2008 Mercedes SL-Class review
Refreshed Merc SL-CLass - still the best in class
Author: David Miles
Published: 01 May 2008
The refreshed and more aggressively styled SL-Class coupe/cabriolet with its electro-hydraulic folding roof should maintain its number one position as the world’s top premium sports car. It has always been the figurehead for the Mercedes-Benz range.
The latest prices range from £65,080 to £154,375 with 70 per cent of UK customers choosing the most affordable SL 350 variant.
Perhaps the outgoing SL-Class had become a little soft in its appearance and in its road manners but the latest injection of re-styling tweaks, more modern and improved levels of equipment with new instrumentation, sporty steering wheel and a higher grade of trim, should see it through until it is replaced in a couple of years time.
From the powerdome on the aluminium bonnet to the wider and more prominent single slat grille with the central Mercedes star and new bumper and headlight designs, the SL has become more of a muscle-car with a bolder new image.
Re-engineered powertrains
The main selling SL 350, 3.5-litre, V6 petrol engine has been radically reengineered to boost power while improving fuel economy.
Power output is increased from 272hp to 315hp, average fuel consumption is better, improving from 27.4 to 28.5mpg and CO2 emissions are down from 246 to 236g/km.
All other engines in the line up the SL 500, SL 600 and SL 62 AMG have more power or better fuel economy. The SL 65 AMG with 612hp remains unchanged but this model now has a race-start acceleration function which gets it from 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds. All SL models are restricted to a top speed of 155mph.
The SL’s suspension remains unchanged but Mercedes’ Active Body Control system, standard on all models except the SL 350 where it is an option, has been tuned to update the car’s handling performance.
Equipment levels needless to say, even for the SL 350, are comprehensive but there is still a long list of extra cost options customer’s can add to their car and the most popular will be Airscarf.
This fan assisted heating system in the lower section of the head restraints for both seats means even when it is cold the roof can be dropped down and the occupants can keep warm around the head and shoulders regions.
MILESTONES
Mercedes-Benz SL 350
Price: £65,080 Engine/transmission: 3.5-litre, V6 petrol 315hp, 360Nm of torque, 7G-Tronic 7-speed automatic with Tipfunction sequential gear change
Performance: 155mph (restricted), 0-62mph 6.2 seconds, 28.5mpg (22.2mpg actual), CO2 236g/km, VED Band G £400
For: Status and image, bold new looks, refinement, competitive price in its class
Against: Great to cruise in but old-school heavy handling, not very agile when pushed along
Brabus drops a massive engine into the Mercedes SL convertible, while the Merc IWC SL63 AMG comes with a free watch.
Mercedes has been busy refreshing older models such as the SL, SLK and CLS in the past few weeks - as well as finding more power with less CO2 emissions for their engines.
The new Mercedes SLK roadster launches in April in the UK with prices starting at £30K up to £52K for the 55 AMG model.
The new Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class has the power to be classed a fashionable roadster and as a genuine sports car.
Mercedes releases details and images of the new SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG performance cabriolets, on sale in the UK from April.
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