Model Year | 2012 | 2012 |
Model | SL | SL |
Trim | SL550 | SL63 AMG |
Engines | ||
Transmissions | ||
Drivetrains | ||
Tires | ||
Audio Systems | ||
Accessories | ||
Automatically maintains set distance behind preceding vehicle as well as set speed. Minimum speed around 30 mph. Replaces regular cruise control, and includes its value. | ||
Often must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available. | ||
Decklid can be opened and closed using buttons inside the vehicle and on the keyfob. | ||
Enter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket. | ||
Unlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob. | ||
Operate the power windows, sunroof, and/or convertible roof using buttons on the keyfob. | ||
Homelink. | ||
Removable or foldable barrier extends upward behind the front seatbacks, preventing cold air from entering the front seat area. | ||
Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety | ||
Rear disc brakes. | ||
If active, automatically move forward when the vehicle is rear-ended. Note: becoming less common. | ||
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars. | ||
Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time. | ||
In some convertibles. Automatically raise when a rollover is sensed. | ||
When a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes. | ||
Mandatory, in all cars. | ||
Torso-level front row airbags, usually contained in the seats. Many also protect the head, but not as well as side curtain airbags. | ||
Beeps signal distance to object in front of vehicle. Parking aid. | ||
Beeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid. | ||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | ||
Selectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning). | ||
Two types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire. | ||
When a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction. | ||
Cargo Management | ||
Climate Control | ||
Automatically recirculates interior air when pollution is detected in outside air. | ||
Maintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value. | ||
Temperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value. | ||
Filters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features. | ||
Wipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor. | ||
Provides heat for an extended period of time after the engine has been cut off. | ||
Heating elements defrost area where front wipers rest. | ||
Drivetrain | ||
When one rear wheel spins, the differential locks up, sending power to the wheel with better traction. | ||
Engine / Motor | ||
Permits a higher top speed before fuel cutoff kicks in. | ||
Exterior | ||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | ||
Side skirts and possibly a front air dam and rear apron. | ||
Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust. | ||
One or more glass panels in the roof that cannot be opened or removed. | ||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | ||
Gas Guzzler Tax | ||
Infotainment | ||
Jack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car. | ||
Enables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers. | ||
Includes CD player. | ||
Audio system capable of playing DVDs on a front-row screen. Inoperative when the vehicle is moving. No value because of incomplete data. | ||
High-definition radio, which broadcasts a digital signal. Free, no subscription fees. | ||
Integrates an iPod with the vehicle's controls and speakers. Usually included if there is a USB port, but can also rely on a proprietary port. | ||
Built-in drive with at least 10 GB of storage for MP3 and other audio files. | ||
Audio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files. | ||
Screen-based navigation system. | ||
XM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply. | ||
SD, CF, PCMCIA, or other digital media reader. | ||
In-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system. For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months. | ||
Information about traffic conditions. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months. | ||
Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system. | ||
Includes frequencies for weather channels. Only listed when pricing a single model because incomplete data for all model. | ||
Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors | ||
Driver-side exterior mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle. | ||
Interior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle. | ||
Headlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights. | ||
Lights illuminate area just ahead and to the side of the vehicle when the turn signals are used or the steering wheel is turned. | ||
Make it easier for following vehicles to see the vehicle in fog. | ||
Light wide area close in front of the vehicle. | ||
Clears ice and fog from mirrors. | ||
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror. | ||
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror. | ||
LEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior. | ||
Front row reading lights. | ||
One or both exterior mirrors tilt down when the transmission is in reverse, to provide view of the curb. | ||
Area around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked. | ||
Includes value of manual remote mirrors. | ||
Headlights swivel when steering wheel is turned. | ||
Reports engine speed. | ||
Reports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats. | ||
Provide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights. | ||
Seats and Interior Trim | ||
Won't be listed in conjunction with wood or aluminum trim even if they are available together. | ||
Seating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette. | ||
Power lumbar or vibration used to massage lower back. | ||
Power lumbar or vibration used to massage lower back. | ||
Neck-level heat vents. | ||
Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out. | ||
Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out. | ||
Power adjustable bolsters on the seatback, to provide lateral support in hard turns. | ||
Power adjustable bolsters on the seatback, to provide lateral support in hard turns. | ||
Power-adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs. | ||
Power-adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs. | ||
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment. | ||
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment. | ||
Usually also includes synthetic suede on the pillars. | ||
Synthetic suede steering wheel rim. | ||
No additional value over leather upholstery because no way to standardize across all models. | ||
Real wood trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console. | ||
Real wood comprises part of the steering wheel rim. | ||
Suspension, Wheels, and Tires | ||
Hydraulic semi-active struts severely reduce body roll in turns and can be used to adjust the ride height. | ||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | ||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | ||
Transmission | ||
Electronically controls engine and transmission for perfect launch. | ||
Paddles or buttons that can be used to manually shift the transmission. Only listed when optional or not always included with an automatic transmission. |
What Our Members Are Saying about the Available Features of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
None of our members have yet commented on the available features of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Be the first!