For drivers who favour sportier driving, the AMG rear-axle differential lock boosts traction to prevent the inside drive wheel from slipping. Unlike conventional differentials, this unit consists of multi-plate clutches and two pressure rings. If there is a difference of speed between the drive wheels, there is friction between pairs of plates, and this changes the distribution of the torque to the two wheels.

With all-round internally ventilated, perforated brake discs (with composite technology front discs), the AMG high-performance composite brake system offers excellent deceleration values and precise brake control.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission offers a combination of unique functions. In addition to an agile, quick-response multiple downshift capability and an automatic double-declutching function, the high-performance transmission has four individual transmission modes and the Race Start function to choose from.

Controlled Efficiency (or "C" for short) stands for consumption-optimised driving, in particular in combination with the new ECO start/stop function (which can switch off the engine temporarily when the vehicle is not moving). Transmission modes "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport Plus), "M" (Manual) and the Race Start Function enhance both motoring enjoyment and dynamic flair. They enable upshifts in less than 100 milliseconds. Gear changes virtually without an interruption of tractive power and an alternator management that uses kinetic energy when braking and when in overrun mode to recharge the vehicle battery, round off the features offered by this high-performance transmission system.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC system, with silver-coloured gearshift paddles and four drive modes – "C" (Controlled Efficiency), "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport Plus) and "M" (Manual) – and features an automatic double-declutching function when shifting down. This ensures more dynamic performance and greater handling safety, together with an emotion-packed driving experience. Meanwhile, the ECO start-stop function enhances efficiency.

To maintain vehicle control in even the most challenging and dynamic driving situations an AMG speed-sensitive sports steering system has been integrated in the AMG models. This speed-sensitive, electromechanically-supported power steering system offers a direct steering experience and enhances driver feedback as the vehicle speed increases – a crucial factor when driving at speed on a straight road. The steering characteristic curve - and consequently the feedback for the driver is appropriately adjusted depending on the suspension setting selected (Comfort/Speed).

The AMG sports suspension has two settings (Comfort and Sport). It is based on the Active Body Control (ABC) system, which combines sporty driving dynamics with the highest level of comfort possible. An AMG-specific AMG tuning and the suspension struts developed by Mercedes-AMG ensure even greater agility.

The consumption and efficiency-optimised 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission features a compellingly lowered fuel consumption, extremely gentle gearshifts and a reduced noise level.

Direct steering provides better handling through a variable steering ratio as well as a more sporty and dynamic cornering performance and improved handling with its enhanced turning agility. The Direct-Steer system makes for less steering effort when manoeuvring at low speeds and parking, while thanks to the electromechanic power steering system (EPS) fuel can be saved.

The Direct-Steer system with variable servo assistance consists of two components: speed-sensitive power assistance, known from speed-sensitive steering, and a variable steering ratio dependent on the steering wheel angle. Together these components make for comfortable manoeuvring at low speeds on the one hand, and straight-line stability at higher speeds on the other. Apart from this, the electronic power steering system (EPS) operates on-demand, which helps reduce fuel consumption.

The ECO start-stop function can reduce average fuel consumption by momentarily switching off the engine when the vehicle is at a standstill (e.g. at the traffic lights or in a traffic jam).
If a vehicle is equipped with the ECO start/stop function, a starter/alternator is installed in place of the starter. Intelligent control electronics allow the starter/alternator to supply the electrical energy for the vehicle's electrical system and, in starter mode, the torque required to start the engine.

Adaptive damping successfully tackles the contradiction between comfort and sportiness. The electronically regulated damping system adjusts its characteristics continually and steplessly, the damping force being optimally adapted to each individual wheel in accordance with the current handling situation and road conditions. This results in a greater handling stability in all speed ranges – as well as greater motoring enjoyment.

The three-stage ESP® can reduce the danger of skidding and increase driving safety. Three control strategies are available at the push of a button. The driver simply activates the ESP® switch to select between "ESP® ON", "ESP® SPORT" and "ESP® OFF" modes.

The system constantly compares current driving conditions with the driver's input. If discrepancies are identified, the system applies braking to individual wheels in order to align driver requirements with actual conditions and to prevent the vehicle skidding. In doing this, the parameters for steering angle, engine speed, lateral acceleration and yaw rate are taken into account.

The standard ADAPTIVE BRAKE system improves ride comfort and safety by helping to perform critical braking manoeuvres with the basic function of the ABS anti-lock braking system while convenience functions make coping with daily driving situations easier.

The adaptive brake lights warn following traffic that emergency braking is taking place. If the driver makes an emergency stop from a speed greater than 50 km/h, the brake lights flash in order to warn following traffic.

If the vehicle comes to a stop from a speed greater than 70 km/h, the hazard warning lamps are switched on automatically. In the event of emergency braking the adaptive brake light function warns following traffic by flashing the brake lights during the braking process.

The two-stage airbags for the driver and passenger provide protection for the head and torso in a collision, and also afford additional stability to the entire body. They are thus able to mitigate the potential severity of injuries sustained in an accident. If the crash sensors detect a collision of a certain intensity and direction, the airbags are deployed.

Thanks to their high level of brightness, the AMG-specific LED daytime running lamps are clearly visible from afar, even in broad daylight, and also give the vehicle a distinctive look. The system improves the vehicle's visibility, thus enhancing active operating safety.

They consist of seven light-emitting diodes each and are integrated in the lower part of the headlamps or in the bumper. In conjunction with the standard bi-xenon headlamps, the LED daytime running lamps are automatically dimmed when the standard bi-xenon headlamps are switched on.

The ATTENTION ASSIST function is particularly helpful on long journeys and when driving at night; the system warns the driver if it detects signs of failing attention and increasing weariness.

At speeds of between 80 and 180 km/h, ATTENTION ASSIST warns the driver visually and audibly as soon as it detects any signs of drowsiness or inattention. The background: sensors analyse driving behaviour and can detect any changes compared with the previously determined individual driver profile.

The automatic child seat recognition protects young children against injuries from deployment of the passenger airbag. The system recognises if a child seat with a transponder from the Mercedes-Benz accessories programme is mounted on the passenger seat and can deactivate the airbag automatically. As soon as the child seat is removed, the technology can reactivate the airbag.

The Anti-theft alarm system (ATA) with tow-away protection and interior monitoring warns in the event of theft and unauthorised entry, as soon as the system is activated via remote control.

In critical situations, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) can help to stabilise the vehicle by applying a braking force to individual wheels and adjusting engine output. If ESP® detects a critical handling situation, brake pressure can be applied to one or more wheels as required.

Should the system consider it necessary, it will also make an automatic adjustment to engine torque. In this way ESP® helps the driver to stabilise the vehicle (within the laws of physics) – particularly when cornering and during sudden evasive manoeuvres.

The electric parking brake is operated by means of a button located below the light switch. The absence of the pedal frees up additional space in the footwell. The convenience function makes it possible to automatically release the electric parking brake when driving off by simply depressing the accelerator pedal.

The active bonnet can reduce the risk of injury to pedestrians and cyclists. If the system identifies a collision, the rear section of the active bonnet rises up by approximately five centimetres using spring force. This produces additional deformation space to intercept the impact with the upper body of the pedestrian earlier.

The headbags in the doors can help protect the seat occupant's head and reduce the severity of possible injuries in the event of a side-on collision. If the crash sensors detect an impact from a certain direction and surpassing a predetermined intensity, the airbags are triggered. These airbags are deployed synchronously with the sidebags and on the side on which the impact occurs. When deployed, the headbag covers the side window and together with the sidebag offers optimum protection. Thus in the event of a side-on impact exceeding a predetermined level, the risk of head contact with the side of the vehicle or against intruding objects is reduced.

