First look inside: Benz unwraps SLS interior

THE slow-release reveal of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG supercar has continued with this week’s unveiling of the gullwinged two-seater’s aircraft-inspired interior.

While the roof-hinged “swing-wing” doors are partly revealed in the latest images to emerge from Affalterbach, it is the interior of the Mercedes-AMG super-coupe that is expected to attract the most attention this time round.

As previously reported, the SLS cabin features a wing-shaped dashboard, with the centre console stack designed to resemble an aircraft operating console and the four upper air vents with “cruciform” nozzles styled to be reminiscent of jet engines.

Nappa leather seat trim, solid metal switchgear and the option of genuine carbon-fibre surfaces further develop the “aviation engineering” theme, which aims to promote a custom-built appearance with “enormous” attention to detail, motorsport practicality and outstanding ergonomics.

“The interior of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is not only very special because of the exclusive swing-wing doors,” says Mercedes-Benz head of design, Gordon Wagener.

“The visible influence of aviation engineering, the high-grade materials and the practicality typical of a sportscar will make the hearts of sportscar enthusiasts beat faster. At the same time the new interior styling indicates the design philosophy for coming generations of Mercedes sportscars,” he said.

As we’ve reported, the SLS AMG will go on sale globally in the second quarter of 2010, powered by a 420kW/650Nm dry-sump version of AMG’s in-house 6.2-litre petrol V8, mated to a seven-speed AMG Speedshift DCT transmission.

Mercedes-Benz has also previously revealed that the effective successor for the McLaren SLR and the first gullwinged Mercedes model since the 1950s will also sport a 365mm flat-bottomed three-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters and power-adjustable sports seats with fixed head restraints.

Hand-stitched Designo leather will feature a contrasting seam on the dashboard, seats, interior door panels and armrests, while standard equipment will include Thermatronic, cruise control with Speedtronic, Parktronic, rain-sensing wipers, light-sensing headlights and keyless opening/starting.

It now appears that the exterior of the circa-$450,000 coupe is all that remains to be revealed.

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