All current Mercedes-Benz SL-Class models are rear-drive and offer a wide variety of engines that are all teamed with automatic transmissions (a five- or seven-speed unit, depending on trim level). The SL 65 features the same new styling that dresses up the rest of the SL roadster lineup for 2009. Rounded dual headlamps are out for '09, replaced by angular bi-Xenon lamps that Mercedes says are more efficient and powerful than LEDs.

Because of all this torque and power, the SL 65 makes due with Mercedes' ultra-stout five-speed automatic transmission, rather than the six or seven-speed transmissions that seem de rigueur in high performance cars today. Still, Mercedes-Benz estimates that the SL 65 will hit 62 miles per hour in a mere 4.2 seconds.