Mercedes‑Benz SL R 230 Celebrates 25 Years Since Debut

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Mercedes‑Benz SL R 230, the roadster whose 2001 debut in Hamburg introduced a new era for the SL series. The model combined grand‑tourer comfort with sports‑car performance and featured a world‑first panoramic retractable hard‑top that could change from coupe to roadster in just 16 seconds. Its roof system employed 11 hydraulic cylinders, 17 limit switches and numerous sensors to coordinate the operation, while the rear glass rotated around a horizontal axis to increase luggage space when open.

The SL 500 launched with a 5‑litre V8 delivering 306 hp, followed by higher‑performance versions such as the super‑charged SL 55 AMG (476 hp), the V12‑biturbo SL 600 and the extreme SL 65 AMG Black Series (670 hp). Special designo‑program variants offered bespoke paint, premium Nappa leather and bicolour trims, making the R 230 a highly sought‑after classic among collectors.