Beijing, December 31, 2009 – As 2009 comes to a close, Mercedes-Benz's SL-Class has shined as one of the foremost leaders in its market segment in overall sales. In order to continue satisfying the enthusiasm of Chinese customers for the three-pointed star's luxury roadsters, Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd. today announced the China launch of the SL 300, as well as the upgraded SL 350, both of which dazzle with competitive price tags of RMB 1,198,000 and RMB 1,468,000 respectively. Most notably, the first-ever nationally launched SL 300 is offered at an extremely competitive value, joining this popular lineup to further consolidate the leading position of the SL-Class in China's luxury roadster market, which will undoubtedly attract even more high-end customers.

As its leading roadster, the SL-Class encompasses the richest and most illustrious history within Mercedes-Benz's sports car family. Its groundbreaking legacy began in 1952, when the 300 SL race car enjoyed international attention with impressive wins at motor races throughout the world, including the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. This model lives on as one of Mercedes-Benz's design masterpieces, with a streamlined body and upper hinged gullwing doors, trademarks that allowed the automaker to see its true market potential. Following this, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL went into series production. In 1954, which eventually evolved into today's SL-Class luxury roadster.

Six generations later, the SL-Class now remains a great symbol of the Mercedes-Benz sports car family, leading in the most innovative and charismatic design. As its ultimate luxury roadster, the upgraded SL-Class exhibits a stylish and sporty look that retains the elegance and dynamism of its predecessors. Its exterior is highlighted by distinguishing powerdomes on the bonnet, grill-like trim panels and bi-xenon headlamps, all of which add to its physical charm. Traditional touches can be seen in the streamlined, arrow-shaped front grille and three-pointed star emblem, complemented by a revamped interior design complete with an array of advanced features. Enhanced comfort is found in heated and adjustable multicontour seats and the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system. All SL-Class luxury roadsters also come fully-equipped with a retractable hardtop, thus offering drivers a choice between the sportiness of an open roadster and the quiet comfort and security of a closed coupe. Additionally, the SL-Class set new safety standards in 1989 with the introduction of the world's first sensor-controlled roll-bar, which is now fit as standard within the segment.

Aside from a dynamic exterior design, the new SL 300 is the brighest star in reducing consumption and CO2 emissions within the SL-Class. With a drag coefficient of a mere 0.3, this new model produces a fuel consumption of only 9.3 liters per 100 kilometers and carbon dioxide emissions of just 217 grams per kilometer. Moreoever, the 2,996 cc V6 engine of the SL 300 boasts a powerful output of 170 kW and a maximum torque of 300 Nm, propelling the 1.8 ton roadster from standstill to 100 km/h in a breathtaking 7.8 seconds.

Additional upgraded features are offered in the upgraded SL 350, such as the panoramic vario-roof and the 5-spoke 18-inch light-alloy wheels, both of which complement the dramatic exterior design of the luxury roadster.

The new SL 300 and upgraded SL 350, along with the SL 500, form a stunning roadster lineup that now offers even more choices for Chinese customers. The SL-Class roadster family not only reaffirms Mercedes-Benz's position as leader in the luxury sports car market, but also further enriches the three-pointed star's overall product portfolio in China.