The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class represents a pinnacle of luxury roadster design and engineering. This model year offered a range of sophisticated vehicles, each tailored to deliver a unique blend of comfort, performance, and safety. Let’s delve into the details of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL models, exploring the features that made them stand out in their class.
2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550: Refined Comfort and Performance
The Mercedes-Benz SL550 for 2009 was designed to offer a luxurious and comfortable driving experience without sacrificing performance. It’s a grand tourer that combines open-top freedom with advanced technology and refined power.
Comfort and Convenience in the SL550
The SL550 boasts a retractable hardtop with an easy-pack feature, allowing for open-air enjoyment at the touch of a button while maintaining coupe-like security and quiet when closed. The interior is swathed in leather, complemented by hand-polished wood trim, creating an ambiance of sophisticated luxury.
For optimal comfort, the SL550 features 12-way adjustable heated seats with pneumatic lumbar support and memory function, ensuring a perfect driving position for any journey. The leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel and power adjustable tilt/telescoping steering column with an easy-exit feature add to the personalized comfort.
Technologically advanced for its time, the SL550 includes COMAND with 40GB hard-drive GPS navigation, guiding you seamlessly to your destination. Audiophiles will appreciate the 10-speaker harman/kardon LOGIC7 surround sound system with Dolby Digital 5.1, offering an immersive audio experience. Entertainment options are plentiful with AM/FM/WB radio, an in-dash 6-disc DVD/CD changer, and an in-dash SD memory card reader. SIRIUS Satellite Radio provides a wide array of channels (subscription required). Bluetooth interface ensures hands-free calling, and enhanced voice control manages audio, telephone, and navigation functions. An iPod/MP3 media interface located in the center armrest keeps your personal music library accessible.
Dual-zone automatic climate control maintains perfect cabin temperature for both driver and passenger. Electronic cruise control enhances long-distance driving ease. Auto-dimming rear and driver-side mirrors, an integrated garage door opener, and SmartKey infrared remote roof automation further enhance convenience.
Performance and Handling of the SL550
Under the hood, the 2009 SL550 is powered by a robust engine producing 382 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 391 lb-ft of torque between 2,800 and 4,800 RPM. This power is delivered through a 7-speed electronic touch shift automatic transmission, providing smooth and responsive gear changes.
The Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system is a key feature, actively adjusting suspension settings to minimize body roll and maintain a comfortable yet sporty ride. The SL550 utilizes an independent 4-link front suspension and an independent 5-arm multi-link rear suspension, ensuring precise handling and stability. It rides on 18″ 5-spoke alloy wheels fitted with front 255/40 R18 and rear 285/35 R18 high-performance tires. Braking is handled by front 13.0-inch ventilated/perforated discs with 4-piston fixed calipers and rear 11.8-inch discs with floating single-piston calipers, providing confident stopping power.
Safety and Security Features of the SL550
Mercedes-Benz prioritizes safety, and the 2009 SL550 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and security features. It comes with a new vehicle 4 year/50,000 mile warranty, a 24-hour roadside assistance program, and the Mercedes-Benz Maintenance System, ensuring peace of mind. Tele Aid emergency calling and communication system provides added security in critical situations.
The vehicle’s structure incorporates a high-strength steel reinforced cabin with front and rear crumple zones, designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. A supplemental restraint system with occupant sensor, two-stage dual front airbags, head-thorax side impact airbags, and a driver’s knee airbag offer comprehensive occupant protection. 3-point seat belts with pretensioners and dual-stage belt force limiters further enhance safety.
Bi-xenon headlamps with active curve illumination and a headlamp washing system ensure optimal visibility in various driving conditions. The electrohydraulic braking system includes Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Brake Assist (BAS). Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Automatic Slip Reduction (ASR) helps maintain control in challenging driving situations. An automatic pop-up rollover bar provides added protection in case of a rollover. Finally, an anti-theft alarm with engine immobilizer and night security illumination deter theft. A tire pressure monitoring system keeps drivers informed of tire conditions.
2009 Mercedes-Benz SL600: Enhanced Luxury and V12 Power
Stepping up from the SL550, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL600 offers even greater levels of luxury and performance, highlighted by its powerful V12 engine and exclusive features.
Upgraded Comfort and Convenience in the SL600
Building on the SL550’s foundation, the SL600 adds features like an electronic trunk closer, panorama roof, and exclusive leather interior. The hand-polished wood trim continues to exude elegance. Front seats are upgraded to 12-way adjustable heated and active ventilated multicontour seats with memory, and include the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system for comfortable top-down driving in cooler weather.
