The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a grand touring roadster manufactured by Mercedes since 1954. Mercedes-Benz SL-Class was formerly known as the SL Roadster prior to 1994. The designation SL derives from the German Sportlich-Leicht, (Sports Lightweight). The term SL refers to the marketing variations of the vehicle, including the numerous engine configurations spanning six design generations. The SL designation was first applied to the 300 SL.
The first generation SL-Class (300SL) was introduced in 1954 in coupé form. The 300 SL roadster succeeded the coupé in 1957. SL-Class were available as a coupe with a removable hardtop or as a roadster with convertible soft top or with both tops. The second generation SL-Class (230SL), a new design with a 2.3-litre mechanically fuel injected six cylinder engine. It is featured with a low waistline and big curved greenhouse windows, and a Coupe Roadster with detachable hardtop.
The fourth generation (R129) model was the first convertible/roadster to offer the automatic rollbar deployment in event of rollover. The motorist can also manually raise and lower the roll-bar should he choose to. This facilitates the clean look of R129 without compromising the occupant's safety. The R129 is having a 5-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic and 5-speed manual transmission.
The new generation of SL-Class was introduced at the North American International Auto Show in January 2012 for the model year of 2013. The new SL (R231) has been produced for the first time almost entirely from aluminium. The new aluminium bodyshell weighs around 110 kilograms less than it would be using the steel technology from the predecessor. New features include the unique FrontBass system and adaptive windscreen wipe/wash system MAGIC VISION CONTROL, which supplies water from the wiper blade as required and depending on the direction of wipe.