver, were available for an additional cost. Exclusive designo paint options, such as Cardinal Red, Diamond White, Mystic Blue, Mocha Black, Graphite, Magno Alanite Grey, and Magno Cashmere White, offered even greater personalization at varying price points.
Upholstery choices included MB-Tex and leather options in Black, Sahara Beige, Ash/Black, and Bengal Red/Black, with premium leather upgrades available, especially in the SLK350 and SLK55 AMG. Trim options ranged from standard Aluminum to Burl Walnut Wood, Black Ash Wood, and designo Piano Black Lacquer, with Carbon Fiber trim exclusive to the SLK55 AMG.
Available Packages for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL
To further tailor the 2015 SL, Mercedes-Benz offered several packages. The Premium Package, standard on SLK350 and SLK55 AMG but optional on SLK250, included features like the MP3 Media Interface, AIRSCARF, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, harman/kardon sound system, heated seats, and IR remote roof automation. The Trim Package, optional for SLK250 and SLK350, added wood/leather accents. The Lighting Package, optional for SLK250 and SLK350 but standard on SLK55 AMG, included adaptive highbeam assist and bi-xenon headlamps. The Multimedia Package added COMAND system with navigation and enhanced multimedia features. Sport Package and Dynamic Handling Package were available for SLK250 and SLK350, enhancing the sporty driving dynamics. The Driver Assistance Package offered advanced safety systems like DISTRONIC PLUS, Blind Spot Assist, PRE-SAFE, and Lane Keeping Assist. For the ultimate performance enthusiast, the SLK55 AMG offered the AMG Handling Package and AMG Carbon Styling Package, further elevating its sporting character and visual appeal.
Conclusion
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL represented a compelling offering in the luxury roadster segment. With a range of models, extensive standard features, powerful engine options, and numerous customization possibilities, the 2015 SL catered to drivers seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and open-top driving pleasure. Whether opting for the agile SLK250, the balanced SLK350, or the high-performance SLK55 AMG, owners were assured a refined and exhilarating Mercedes-Benz driving experience.
