Up Close: 2009 SL-Class

The SL-Class roadster has been restyled, and in this day of bizarro headlight shapes, its new touches look pretty good. The front fender vents have a new, louvered look. Both the standard SL and the SL63 AMG have more exterior detailing than the current generation, including busier hoods. The SL's front apron is wider — any wider and it would look like a hovercraft.

The SL63 has a new version of its seven-speed automatic transmission with Multi-Clutch Technology that replaces a conventional fluidic torque converter. According to Mercedes, though the transmission itself isn't much different, the MCT gives shift speeds closer to that of an automated manual like those offered by Audi and BMW. Available only in the SL63, MCT has four shift modes and fully automatic as well as paddle-shifted manual operation. The modes trade shift smoothness for speed in the Sport and Sport Plus modes, and make a bigger, three-gear jump when kicking down — from 7th to 4th gear, for example.

The highlight of the restyled interior is the Airscarf option built into the front head restraints. Two fans blow hot air through a vent in the front of the headrest at the occupant's neck, which Mercedes says extends the top-down driving season.

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2009 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster