Market launch of the new Mercedes-Benz SL

Supreme sportiness, style and comfort define the new SL Roadster from Mercedes-Benz, which is available from Mercedes-Benz sales partners from March 31, 2012. Its body and body-in-white have been produced as all-aluminium constructions for
the first time. At the market launch, there is a choice of two new powerful 6- and 8-cylinder engines featuring cutting-edge injection technology, with ECO start/stop function as standard. These engines are up to 29 per cent more fuel-efficient than their predecessors. Two world-firsts are also being premiered in the new SL – the Frontbass system for the ultimate in listening pleasure even with the roof open and the Magic Vision Control wiper/washer system, which applies the water to the windscreen directly from the wiper blade.

The new generation of the Mercedes-Benz SL takes the meaning of the famous abbreviation 'SL' – super-light – quite literally. Systematic weight reduction is one of the outstanding structural design features of the new SL.

Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Member of the Management Board of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Sales and Marketing, elaborates, "It was around 60 years ago that we celebrated the successful launch of our first super-light sports car. Since then, every generation of the SL has set new standards. And with the new model we
are continuing this tradition."

The new SL sees Mercedes-Benz introducing an all-aluminium body-in-white into volume production for the first time. Together with a host of other intelligent improvements to points of detail, this leads to an overall weight reduction of up to 140 kg in comparison to the predecessor model. The aluminium structure is also superior to the predecessor's steel design in terms of rigidity, safety and comfort. "The new SL is the safest roadster in the world!" says Schmidt.

Environmental certificate for the new Mercedes-Benz SL
The neutral inspectors from the TUV Sud technical inspection authority have confirmed the high environmental compatibility of the new Mercedes-Benz SL in good time for the market launch, duly awarding the sporty and stylish Roadster the Environmental Certificate in accordance with ISO standard TR 14062. This certification is based on an exemplary life-cycle assessment for the SL, which entailed a comprehensive analysis of the Roadster's environmental impact throughout its entire life cycle – from production through extensive service to recycling at the end of its life. The results make good reading: the new SL-class reveals advantages over the previous model in all impact categories. Primary energy requirements have been reduced by 23 per cent and NOx emissions by 16 per cent over the entire life cycle, for example. In addition, the new SL incorporates a higher percentage of high-quality recyclates and renewable raw materials. For the first time in automotive engineering, a secondary alloy has been qualified for aluminium inner panels in the body-in-white, in order to minimise the environmental impact in the manufacturing process. This goes far beyond the legal requirements. The Environmental certificate and supplementary information are made available to the public in the 'Life Cycle' documentation series. In addition to the SL, the models of the A-, B-, C-, E-, M- and S-class, the GLK, the SLK and the CLS have also received the Environmental Certificate from TUV Sud.

Prices in Germany for the new Mercedes-Benz SL incl 19 per cent VAT
SL 350 - 93,534 euros
SL 500 - 117,096 euros

Posted in: 6-Cylinder Engine,8-Cylinder Engine,Dr. Joachim Schmidt,Environmental Certificate,ISO,Luxury,Magic Vision Control,Market Launch,Mercedes-Benz,SL Roadster,Super-light,Technical Inspection,TUV Sud