The Intelligent Light System – as an active component of the safety concept – ensures the best possible visibility in all weather conditions and the most diverse traffic situations. In conjunction with High Beam Assist the system adapts to oncoming traffic, curves, fog or free stretches of road and adjusts the characteristics of the light individually to the traffic situation to ensure the best possible illumination.

With their high level of brightness, the LED daytime driving lights are clearly visible from a distance, even in daylight, and also give the vehicle a distinctive look. The driving lights consist of four light-emitting diodes each. Integrated on the left and right-hand sides of the bumper, the LED daytime driving lamps with chrome surrounds highlight the innovative design of the SL Roadster and increase safety by helping other road users to see the vehicle sooner.

The crash responsive driver and passenger head restraints are activated if the system registers a rear impact; they can considerably reduce the risk of whiplash injuries.

They ensure that the head receives support and the load on the spine is reduced at an earlier stage by employing a spring mechanism to move the head restraints forwards by c. 40 millimetres and upwards by around 30 millimetres. The restraints can be pushed back to their original position by hand after their deployment.

The PRE-SAFE® occupant protection system can recognise critical driving situations and, if necessary, pre-emptively activate reversible safety systems to help reduce the risk of injury to the vehicle occupants. To do this, PRE-SAFE® continuously evaluates sensor data from systems such as the ESP® and BAS, and can thus, for example, recognise vehicle over/understeering as well as emergency braking.

If a typical critical driving situation is detected by the system, the electromotive belt tensioners can be activated, the electrically adjustable passenger seat with a memory function can be moved to a better position for the event of impact and the side windows can be closed automatically, all within fractions of a second.

The sidebags on the outer sides of the front seat backrests are deployed when a side impact is registered, helping provide maximum protection against injury for the driver and passenger.

The rear-view mirror and the driver's side exterior mirror contribute to comfort and safety when driving at night by automatically dimming steplessly the reflection of too-strong headlamp light of following traffic. The measurement and automatic light intensity reduction is carried out by means of sensors.

The cruise control and SPEEDTRONIC functions can enhance ride comfort and safety: using the control lever a cruising speed can be set and automatically maintained. With SPEEDTRONIC it is possible to set a maximum speed, which can be useful for example when there are speed limits to observe.

When driving in a sporty style, the Torque Vectoring Brakes contribute to ensure better roadholding right up to limit situations, by slightly reducing the effective rotational speed of the rear wheel on the inside of the curve, thus improving handling. The targeted distribution of drive torque to the wheels enables a stable handling without engine torque reduction when "driving with sporty aspirations". In addition, the enhancement of its agility thanks to the drive force distribution in accordance with the situation by means of ESP® is clearly perceptible.

The roll-over bars provide additional safety for driver and passenger. They are stored in two cassettes behind the seat backrests and are deployed in a split-second when the sensor system detects the vehicle is in danger of overturning.

The COMAND control and display system is the command centre in the new SL. The system includes an integrated radio, the COMAND Controller, a telephone keypad, a colour display, and a DVD player (MP3-compatible).

Overview of equipment and appointments:

The new COMAND Online multimedia system is the highlight of the new telematics generation. This innovative system features an Internet browser, combines all audio, telephone and navigation functions and also includes the Speed Limit Assist function. The optimised control concept makes operation more user-friendly and intelligent than ever before. In addition, with the new SL Mercedes-Benz is introducing the digital Owner's Manual for the first time in the passenger car sector. It offers the possibility to call up information on the operation of the vehicle via the COMAND Online system with the globe icon.

Overview of equipment and appointments:

With the new SL Roadster Mercedes-Benz is introducing the digital Owner's Manual for the first time in the passenger car sector. It offers the possibility to call up information on the operation of the vehicle via the COMAND system with the globe icon.

The greatest advantage over a printed version: the information is always close at hand for the driver, apart from which the system offers rapid, comfortable search possibilities. The system includes both descriptions on vehicle operation as well as on the operation of the COMAND Online system. Another highlight is the visual search function. This multimedia search leads - via a 360-degree view of the vehicle - to the desired information, which can be called up by means of the rotary pushbutton on the centre console. Depending on market version, the information can be called up in up to 17 different languages.

