Out and about in Marbella
with the new Mercedes-Benz
SL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY.
Committed to tradition.
On the Costa del Sol, it's still cool in the early morning as the first rays of sunshine immerse the Andalusian mountains in a warm light, whilst the entrance to the traditional Marbella Club still sits in the shade. One's heart quickly warms upon the arrival on centre stage of the latest offspring from the automotive dynasty with its 60 years of history. The design of the new SL draws all the attention – it is now more marked and sharper. But the SL hasn't lost its elegance and charisma – it is and will remain an aesthete. As no other before it, the SL offers a unique combination of sportiness and comfort.
From the very moment we comfortably get into this "Silver Arrow" with its optional designo magno crystal silver finish, we really get an appreciation of this.
Fuel consumption (combined): 9.2-9.1 l/100 km;
CO2 emissions (combined): 214-212 g/km*
Get in and feel good.
Awaiting you in the modern cockpit, with its lovingly created details, is a plethora of new features such as the latest version of COMAND Online with internet connectivity. Its operation is pleasant and intuitive right from the outset. The concept has proved itself even as a two-seater: the SL scores points with its many useful stowage compartments and with its well thought out, detailed solutions for everyday use. The quality of the materials and the level of craftsmanship are highly impressive. The fine leather is a pleasure for all of the senses. Thanks to a newly developed coating, it reflects the sun's rays and therefore doesn't heat up as much. Additional cooling is provided by the seat ventilation, whilst the seat heating takes care of our early morning start and the innovative AIRSCARF impresses with its heating of the area around the head. In the liberally sized mutlicontour seats with their multiple electrical adjustment and their massage function, a feeling of well-being and security is instantaneous.
Impressive in every detail.
A world first is the Frontbass system, fitted as standard. Particularly in combination with the optionally available surround sound systems from Harman Kardon® or Bang&Olufsen, it offers a concert hall atmosphere and powerful bass tones even when driving with the roof down. This is made possible by the low tones being generated in the driver's and passenger's footwell in a specially constructed hollow area of the new and innovative aluminium bodyshell. This not only improves the sound characteristics, but also increases the space available for stowage compartments in the doors and for luggage in the practical boot. Now there's nothing standing in the way of a long journey! Typical Mercedes-Benz is the range of extremely modern assistance and safety systems which further increase the level of luxury and actively help avoid danger.
Cultivated sportiness.
On one of the winding snakes we climb to the surrounding countryside of Marbella. In the finest of weather, the area above all of the golf courses allows us not only to experience panoramic views of Gibraltar but also to feel the real sprinting characteristics and pulling power of the SL 500. It quickly becomes clear that with 320 kW (435 hp) and 700 Nm of torque, it offers the right amount of power for all circumstances and, of course, the two tailpipes of the exhaust system ensure that the appropriate melody is on hand for the duration.
New standards of driving dynamics.
In fewer than five seconds, the Roadster rapidly sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h. Fade-resistant brakes and a chassis with electronically adjustable damping as standard, as well as the optionally available Active Body Control are all perfectly adapted to the vehicle's power.
Thus the SL is sleek and, together with the new electromechanical direct steering, is more impressive in active driving situations than its predecessor, without giving up its already legendary driving comfort.
Light-weight construction without compromise
The secret behind the new sportiness of the SL is light-weight aluminium: the Roadster weighs in at up to 140 kg less than the predecessor and the aluminium chassis simultaneously provides a higher torsional stiffness. The aluminium chassis also offers advantages in all things comfort, safety and efficiency. The lower weight and the ECO start/stop function both contribute to the reduction of the average consumption. During our test drives, this value was lower than nine litres per 100 km.
To round off the day, the eight-cylinder engine glides us at low revs along the coast toward Puerto Banús. The competition in the yacht-filled port is not to be underestimated, but the new SL steals the show and stands proudly in the middle of
everyone's attention. "What's it like to drive?" ask passers-by inquisitively – the answer is simple yet somehow so difficult to sum up in just a few words.
Our conclusion.
With the new SL, Mercedes-Benz has arrived at the perfect symbiosis of comfort and sportiness. No other roadster allows such enjoyment and relaxation when gliding to your destination. The SL also has other capacities: it is better adapted to dynamic and active driving situation
than ever before, whilst consuming less fuel and offering the highest possible standards of safety and quality. Time and time again, the SL unites all the best features.
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