2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class - Reviews - Buying Guide
2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Buying Resources:
2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Review:
The costliest of all Mercedes models is the SL-Class convertible.
You don’t have to worry about getting a high degree of luxury
with the SL-Class—it’s all standard.
For 2004, the SL-Class is bolstered in a big way. For starters,
Mercedes adds a supremely high-powered model with an enormous
V12 engine under its hood. To say that this new version is
fast is almost an insult. Also new for this year, and for
the first time in any model, is a 7-speed automatic transmission.
The SL-Class convertible has a power retractable metal hardtop.
Head/torso side airbags, driver knee airbag and a rollover
bar that pops up if sensors detect an impending tip are standard.
The SL-Class also has a second battery, mounted in the trunk,
to run power accessories.
Under the Hood
SL500 models get the industry-first 7-speed automatic transmission.
Mercedes says it will skip gears during upshifts and downshifts
for increased acceleration and efficiency. In addition, it
features a manual-shift mode as well.
The other SL models have a 5-speed automatic transmission
with a manual-shift gate; the SL55's "SpeedShift"
version features performance programming and steering-wheel
shift buttons.
Entry-level SL500 versions use a 5.0-liter V8 engine with
302 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. Next up is the SL55
AMG. Under its hood is a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 with 493
horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque.
The SL600 houses the aforementioned 5.5-liter supercharged
V12 engine. Not many models on the road can catch the SL600;
it pumps out 493 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
All 2004 SLs have Mercedes' ABC active suspension, which
is designed to reduce cornering lean. They also have an antiskid/traction-control
system. In addition, their antilock brakes use "by-wire"
technology to modulate brake pressure to each wheel.
Standard comfort features across the line include air conditioning
with dual-zone automatic climate controls, a navigation system,
the TeleAid telematics system, steering-wheel radio controls,
a Bose AM/FM/weatherband/CD player with a 6-disc changer and
leather upholstery.
Up level models add ventilated and massaging multicontour
seats. Voice control for audio, phone and other functions
is a dealer option. For 2004, SLs, like other models in the
Mercedes family, are factory pre-wired to accept a newly optional
dealer-installed satellite radio. Now that’s luxury.
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