Two New Benz SLs: SL Night Edition and SLK Grand Edition

Mercedes Benz has just rolled out two new special edition SL models: the SL Night Edition, and the SLK Grand Edition. MB says that both " ... both of which feature a stylish interior with numerous sophisticated highlights." I will leave whether they are "stylish and sophisticated" up to the buyers, but they are special, at least.

The (pretentiously named) SL Night Edition features optional designo magno night black matt paint finish on the exterior to accentuate the exclusive, sporty appearance of the ride. I know that going with black matt paint has been the rage for a while now, but to me, it still looks like primer, and still looks out of place on anything but a hot rod.

The SL Night Edition comes with 19-inch AMG five-spoke light-alloy wheels in a two-tone, high-gloss finish, and also sports silver-painted front brake calipers with the Mercedes-Benz logo. Benz also thought it was a good idea to darkened the headlamps and taillights to "accentuate the exclusive status" of the model. There's also a badge on the front fenders to identify the Night Edition.

On the inside of the big SL, there's black nappa leather and shiny-shiny chrome trim. The newly designed seats have arrow-shaped seams and silver contrasting features. The sports steering wheel, shift lever and roof lining are all in black. And the vents of the AIRSCARF system are silver-colored. The AIRSCARF is a pretty smart idea that blows warm air over the driver when the soft top is down in cool ambient temperatures.

The SLK Grand Edition has special designo graphite paint finish, which I think I have seen on other Merc special runs out there. Since both of these new special models have folding hardtops, they combine the advantages of a roadster with those of a coupe. Yes, I am jealous of that feature, and the latest Miata having one makes me want it even more.

The interior of the SLK Grand Edition also gets the AIRSCARF treatment as its big brother SL. The interior color scheme is "a restrained, stylish grey," with seats upholstered in basalt grey nappy leather, with arrow-shaped seams and designo pearl leather on the side bolsters. There are even tone-in-tone, grey seat belts.

The same basalt grey nappa leather is also used for the door linings, and designo pearl leather for the armrests. They've decided to do the stitching in red, which will probably look real cool for about 18 months. There's an embossed Grand Edition emblem above the glove compartment, and the floor mats are bordered in the same shade of grey and also feature the same logo.

Photos: Mercedes Benz