The all-new Mercedes-Benz SL range kicks-off significantly lower at $225,000 for the SL 350. Even better news for the range-topping SL 500 which is priced at $304,500 (down from $334,840 for the previous model).
Under the bonnet, ‘Benz has equipped the latest SL 350 with its 225kW/370Nm 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, now with auto start/stop and driving through the seven-speed automatic transmission to deliver fuel consumption of 8.3l/100kms.
The SL 500 scores the 320kW/700Nm 4.6-litre V8 which also adopts auto star/stop and the seven-speed auto to drop fuel consumption to 9.4l/100kms.
Styling is evolutionary, but clearly the latest Mercedes-Benz SL has muscled-up with a much more athletic look in profile thanks to strong character lines accentuating the front fender vents and also at the front where the latest ‘Benz grill adopts the aerodynamic upright stance. The latest SL is longer and wider than its predecessor and Mercedes says this is reflected in enhance interior space.
Weight reduction has been a focus with ‘Benz paring 110kgs from the body shell alone as the SL 350 tips the scales 140kgs lighter than its predecessor and the SL 500 weighs-in 125kgs lighter.
Inside ‘Benz enthusiasts will pick a total new look – new dashboard, new instruments, new steering wheel, new seats, new trim materials and new colours.
Naturally new technology abounds – this is Merecdes-Benz after-all – and one that got our attention was ‘kick-to-open’. While that sounds like a new offensive play from American Football in fact it’s a clever system which enables those Mercedes-Benz SL owners with their keys in the pocket, but hands full to hands-free open the boot by pretending to kick it (no ‘Homer’ you don’t actually kick it but the gesture sets-off a radar based system).
And here’s some sensational news - it’s not just the standard model Mercedes-Benz SLs which enjoy much better value. The storming SL 63 AMG delivers a massive drop from $422,255 to $381,500 while the SL 65 AMG – Car Showroom’s favourite convertible – will set you back $466,500.
The new range looks like this:
SL 350 $225,000
SL500 $304,500
SL 63 AMG $381,500
SL 65 AMG $466,500
