The New Mercedes Benz SL - Steering and Suspension
Published: 31st January 2008
The New Mercedes Benz SL
The Mercedes Benz SL name is synonymous with driving pleasure as well as design. These Mercedes sports cars have always offered a scintillating driving experience that does not deal in compromises – neither in terms of handling dynamics nor by any means when it comes to comfort or safety. It was under this premise that the Mercedes engineers modified and perfected the SL technology, one example being the new, optionally available direct-steer system, which is as simple as it is ingenious and provides a whole new driving experience when cornering.
This new development is based on the familiar standard-fit speed-sensitive power steering system with lower steering forces – the benefit of which is noticeable above all when driving slowly, manoeuvring or parking. New features include a variable rack ratio, which adjusts in line with the steering angle, increasing sharply as soon as this reaches five degrees. All of which means that, compared to a steering system with a constant ratio, the driver does not have to move the steering wheel as much when cornering. The car's response is therefore noticeably more direct, allowing the driver to steer more spontaneously or, in other words, more sportily. When driving slowly or parking, the new technology combines with the speed-sensitive power steering to provide even more comfort than before because the large ratio further reduces the steering effort required.
In addition, the Mercedes Benz SL still offers some of the very finest chassis technology available in the shape of four-link front suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension. Meanwhile the Active Body Control (ABC) system, specified as standard for the SL 500 and the Mercedes Benz SL 600, is a unique masterpiece. It compensates pitch, roll and yaw on the part of the body and adapts the suspension settings automatically to suit the current driving situation. This makes for excellent agility on the one hand and optimum driving stability on the other, without compromising the car's super levels of comfort. Mercedes‑Benz has further fine-tuned the ABC shock-absorber settings for the new-generation SL in order to bring a whole new quality to this unique blend of sportiness, comfort and safety.
Size 255/45 R 17 wide-base tyres and 17-inch light-alloy wheels are fitted as standard on the Mercedes Benz SL 350 model, whereas the V8-powered SL 500 Roadster runs on 18-inch wheels shod with 255/40 R 18 tyres. And the exclusive character of the twelve-cylinder SL 600 model is accentuated by 18-inch ten-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels with 255/40 R 18 tyres at the front and 285/35 R 18 tyres at the rear.
Mercedes Benz SL-Class
Our Mercedes Benz SL-Class Guide lists the full specification of the current UK SL-Class range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £63,782 - £150,079
Body Style:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 5
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 25th Jun 2008
