A low seat position, a grand feeling. The eye wanders over the long front stretch of the roadster. The powerdomes suggest the power that lies beneath. Whether with 6, 8 or 12 cylinders, a slight movement of your foot is all it takes shoot off, leaving metres of road behind you. And for everyday life, the SL shines not only due to its handling but with design elements such as side gills in the body colour – in a silver finish for the SL 600. With an even sportier design for the front and rear assembly and exclusive paint finishes. Attractive wheels round out the look and make for a complete sports car, one that won't let you go before you set it loose.

Even the needles on the dials of the instrument cluster are as dynamic as a drive in the SL – they spring into action as soon as the ignition is switched on. The standard-specification 3-spoke steering wheel in high-quality nappa leather features gearshift paddles (one on each side of the steering wheel). This enables you to shift gear particularly swiftly (standard for the SL 600 and SL 63 AMG and in conjunction with the optional sports package). Direct steering is also available as an option. In addition to speed-sensitive steering (included as standard), it offers an even more direct steering ratio for urban driving and when negotiating bends.

But the enthusiasm for the SL is not only down to its technical strengths. Laterally reinforced integrated seats, upholstered in a leather/fabric combination (standard for the SL 300 and SL 350), or leather, nappa leather or Exclusive nappa leather, are an invitation to get in. Add to this electric seat adjustment and the standard-specification memory function (optional for the SL 300), which stores preferred seat settings for up to three occupants (front seats) and moves them to the required position at the touch of a button. The steering wheel also moves upwards to facilitate getting into and out of the vehicle. A related feature is the crash-responsive exit aid, which moves the steering wheel into a position more "favourable" to rescuing occupants after an accident. The lumbar support (also included as standard) can be filled with air at the push of a button to provide extra support to the spine. And to ensure that miserable weather will not dampen your spirits, seat heating is included ex factory (for the SL 500, SL 600 and the AMG model), as are climatised seats for the SL 600.