The steering wheel is enhanced with a wood/leather multi-function design and includes shift paddles, along with a wood/leather shift knob. KEYLESS GO vehicle entry and starting system adds a layer of modern convenience, and PARKTRONIC audiovisual parking assist simplifies maneuvering in tight spaces. The infotainment and safety features largely mirror the SL550, maintaining the same high standards.
Performance and Handling of the SL600
The heart of the SL600 is its potent engine, delivering 510 horsepower at 5,000 RPM and a massive 612 lb-ft of torque from 1,800 to 3,500 RPM. This power is managed by a 5-speed electronic touch shift automatic transmission. While the transmission has fewer gears than the SL550, it is engineered to handle the V12’s immense torque. The SL600 also utilizes the Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system, independent front and rear suspension, and similar tire sizes to the SL550, but distinguishes itself with 18″ 10 twin-spoke alloy wheels. Braking is significantly upgraded with larger front 14.2-inch ventilated/perforated discs and 6-piston fixed calipers, and rear 13.0-inch ventilated discs with 4-piston fixed calipers, reflecting the increased performance capabilities.
Safety and Security of the SL600
The safety and security features of the SL600 are virtually identical to the SL550, ensuring the same high level of occupant protection and vehicle security.
2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG: High-Performance Roadster
For driving enthusiasts, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG delivers uncompromising performance and sporty styling, tuned by AMG, Mercedes-Benz’s high-performance division.
AMG-Enhanced Comfort and Convenience in the SL63 AMG
The SL63 AMG features AMG 12-way adjustable heated multicontour sport seats with memory, upholstered in AMG premium leather. The AMG performance steering wheel with aluminum shift paddles and AMG instrument cluster with RACETIMER underscore the sporty character. AMG door entrance plates and floor mats further enhance the exclusive AMG feel. It retains the COMAND system, harman/kardon LOGIC7 sound system, retractable hardtop, and dual-zone climate control found in other SL models.
Performance and Handling of the SL63 AMG
The SL63 AMG is powered by a hand-built 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V-8 engine, producing 518 horsepower at 6,800 RPM and 465 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 RPM. It achieves 0-60 mph in a blistering 4.5 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sport transmission offers Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Manual modes with RACE START function for optimal launch control. The AMG Drive Unit allows customization and storage of preferred vehicle settings.
AMG Active Body Control (ABC) suspension is specifically tuned for sportier handling. It rides on 19″ AMG triple 5-spoke light-alloy wheels with high-performance tires (front 255/35 ZR19, rear 285/30 ZR19). The AMG high-performance braking system features massive front 14.2-inch compound rotors with 6-piston fixed calipers and rear 13.0-inch rotors with 4-piston fixed calipers. An AMG sport exhaust system with dual twin chrome tailpipes provides an exhilarating soundtrack. AMG aerodynamic sport styling and an AMG trunk lid spoiler further differentiate it visually.
Safety and Security in the SL63 AMG
The SL63 AMG includes AMG 3-stage Electronic Stability Program (ESP), along with the standard safety and security features found in other 2009 SL models.
2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG: The Ultimate Performance Roadster
At the pinnacle of the 2009 SL-Class range is the SL65 AMG, representing the ultimate expression of performance and luxury with its V12 engine.
Exclusive Comfort and Convenience of the SL65 AMG
The SL65 AMG features AMG 12-way adjustable heated and active ventilated multicontour sport seats with memory, upholstered in AMG exclusive leather. It includes an AMG performance steering wheel with aluminum shift paddles, AMG instrument cluster with RACETIMER, AMG door entrance plates and floor mats, and carbon fiber trim elements, emphasizing its top-tier status.
Performance and Handling of the SL65 AMG
The SL65 AMG boasts a handcrafted AMG 6.0-liter V12 engine, delivering immense power and torque. It represents the most powerful offering in the 2009 SL lineup, designed for unparalleled performance. Specific performance figures and detailed specifications for the SL65 AMG would require further information, but its position as the top model signifies superior capabilities compared to the SL63 AMG.
Safety and Security of the SL65 AMG
The SL65 AMG benefits from the same comprehensive safety and security features present across the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class range, ensuring top-level protection.
Conclusion
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class offered a diverse range of models, from the refined SL550 to the high-performance SL63 AMG and the ultimate luxury and power of the SL600 and SL65 AMG. Each model provided a unique combination of comfort, performance, and cutting-edge technology, making the 2009 SL-Class a highly desirable choice for luxury roadster enthusiasts. Whether seeking आराम cruising or exhilarating performance, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL lineup had a model to meet discerning tastes.
