Sheikh Nawaf Nasser bin Khaled al-Thani in the new SL
The new Mercedes-Benz SL has been launched by NBK Automobiles at Katara at a function attended by scores of clients. NBK Holding chairman and CEO Sheikh Nawaf Nasser bin Khaled al-Thani and NBK Automobiles general manager Khaled Shaa’ban were present on the occasion.
NBK Auto also launched the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system which will add further innovation to the company’s relationship with its clients.
RFID offers better service with notification when a specific client enters the showroom, real-time messages, recommendation of products or vehicle, ability to build a ‘wish-list’ and faster sales transactions. Earlier in 2011, NBK Auto launched the QR Code as a way to add entertainment and innovation to its Customer Relationship Management systems.
The new SL is produced almost entirely from aluminium. As a result, the SL 500 weighs around 125kg less and the SL 350 is 140kg lighter.The new BlueDirect engines are more powerful and up to 29% more economical.

The new Mercedes-Benz SL launched in Qatar

Other new features include the unique Frontbass system, which turns the luxury sports car into a concert hall and the highly efficient adaptive windscreen Magic Vision Control. Sheikh Nawaf al-Thani described the new SL as an automotive icon with class, style, the ultimate in comfort and luxury, and with incredible sportiness and dynamism. Shaa’ban said that with the completely redeveloped SL, Mercedes-Benz continues a tradition that began 60 years ago.
“The letters ‘SL’ have ever since been synonymous with a symbiosis of sportiness, style and comfort,” he said.
The new electromechanical Direct-Steer system ensures excellent stability and assuredness. The V8 in the SL 500 develops 435hp with up to 22% less fuel consumption and a torque of 700 Nm. The V6 in the new SL 350 develops 306hp and delivers 370 Nm of torque.
The SL comes with Eco start/stop function and the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission.
The SL 350 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and the SL 500 in 4.6 seconds.
Fine materials distinguish the style of the interior. Generously used wood trim extends from the centre console across the dashboard into the doors.
Other hallmarks of the SL balanced proportions include: a long bonnet; a wide, powerful rear end; elaborately styled and finely worked lines and grilles with chromed fins.
The roof can be retracted in 20 seconds with three versions: painted, with glass roof or with the unique panoramic vario-roof with Magic Sky Control.
The boot can be opened hands-free and with a ‘kick.’ Pre-Safe and other assistance systems make the SL ‘the world’s safest roadster.’ The rigid aluminium bodyshell forms a sturdy compartment with driver and front passenger airbags, Neck-Pro head restraint and headbags. A thorax airbag protects the upper body.
More safety innovations include the drowsiness detection system Attention Assist and the Adaptive Brake.
The Active Parking Assist identifies parking spaces and steers the vehicle into the space while parking.
The Cockpit Management and Data System (Comand) includes Bluetooth; Comand Online with Internet and DVD changer; the option of sending destinations and routes via Google Maps; new apps: news app, Facebook app and apps for share prices and a car park finder. Both Comand versions feature high-resolution colour display.