Mercedes-Benz Introduces Silver Arrow SL500 and SL600 Limited Editions

    MONTVALE, N.J., Feb. 20 Mercedes-Benz is launching the SL
Silver Arrow Collectors' Editions for the spring of 2001.  Commemorating a
long lineage of successful Mercedes-Benz sports cars and Formula 1 racing
cars, these limited-production, 2002-model SL coupe/roadsters will be
available in April, 2001.

    Available in both the SL500 and SL600 models, each SL Silver Arrow Edition
comes with a generous package of special equipment.  Unique mechanical
components includes new multipiece, six-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels and tires;
cross-drilled brake rotors front and rear; Xenon high-intensity gas discharge
headlights and a six-disc CD changer.  In addition, both models receive unique
Silver Arrow metallic paint; brushed aluminum instrument cluster with chrome
bezels; plus aluminum trim on the wind deflector, shift gate, pedals, grille
and trunk lid.

    Inside, Silver Arrow SL500s feature two-tone leather upholstery in silver
and black for both seats and door panels and leather-trimmed steering wheel
and shift knob.  Silver Arrow SL600s receive black leather upholstery with
silver perforations, a combination leather/black bird's eye maple steering
wheel and shift knob, plus a Panorama hardtop and multicontour seats.

    The SL500 is powered by the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz V8 engines
with 302 hp and 339 lbs.-ft. of torque, helping accelerate the roadster to
60 mph in just 6.1 seconds.  Offering the unmistakable refinement of
12 cylinders, the legendary 6.0-liter V12 also makes the SL600 a towering
performer, reaching 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds.  This SL-Class Roadster, which
traces its own roots to the racing-derived 1954 300SL Gullwing, has become a
modern classic.

                         Tops in Safety and Security

    Since an open car can leave its occupants vulnerable in a rollover,
Mercedes-Benz met the challenge with the world's first automatic roll bar.
Normally part of the interior's rear-compartment surround structure, the
padded, leather-covered bar pops up, locking in place in a third of a second
if sensors detect an impending rollover.  The driver can also raise and lower
the bar manually by a switch on the console.

    The shoulder belts are integrated directly into the seats for greater
occupant protection, especially in roll overs.  The Mercedes SL was the first
car with door-mounted side airbags, which were made standard for 1996.
They're part of the Supplemental Restraint System, which includes dual front
airbags and emergency tensioning retractors that tighten the seat belts in a
collision.

                           Two Seats and Two Roofs

    The Mercedes-Benz SL is perhaps the best-equipped two-seater on the
market.  Touching one button retracts the high-quality canvas soft top
completely out of sight into a compartment in front of the trunk.  In
addition, there's a standard, easy-to-install aluminum hardtop that not only
makes the SL a friendly wintertime companion, but also completely changes its
look and feel to that of a coupe.

                                47-Year Legacy

    The Mercedes-Benz SL celebrates a legacy of driving pleasure,
trend-setting style and automobile romance that began in 1954 with the race
car-inspired 300SL "Gullwing" coupe.  The 300SL roadster followed in 1957, and
the SL has evolved through four generations.  With each generation, Mercedes
has raised the bar on technology, performance and safety, but has always
adhered to the timeless appeal of beautiful design.  Perhaps that is why, when
most people think about Mercedes-Benz, it's the SL they think of first.