At the push of a button the DISTRONIC proximity-controlled cruise control keeps the vehicle at the desired distance from the vehicle in front. Radar sensors permanently measure the distance and regulate the speed. The cruise control function also allows the driver to set a desired speed which is automatically maintained.

The Intelligent Light System – as an active element of the safety concept – provides improved vision. It helps in detecting possible dangers early on.

In the country light mode the light from the low-beam headlamps is distributed such that the edge of the carriageway is significantly better illuminated.

The motorway mode is automatically activated in two levels: from 90 km/h the system increases the performance of the bi-xenon lamps. From 110 km/h the setting of the headlamp on the inside of the traffic lane also changes to uniformly illuminate the entire width of the lane for up to a distance of around 120 metres.

With the expanded fog lamp the system improves the visibility when fog is present. The left bi-xenon headlamp tilts outwards and the light cone is simultaneously lowered downwards. This light function is automatically activated as soon as the rear fog lamp is switched on and the vehicle is not travelling faster than 70 km/h.

The active light function uses sensor data on the steering angle, yaw rate and vehicle speed to have the bi-xenon headlamps follow the driver's steering angle. They tilt to the side within seconds as soon as the vehicle drives into a curve.

With the cornering light function the cornering lamps automatically switch on when the driver activates the indicator or turns the steering wheel.

COMAND APS is equipped with a hard-disk-based navigation system with map display and a 6.5-inch colour display and serves as the central control unit for all telematics components.

The system's entertainment functions include a radio, a combination CD/DVD drive which is MP3-compatible and MUSIC REGISTER with a 4 GB hard disk for storing digital music files. An Aux-in connection in the glove compartment, a slot for SD memory cards and a Bluetooth interface provide connections to external data devices and a mobile telephone. In addition the Gracenote® database supplies information on the album and artist for CDs and DVDs. LINGUATRONIC allows you to operate COMAND APS using voice entry.

The Harman Kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system with Dolby Digital 5.1/DTS has a higher output (510 watts). A total of ten high-power loudspeakers provide a precise, natural dynamism and excellent tone colours.

AIRSCARF neck-level heating extends the cabriolet season – and allows driving with an open top even when the exterior temperature is low. At the push of a button propellers on the reverse sides of the head restraints draw in air, which is then heated and blown out again through a vent in the front of the seat. It warms the neck and throat like an invisible scarf.

The AMG performance package improves driving dynamics and the sporty look of the vehicle. In addition to distinctive design features, technical equipment makes the driving experience significantly more enjoyable. For example, the slatted locking differential optimises the dynamism during sporty driving by improving traction and allowing for higher speeds around curves.

Technical equipment:

• Internally ventilated composite disc brakes on the front axle
• Rear axle differential in accordance with the slat-based principle for improved traction
• 19-inch twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels, multi-piece (front: 8.5 x 19 ET 30 with 255/35 R 19, rear: 9.5 x 19 ET 31 with 285/30 R 19)
• AMG performance suspension with even more sporty tuning of the AMG sports suspension based on the Active Body Control (ABC) dynamic handling control system
• Additional engine oil cooler
• AMG front apron with larger cool air intakes (same as SL 65 AMG)
• AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel in leather/Alcantara (black) with silver-coloured aluminium steering wheel gearshift paddles

AMG bodystyling lends the vehicle an individual, sporty look. The following elements are included in the package:

• Front apron
• Rear apron
• Side skirts

The sports package emphasises the vehicle's roadster character with technical highlights such as the 7G-TRONIC Sport automatic transmission and sporty design elements for both the exterior and the interior.

Technical equipment:

• 7G-TRONIC Sport 7-speed automatic transmission including steering-wheel shift paddles for faster gear changes
• Sports air filter for an even more powerful exhaust sound (in SL 280 and SL 350)

Exterior equipment:

• 19-inch 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels (front: 8.5 J x 19 ET 35 with 255/35 ZR 19, rear: 9.5 J x 19 ET 40 with 285/30 ZR 19)
• Brake callipers painted with Mercedes-Benz lettering on front
• Perforated disc brakes on the rear axle
• Dark-tinted tail lights

Interior design:

• Interior equipment and appointments in black leather (optional for SL 280, SL 350), black leather nappa (optional) or exclusive black nappa leather (optional)
• Silver-coloured contrast thread on seats, steering wheel, instrument panel, centre console, selector lever gaiter, armrest and door lining (for exclusive nappa leather also in rear compartment)
• Steering wheel and selector lever in perforated leather
• Alu prisma trim elements, with the option of black ash wood
• Roof liner in black fabric, with the option of grey fabric
• Black velour floor mats with border band and silver-coloured double-contrast stitching