Mercedes SL Grand Edition, when German exclusivity makes its presence felt

A mixed bag for the Mercedes-Benz SL family: yesterday we reported on the German brand’s decision to end production of the small Mercedes SLC this year, and today we bring you the SL Grand Edition special edition, in which the German brand aims to enhance the exclusivity of this model, setting it apart at first glance from the rest of the range.

The SL Grand Edition special edition will be available for the SL 400 and SL 500 models. Both will see their exclusivity improved through exterior and interior revisions, giving their owner and driver a different driving sensation. To do so, customers can choose from the colours that Mercedes has reserved for the occasion: four metallic shades, plus the standard black, several shades of grey and obsidian black.

Once the colour has been chosen, it will be further highlighted by the matt black and chrome details with high-gloss finish applied to the front bumper. The black, this time in gloss, has also been applied to the exclusive AMG alloy wheels, a 10-spoke design measuring 19 inches at the front axle and 20 at the rear, which also features a high-gloss front section for greater visual contrast. Finally, the SL Grand Edition badge has been fitted to the sides so there is no doubt about which model you are looking at.

Inside, Mercedes has also wanted to add exclusive details to the SL Grand Edition. To this end, Mercedes has decided that the upholstery will be in the shade called pearl brown, applied not only to the seats but also to the sports steering wheel, which contrasts with the grip areas in black Nappa leather to provide a better hold. In addition, interesting equipment is fitted as standard, including the AIRSCARF heating system for the seats at neck height, sports seats with massage and climate control functions, the Driving Assistance Plus and Active Parking Assist packages, plus a suspension lowered by 10 mm and tuned to be firmer.

There are no mechanical improvements, so under the bonnet of the SL 400 Grand Edition we find a 3,000 cc V6 engine producing 367 CV and 500 Nm of torque, which allows it to accelerate to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, with a consumption figure of 8.4 l/100 km. The SL 500 Grand Edition uses a 4,600 cc V8 engine delivering 455 CV and 700 Nm of torque, accelerating to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds with a consumption of 9.8 l/100 km.

Both SL Grand Edition models will be shown on Mercedes’s stand at the Geneva Motor Show and will be available to order from 22 February. We do not know the prices in Spain, but for reference, in Germany the SL 400 will cost 114,811.20 euros and the SL 500 will cost 135,993.20 euros.