New Ride Control suspension for 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Mercedes-Benz has announced a new sports suspension called the AMD Ride Control for their flagship sports car, the SLS AMG, to achieve the best possible balance between agility and ride comfort for any driving style and road surface.

Along with a new gear selector with an embossed AMG emblem, you get a new shock-absorber symbol in the AMG drive unit that allows individuals the convenience of adjusting the variable, electronically controlled damping characteristics. There is a choice of three modes: “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport Plus” with each selected mode shown in the AMG main menu. “Comfort” is the default setting while “Sports” makes the absorbers tauter in response reducing body roll and pitching. “Sport Plus” is recommended for lap times at race circuit. Depending on the selected suspension mode, different control configurations and parameter weightings are active to strike the best possible balance between comfort and dynamic performance.

Also new to the SLS AMG is the optional Blind Sport Assist system that uses the radar sensors of the “Parktronic” system to recognize vehicles in the blind spot and warns the driver through an initial visual warning on the relevant side mirror followed by an acoustic warning. The system activates at speeds of more than 30kmph while delays warnings for about 1.5 seconds for vehicles that have just been overtaken. It monitors the area around the vehicle to a distance of around 3.5 metres on each side and three metres beyond the rear.

Other new options available are the weight-optimised 10-spoke forged wheels in matt black paint finish and high-sheen rim flange, red-painted brake callipers, “Sepang brown” metallic paint, “Espresso brown” single-tone or two-tone “Designo” leather and high gloss black centre console trim.

With immediate effect, the new AMG Ride Ccontol sport suspension should be available on request for the SLS AMG Coupé and Roadster for a cool equivalent price of Dhs 11,640.

For UAE & GCC updates, visit the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG buyer guide.