The 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class includes four models: SL500 with its powerful V8; the luxurious and extremely powerful SL600 with its twin-turbo V12; the ultra high-performance SL55 AMG with its supercharged V8; and the new SL65 AMG. All come loaded with everything a driver and one passenger need for grand touring, from Bose stereo to beautiful interior decor.
The SL500 ($89,900) comes with a 5.0-liter V8 engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission and the ABC active suspension. The SL500 has more standard equipment than just about any other two-seater in the world today.
The SL600 ($127,500) uses a 5.5-liter V12 with twin turbochargers and five-speed automatic. It's equipped with unique leather upholstery, bi-xenon headlamps, an integrated Motorola telephone with voice control and a six-disc CD changer.
The SL55 AMG ($121,500) features a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 and five-speed automatic. Brakes are upgraded and the suspension re-programmed. Specific AMG upholstery highlights the interior.
The SL65 AMG ($179,000) comes with a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12, a five-speed automatic, upgraded wheels and tires and brakes. Again, some interior and exterior trim is unique.
Options for all four models include Parktronic parking distance warning system ($1,080), Distronic radar-based cruise control ($3,070) that keeps a preset distance between the SL and the car ahead, a tire-pressure monitoring system ($660), Keyless Go ($1,060), and a Panoramic Roof ($1,880). Bi-Xenon headlamps ($770), the voice-control phone ($1,450), and other luxuries from the V12 models can be added to the V8 models. And all but the SL65 AMG are available with Designo color and trim schemes ($6,925-$7,725).