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Cape Town - The Mercedes-Benz SL, the automaker's ultimate roadster, is available to order in South Africa (models are set to arrive in June 2016).
Mercedes has made huge improvements to its SL range now sporting more powerful engines and a nine-speed auto transmission.
The dynamic select system has five transmission modes and the active body control dynamic system with the curve tilting function is available from quarter three in 2016.
Model line-up
The range starts with the SL 400 powered by a V6 engine (270kW500Nm). Next up is the SL 500 with a V8 capable of 335kW/700Nm.
The two performance orientated models are the SL 63 (430kW/900Nm) and SL 65 (463kW/1000Nm). The SL 63 is the only model to benefit from the AMG dual clutch 7-speed sports transmission.
The nine-speed auto and dynamic select are standard, with the latter changing the vehicle characteristics the touch of a button. The system modifies the setup of the engine, transmission, suspension and steering.
The SL 63 also has an optional Performance suspension (R39 000) which Mercedes says offers an emphatically sporty characteristic with reduced roll angles and taut body damping ("sport") or a more comfort-oriented set-up for a high level of comfort on longer journeys ("comfort").
Active body control
The firm's trick suspension, first seen on the S-Class, Active Body Control (ABC) suspension is a R51 500 option on the (SL 400 and SL 500, it's standard in the SL 63 and SL 65) .The SL for the first time features a curve tilting function, which according to Mercedes 'tangibly reduces the lateral acceleration acting on the occupants'
The tilting function can be adjusted using dynamic select ("Curve") - up to max. 2.65 degrees in the speed range from 15-180 km/h.
New front end
The front has been tweaked with sportier design changes to the bonnet, bumper and headlights.
The soft-top can be opened or closed at a speed of up to 40km/h. Additional convenience is provided courtesy of the automatic boot separator.
Safety
As standard the SL features Active Brake Assist. The Driving Assistance package Plus (R36 500 - standard in the SL 63 and SL 65) with stereo camera and a range of new or improved functions is available as an optional extra.
These functions include Distance Pilot DISTRONIC with Steering Pilot, Active Brake Assistant with cross-traffic function, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and PRE-SAFE® PLUS.
LED headlights are standard across all models.
