2009 Mercedes-Benz SL: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is a major mid-cycle facelift, with sharper styling, more responsive chassis tuning, and a much newer infotainment system. The performance range also changes as the SL63 AMG replaces the SL55 AMG.
About the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
R230 generation, major facelift/update year in the final 2009-2011 phase.
The 2009 SL is a two-seat luxury grand-touring roadster built to do two jobs at once: give the comfort and isolation of a coupe with the top up, then deliver open-air performance when the roof is down. Mercedes positions it around heritage, year-round usability, strong engines, and high-end comfort tech. What sets it apart from many rivals is how completely it blends retractable-hardtop practicality, rich cabin materials, and serious speed in one car.
The SL 550 is the balanced V8 model, combining a 382-hp engine with an active suspension and a power-retractable hardtop. The SL 600 emphasizes comfort with a 510-hp twin-turbo V12, a panoramic glass roof, neck-level heating, and massaging seats. AMG buyers get the 518-hp SL 63 or the more lavish 604-hp twin-turbo V12 SL 65, both with performance-focused suspension tuning.
What changed, by category
2009 Mercedes-Benz SL specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 5.5 Liter | V12, Twin Turbo, 5.5L | V8, 6.3 Liter | V12, Twin Turbo, 6.0L |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd Touch Shift | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive & Touch Shift | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Overdrive & SPEEDSHIFT | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive & SPEEDSHIFT |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 13 mpg | 11 mpg | 12 mpg | 11 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 21 mpg | 18 mpg | 19 mpg | 18 mpg |
| Horsepower | 382 hp | 510 hp | 518 hp | 604 hp |
| Torque | 391 lb-ft | 612 lb-ft | 465 lb-ft | 738 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 10.2 cu-ft | 10.2 cu-ft | 10.2 cu-ft | 10.2 cu-ft |
| Seats | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL an all-new generation?
No. The 2009 SL is a major facelift of the existing R230 generation, not a complete redesign. Its body structure and retractable-hardtop concept carry over, while the styling, chassis tuning, and technology receive substantial updates.
What replaced the SL55 AMG for 2009?
The SL63 AMG replaces the SL55 AMG for 2009. It uses a 518-hp 6.2-liter V8 and an AMG seven-speed transmission, along with AMG-tuned Active Body Control suspension.
Does every 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL get the facelift and newer infotainment system?
Yes. The 2009 styling update and newer COMAND infotainment hardware apply across the SL range. The system includes hard-drive navigation, Bluetooth calling, improved voice control, an SD card slot, and music storage.
How is the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL different from the 2008 model?
The 2009 SL is the more extensively updated car. It has redesigned front and rear styling, revised steering and suspension tuning, newer COMAND technology, more standard equipment, and an SL63 AMG in place of the SL55 AMG.
Did the retractable hardtop change for the 2009 SL?
No. The 2009 SL keeps the existing power-retractable hardtop concept and underlying body shell. The major changes center on exterior design, chassis tuning, cabin technology, and the AMG performance lineup.