Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2012 Review

Mercedes has taken a new stance in its first all-new SL sports roadster in 10 years, leaning strongly in the direction of making it a highly competent grand touring machine. Grand Touring (which is what GT really stands for though the meaning has become somewhat twisted over the years) is all about moving safely and surely at high-speeds from one upmarket destination to another in sporting luxury.

VALUE

The entry level SL 350 starts from  $225,000 and goes all away to the top of the range SL 500 starting from $304,500. Sophisticated hotrod AMG variants are also available, the V8 63 (from $381,500) goes on sale at the same time as the mainstream SL models, the V12 65 (from $466,500) is coming very early in 2013.

TECHNOLOGY

Power comes from a choice of a Benz 3.5-litre V6 engine (the SL 350) producing 225 kilowatts of power and 370 Newton metres of torque, or a bi-turbo 4.7-litre V8 (SL 500) outputting up to 320 kW and a staggering 700 Nm.

Both powerplants take drive to the rear wheels by way of a seven-speed automatic transmission that runs a sportier state of tune than we have experienced in passenger Mercedes models in recent times.

On an environmental note, the engines have trimmed carbon production and petrol usage by about 10 to 20 per cent when compared with those in the outgoing generations of SLs.

DESIGN

Given the severe traffic and equally severe limitations on travelling at high speeds in many countries, the designers of the Mercedes SL have worked hard at an interior which is almost a destination in its own right. The interior of a new SL is certainly a pleasant place to spend many hours enjoying the feeling of conditioned air, fine music by way of Mercedes’ longtime partner Harmon Kardon and a generally relaxing atmosphere.

Quality materials are assembled in an exacting manner, resulting in a blend of form and function that looks and feels most impressive. You can choose to do your grand touring in a closed coupe, or a coupe that feels semi-open if you choose to use the Mercedes’ Magic Sky Control to let your chosen amount of light through the glass roof, or ultimately do away with the roof altogether by powering it down into the back of the car for a convertible ride.

Weight has been trimmed by some 70 kilograms in comparison to the superseded model, the car plus two people and their luggage is still mighty close to two tonnes in weight.

DRIVING

Superb electronic stability and steering systems mean a Mercedes SL can grip the road with cornering loads that the passenger certainly feels as G-forces mount. Yet retains an enormous amount of safety as sensors read the forces on various sections of the car and adjust the suspension, brakes and steering to make the car steer itself on just the right path.

The driver can dial out some of the assistance depending on their desires, right down to almost-off settings should they wish to tackle a race track. Not the SL’s intended station in life, but one that can be tackled if you’re interested in something out of the ordinary in weekend entertainment.

We sampled both engines over a varied drive route out of Melbourne and back organised by Mercedes-Benz Australia. The SL 350 has plenty of performance and is probably all that is needed by many drivers. The acceleration to overtake or simply to get away from the traffic lights with a bit of verve is satisfying and the exhaust note and air intake sounds are pretty satisfying.

But, and we freely admit to being revheads, the twin-turbo V8 has so much more grunt that we simply loved everything it did during our 200+ kilometres behind the wheel of the SL 500. The deep note of the V8 is addictive and the push in the back from that over abundance of Newton metres is brilliant.

We spent much of the time with the roofs down on both the SL 350 and SL 500 and found buffeting is minimal when the power operated windbreak is up. Mercedes’ clever Airscarf pumps warm air over your neck and as the heat went out of the sun later in the day made life more pleasant than it would otherwise have been.

VERDICT

The big Benz is first and foremost a sporting tourer and can be hammered along in a manner that defies its size and weight.

RANGE

The complete new Mercedes-Benz SL is:
SL 350 3.5-litre two-door convertible: from $225,000 (automatic)
SL 500 4.7-litre two-door convertible: from $304,500 (automatic)
AMG SL 63 5.5-litre two-door convertible: from $381,500 (automatic)
AMG SL 65 V12 two-door convertible: from $466,500 (automatic)

Mercedes-Benz SL

Price: from $225,000 (SL350), $304,500 (SL500)
Warranty: Three years/unlimited km
Resale: 58 per cent
Service Intervals: 12 months/25,000km
Safety: 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, EBA, TC, active bonnet
Crash Rating: 5 stars
Engine: 3.5-litre V6, 225kW/370Nm (SL350); 4.7-litre bi-turbo V8, 320kW/700Nm (SL500)
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto; rear-wheel drive
Thirst: 8.3L/100km, 192g/km CO2 (SL350); 9.4L/100km, 218g/km CO2 (SL500)
Dimensions: 4.61m (L), 1.88m (W), 1.31m (H)
Weight: 1685kg (SL350), 1785kg (SL500)