New Mercedes-Benz SL Grand Edition Favors Comfort Over Performance

Mercedes-Benz has just unveiled two special edition models of the SL, dubbed the SL 400 Grand Edition and SL 500 Grand Edition.

The future of the Mercedes-Benz SL may be uncertain, but the two Grand Edition liven up the SL family and come loaded with a host of features, making the non-AMG branded SL variants that little more desirable. The two models will reach showrooms from March 2019 with order books opening on February 22.

Customers of the Mercedes-Benz SL 400 Grand Edition and SL 500 Grand Edition will be able to opt between black, Designo Diamond White Bright, various tones of grey, and Obsidian Black paint schemes. No matter which exterior paint is selected, trimmings across the front bumper will be finished in high-gloss chrome and matte silver.

Making the Grand Edition models stand out further are 19-inch front and 20-inch rear AMG 10-spoke forged wheels featuring a two-tone paint scheme of black and silver. Subtle SL Grand Edition badges are also found near the vehicle’s mudguards. New sports suspension has also been fitted to drop the ride height by 10 mm.

Perfect if you don’t want an AMG.

Inside, all SL Grand Edition models include Designo Tundra Brown Pearl Leather throughout, including on the seats and steering wheel. Alongside the leather you will find black Nappa leatherte on the grip zones, a range of bright metallic surfaces, and the automaker’s must-have Airscarf neck-level heating system.

Other features of the Grand Edition include active multicontour seats with massage and dynamic handling functions, in-seat climate controls, Active Parking Assist, and the Driving Assistance Plus Package.

Like the standard Mercedes-Benz SL 400, the SL 400 Grand Edition utilizes a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with 367 hp and 368 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque, allowing for a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 4.9 seconds and a limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). By comparison, the SL 500 Grand Edition has a 4.6-liter V8 pumping out 455 hp and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque and reaches 62 mph in a brisk 4.3 seconds.

German pricing for the SL 400 Grand Edition starts at €114,811 ($130,183) while the SL 500 Grand Edition is priced from €135,993 ($154,201).