An entirely newly developed front bass system is deployed in the new SL Roadster. Some of the loudspeakers are integrated in the vehicle body. The two front bass system loudspeakers in conjunction with the other six standard loudspeakers create a brilliant, balanced sound as well as an improved bass performance, in particular when driving with the roof open.

AMG bodystyling consists of SL 63 AMG-specific front apron with cross strut in silver-chrome and side air vents, rear apron in diffuser look with insert in vehicle body colour and side sill panels.

AMG bodystyling consists of SL 65 AMG-specific front apron with cross strut in high-gloss chrome and side air vents, rear apron in diffuser look with insert in vehicle body colour and side sill panels.

The exterior mirrors can be adjusted from the driver's seat electrically, which makes it easier to park and to drive in tight spaces. They also feature a memory function to store and reset mirror adjustments. Vision is improved by a mirror heating feature, while their aspherical curvature reduces the blind spot, enhancing road safety.

By means of a button on the electronic key in chrome look the boot lid can be conveniently unlocked and by means of the EASY-PACK boot lid function it can be opened electrohydraulically.

The heated rear window prevents the window from icing or misting up due to moisture, ensuring clear visibility to the rear. The timer increases comfort and convenience. It adjusts the operating time of the heating to the outside temperature and the road speed.

In order to prevent the turbulent air movement generally associated with open-top motoring, the folding draught stop is provided as standard. It consists of a finely-woven textile fabric and can be installed manually behind the seats if needed.

The MAGIC VISION CONTROL adaptive wiper system is a world premiere and is featured by a series production vehicle for the very first time. The innovation: the windscreen washer fluid is sprayed and spread directly in front of the wiper blade. Little nozzles in a distributor rail above the wiper blade conduct the washer fluid directly before the blade on its return stroke. Then the fluid is wiped away without delay so that the driver's vision is obstructed as briefly as possible, and at the same time the amount of liquid used is reduced. In addition, when driving with an open top, the risk of being wet by the washer fluid is lessened.

There are eight different colours of high-quality metallic paint finishes available (obsidian black, magnetite black, tenorite grey, palladium silver, iridium silver, pearl beige, dolomite brown, and cavansite blue). The vehicle interior colours can be individually combined to suit the exterior colour through the choice of the appropriate leather upholstery and trim.

The electronically-controlled rain sensor detects automatically if the windscreen is wet and controls the wipe interval accordingly when the driver activates the intermittent wiper control function.

The heated windscreen wiper rest helps to prevent the wiper blades from icing up, and as a result ensures better wiper performance at low temperatures.

The retractable vario-roof enables the SL Roadster to combine the motoring enjoyment of a roadster with the day-to-day practicality and quiet-running qualities of a coupé. The fully electrically-retractable vario-roof converts the new SL from a hard-top coupé into a sporty roadster at the touch of a button.

Less than 20 seconds to open or close. As standard, the roof can also be opened or closed from the outside by means of the vehicle key via radio signal.

The benefits of the vario roof at a glance:

Compared to standard glass, the tinted glass reduces heat radiation from the vehicle, meaning that less energy is required to keep the passenger compartment at the set temperature.

The electropneumatic lumbar support function supports an ergonomic seating position and enhances ride comfort. In each seat there are two air cushions which can be pumped up or vented according to requirements using two knurled wheels that control respective valves. By means of a 4-way switch on the outer side of the seat cushion it is possible to adjust the backrest curvature and the height of the air cushions to the requirements of driver and passenger individually.

The AMG DRIVE UNIT is the central connection point for the sports transmission and dynamic functions. The drive mode, ESP® and suspension settings as well as the preferred combination of drive mode and suspension setting can be selected using a rotary switch and three buttons.

