Three trim levels will be available in Canada. Both the SLK300 and SLK55 AMG are unchanged from a technical standpoint. They will retail for $57,500 and $84,800, respectively. Meanwhile, the engine of the SLK350 jumps from 268 to 300 horsepower while burning less fuel and producing less emissions.
The SLK remains the lone hard-top cabriolet in a select club that includes the Porsche Boxster, Audi TT and BMW Z4.
SL-Class
The competition is getting more and more intense in the high-luxury sports car segment. The SL550, SL600 and SL63 AMG are pitted against a large number of quality rivals, though few offer as much selection. The SL550 and SL600 retain their classic styling while offering a surprisingly smooth ride.
The grille is slightly revised, the mirrors are larger and the taillights are almost completely new. In addition to the new telematics system, Mercedes improved the interior by integrating the famous AIRSCARF neck-warming system. Absolutely wonderful for top-down driving.
The SL-Class is even more competent on the road than what you may think when looking at its exterior design. Regardless of weather conditions, this car delivers the goods. For over an hour, I drove under heavy rain on a couple of byroads and I still felt confident and safe.
The 382-hp, V8-powered SL550 will retail for $125,000. Should you prefer a well-tamed, 12-cylinder beast, the SL600 is yours for $175,000. As for the 518-hp SL63 AMG and the 603-hp SL65 AMG, they will cost you $151,500 and $238,500, respectively. If you think these prices are outrageous, take a look around and you'll see that Mercedes-Benz has nothing to be ashamed of and compares favorably to prestigious rivals.
CLS-Class
Among this M-B trio, the CLS is the one that received the least upgrades. Larger mirrors, revised front and rear fascias as well as more prominent tailpipes and taillights sum up the exterior modifications. Inside, the dashboard has been slightly restyled and fitted with a new 3-spoke steering wheel.
The competition is almost inexistent. Two versions of this 4-door luxury coupe will be available for 2009: CLS550 ($93,500) and CLS63 AMG ($128,300). Expect surprising comfort and agility on the road.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
The SLK remains the lone hard-top cabriolet in a select club that includes the Porsche Boxster, Audi TT and BMW Z4.
SL-Class
The competition is getting more and more intense in the high-luxury sports car segment. The SL550, SL600 and SL63 AMG are pitted against a large number of quality rivals, though few offer as much selection. The SL550 and SL600 retain their classic styling while offering a surprisingly smooth ride.
The grille is slightly revised, the mirrors are larger and the taillights are almost completely new. In addition to the new telematics system, Mercedes improved the interior by integrating the famous AIRSCARF neck-warming system. Absolutely wonderful for top-down driving.
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| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550 |
The SL-Class is even more competent on the road than what you may think when looking at its exterior design. Regardless of weather conditions, this car delivers the goods. For over an hour, I drove under heavy rain on a couple of byroads and I still felt confident and safe.
The 382-hp, V8-powered SL550 will retail for $125,000. Should you prefer a well-tamed, 12-cylinder beast, the SL600 is yours for $175,000. As for the 518-hp SL63 AMG and the 603-hp SL65 AMG, they will cost you $151,500 and $238,500, respectively. If you think these prices are outrageous, take a look around and you'll see that Mercedes-Benz has nothing to be ashamed of and compares favorably to prestigious rivals.
CLS-Class
Among this M-B trio, the CLS is the one that received the least upgrades. Larger mirrors, revised front and rear fascias as well as more prominent tailpipes and taillights sum up the exterior modifications. Inside, the dashboard has been slightly restyled and fitted with a new 3-spoke steering wheel.
The competition is almost inexistent. Two versions of this 4-door luxury coupe will be available for 2009: CLS550 ($93,500) and CLS63 AMG ($128,300). Expect surprising comfort and agility on the road.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
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