Review
Mercedes SL400
The Mercedes SL has been a true sports car for more than 60 years and has now achieved iconic status and is sought after by many car enthusiasts. The Mercedes SL was recently given a facelift. It has been optimized both technically and visually and more than lives up to its name “Super Light” by featuring a body made entirely of aluminum. We went out with a beautiful SL400.
Novelties
One of the most striking novelties of the new SL is the new muzzle with a unique diamond-shaped radiator grille. The hood seems to stretch endlessly, which is further accentuated by two power domes. Furthermore, the new LED Intelligent Light System also contributes to the unique look of this car. In addition, the new SL also has more powerful engines, a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, DYNAMIC SELECT with five different modes and Active Body Control with tilt function. Day-to-day usability was also worked on. You can now also operate the hard top at speeds of up to 40 km/h.
4 models
The Mercedes SL is available in 4 different models, all with a petrol engine. The entry-level car is the SL400 and this was also our test car. The SL400 has a V6 engine with a capacity of 2,996 cc and six cylinders. This block delivers a power of 367 hp and a torque of 500 Nm. You reach 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. All SL models have a top speed of 250 km/h. From €107,085 you can place this SL400 in your driveway.
If you want a little more, you can opt for an SL500 (from 127,050 euros) with a 4,663 cc V8. This sports car has a power of 455 hp and a torque of 700 Nm. The journey to 100 km/h takes just 4.3 seconds. Both the SL400 and SL500 have a 9G-TRONIC automatic gearbox.
In addition to these two models, there are also two AMG versions. There is a Mercedes-AMG SL63. This beast is equipped with a V8 with a capacity of 5,461cc. This block delivers no less than 585 hp and has a max. torque of 900 Nm. You can reach 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and in terms of transmission, this SL is equipped with a lightning-fast AMG SPEEDSHIFT sports transmission with 7 gears. For this version you have to pay at least 166,375 euros.
The top model is the Mercedes-AMG SL65. This car has a power of no less than 630 hp and a max. torque of 1000 Nm. Under the hood there is a roaring 6-liter V12. The sprint to 100 km/h takes just 4 seconds. For this version you have to leave €250,228 at the dealer.
Connectivity
The new SL is also connected to “Mercedes me connect” functions via a SIM card in the car. This includes some basic services such as remote vehicle diagnosis, roadside assistance, remote diagnosis, accident assistance and maintenance management. You can optionally choose additional services. This way you can see the current position of your moving car, find your parked car via smartphone, lock the car via smartphone, etc.
Active Body Control
Optionally, the SL can also be equipped with Active Body Control (ABC) with tilt function (Curve). The ABC system will ensure that body movements are reduced when starting, braking or cornering, thereby increasing the comfort of the occupants. At higher speeds the SL will automatically be lowered by 13mm. For example, if you are driving on a worse road, you can also choose to increase the SL by 50 mm via a push button. Thanks to the tilt function “Curve”, centrifugal forces are limited. You can do this by selecting “Curve” via Dynamic Select, which smoothes out curves, again to the benefit of occupant comfort.
Conclusion
The new Mercedes SL has become a stylish roadster with an elegant and classic appearance. The hood in particular, which seems to go on forever, is a feast for the eyes. The interior looks sleek, but certain elements could have used a little freshening up. The SL is extremely comfortable for the occupants and even when you drive with the roof open, you experience virtually no turbulence.
Johan De Haes
Test driver