The driver can easily and swiftly change the drive mode between "R", "N" and "D" by tapping the E-SELECT selector lever. If the vehicle is stationary, the parking position can be activated by simply pressing the "P" button. The rotary control switch for drive modes, including the Race Start function (only SL 63 AMG), and the buttons for suspension setting, the ESP® functions and the AMG memory function are also located there.

Gearshifts can be performed with the AMG steering wheel shift paddles. Behind the selector lever on the centre console is the rotary switch with which the drive modes are selected, including the activation of the Race Start function (only SL 63 AMG). To its left there are two more switches for additional functions. The first one controls the ESP®, the second one, the AMG sports suspension, while the third switch, with the AMG lettering, is for storing the drive mode and suspension setting selected. Pressing the AMG switch briefly calls up the configuration possibilities, while pressing and holding serves to select the desired settings.

A new dimension of driving dynamics is inaugurated by the Race Start function (only SL 63 AMG): this allows the driver to call up maximum acceleration potential, providing the greatest possible tractive power for the driven wheels. With the vehicle stationary, the driver has to activate the ESP® Sports function and depress the brake pedal with his left foot. After the Race Start logic is pre-selected with the rotary switch, a confirmation prompt appears in the instrument cluster. The driver now has to confirm the Race Start function by pulling once "up" on the gearshift paddle, then depressing the accelerator and releasing the brakes. The optimum pulling-away engine speed is adjusted fully automatically and the vehicle accelerates at the highest acceleration rate possible – if so desired, up to the top speed. The driver does not need to shift gears manually.

An overview of the functions of the AMG DRIVE UNIT:

The AMG instrument cluster features two classic style circular instruments and a central display with the AMG main menu, including RACETIMER, which blends evocative looks with maximum functionality. This enhances the race sport feeling.

The AMG instrument cluster consists of the following components:

The AMG instrument cluster features two classic style circular instruments and a central display with the AMG main menu, including RACETIMER, which blends evocative looks with maximum functionality. This enhances the race sport feeling.

The AMG instrument cluster consists of the following components:

Eyewear can be stowed and is always within convenient reach in the spectacles compartment of the illuminated overhead control panel.

In the lockable glove compartment your valuables are safe from prying looks. To keep the food for your journey at the proper temperature and protected from heat, the glove compartment can be air conditioned. The ventilation system supplies the large stowage space with cool air. In heating mode the air vents can be closed using an adjustable flap.

The THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control system allows the driver and passenger to adapt the climate in their respective seats to suit their individual requirements – independently of each other. The system keeps the temperature at the desired level automatically, even in strong sunlight. To this end, sensors register the temperature inside and outside the vehicle, controlling the heating, cooling and fan for each temperature zone individually, according to requirements.

The instrument cluster has two analogue tubular-design dial-type gauges and an 11.4-centimetre TFT colour multifunction display on which the information of the on-board computer and assist systems is shown.

The left-hand dial shows current roadspeed and fuel level, the right-hand dial displays the engine rev speed and coolant temperature. In addition, in the multifunction display, control messages and warnings, operating statuses, convenience displays and the trip computer are shown. The settings shown in the multifunction display can be controlled via the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel.

The memory package makes frequent changes of drivers much easier, in particular thanks to the integrated memory function. It stores the individual settings for the driver's seat for up to three people. As soon as a driver selects a setting using the corresponding button, electric controls automatically set the seat, exterior mirrors and steering column back to the previously saved positions. The equipment includes the electric fore-and-aft and height adjustment of the seat, electric seat cushion inclination and lowering of seat cushion, as well as the electric seat backrest inclination adjustment.

The electric seat heating enhances well-being on cold days. It heats up the cold seats immediately, even before the vehicle heating itself kicks in, allowing separate heating levels for each of the front seats in three different levels. The pushbutton control for each seat can be set to normal or rapid heating. In the rapid heating setting, the system automatically changes to "normal" mode after approx. 5 minutes. The seat heating is automatically switched off completely after around 30 minutes, or it can be also be switched off manually at any time. The seat heating is also switched off automatically if the battery charge is too low.