2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

The ultra-high-performance SL55 AMG, with a 604-horsepower turbocharged V-12, joins the Mercedes SL-Class lineup for 2005.

The 2003 SL-Class was an evolution of the previous-generation SL-Class roadster, and it changed substantially in appearance. Its styling touches are reminiscent of SLs of the past. Clear-glass xenon high-intensity discharge headlights are a dynamic variation on the familiar ""twin-headlamp"" theme. A tilting mechanism ensures that the roof retracts into the upper section of the trunk. The SL-Class has an aerodynamic shape with a .029 drag coefficient. Aluminum keeps the body weight down. Built on a 100.8-inch wheelbase, the SL stands 51 inches tall and measures 178.5 inches long overall.

The SL500 rides on 18-inch alloy wheels with performance tires. Standard features include variable intermittent rain-sensing wipers, a rear defogger, cargo tie-downs, front foglights, remote power door locks, power heated mirrors with reverse-tilting passenger mirror, self-leveling headlights, and auto-delay-off, dusk-sensing headlamps. The SL55 AMG features distinctive bumpers and side skirts, five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, and four exhaust pipes at the rear. The LS55 AMG includes all the features of the SL500, plus speed-sensitive rain-sensing wipers. Its chrome grille and ""V12"" badging can identify the SL600, first introduced in 2004. At the top of the line sits the ultra-powerful SL55 AMG, which boasts 19-inch composite wheels and adds remote window operation to the standard features list. The SL55 AMG is also the first Mercedes/AMG product to offer a limited-slip rear differential.

The 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class's cabin has a leather, fine wood, and aluminum trim. On the dash, four separate chronometer-style gauges are surrounded by matte chrome. The SL500 features height-adjustable, 12-way power front seats with power lumbar adjustment and multi-level heating. Dual-zone climate control with an interior active charcoal air filter, a leather tilt/telescopic steering wheel with built-in audio controls, universal remote transmitter, memorized settings for three drivers, a DVD-based navigation system with voice directions, TeleAid communications service, and a premium Bose eight-speaker audio system with speed-sensitive volume control are among the standard interior features. The SL55 AMG and SL55 AMG add massaging sport seats, transmission controls on the steering wheel, a beverage cooler, and leather and alloy trim on the center console and dash. The SL600’s interior is equipped similarly to the SL500, with the addition of massaging seats.

The 2005 Mercedes-Benz is equipped with a five-liter V-8 with a seven-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which powers the rear-drive system. Generating 302 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque, this engine can send the SL500 from zero to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds and through the quarter-mile in just under 15 seconds. The SL55 AMG was the fastest Mercedes production car ever manufactured when it was introduced in 2003. A 5.5-liter, supercharged, V-8 engine produces 493 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. This is teamed with a five-speed automatic transmission with SpeedShift buttons on the steering wheel. Racing-derived brakes and other components are adapted to work with the SL55 AMG’s higher engine output. According to Mercedes-Benz, the LS55 AMG can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. In the SL600, a twin-turbo, 5.5-liter V-12 produces 493 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. Its five-speed automatic transmission incorporates Touch Shift operation for manual gear changes.

The top-of-the-line SL55 AMG features a hand-built, twin-turbo, six-liter V-12 that generates a screaming 604 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. Each SL55 AMG engine is hand-built from start to finish by a single specialist and signed by that craftsperson. This engine powers the SL55 AMG from zero to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds and through the quarter-mile in less than 12.4 seconds.

Standard safety equipment on all 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class vehicles includes side impact beams, front and rear foglights, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, dual front airbags with occupant-sensing deactivation for the passenger side, side-impact airbags with head protection chambers, a BabySmart child seat sensor, a driver’s-side knee bolster, front seatbelt pre-tensioners, and TeleAid emergency communication.

• Powerful acceleration
• Comfortable ride
• Luxury upholstery
• Great handling

• Minimal trunk space
• Control layout
• Heavy for a sports car

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