Reviews
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A mid-life facelift brings more pleasing lines and active damping to Mercedes’ absorbing power cruiser.
WHAT IS IT? Much prettier, that’s what. Mercedes has given its iconic SL two-seater a nose job for this mid-life update and it’s the better for it. There are tweaked engines too, and a new gearbox and suspension tune, plus a new price tag which is up to 10 percent cheaper. So you’re literally getting more for less.
MAIN RIVALS Jaguar F-Type convertible, Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, BMW M6 convertible, Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante, Ferrari California T
PLUS: Engaging engines; improved styling and suspension tech; grippy chassis; cheaper; equipment boost MINUS: Still more cruiser than apex hunter; interior starting to feel dated; front axle lacks precision and intuitiveness; no V12
It takes a single glance to know the SL’s mid-life facelift has succeeded. The old car’s styling divided opinion, especially around its nose, but this new nip’n’tuck is much more pleasing. The new, all-LED lights are thinner, the snout is more cohesive and a redesigned bonnet is now strafed by a pair of bulges similar to those of the iconic 1955 300SL Gullwing. It’s all rather handsome.
There are mechanical tweaks too. Non-AMG models now use a 9-speed automatic gearbox, and Merc’s Active Body Control suspension system, which replaces conventional sway bars with computer-controlled dampers, is now available as an option. As is the Curve tilting function as fitted to the S-Class Coupe, which leans the car into corners like a motorbike to offset body roll.
The new 9-speed ’box is smooth and intuitive, though obviously calibrated more towards cruising than performance. Even with Sport+ selected on the now standard Dynamic Select dial, the torque converter auto rolls into the next gear instead of slamming shifts home with conviction.
It scores the trick ABC suspension system as standard, and the result is a car that instantly feels more focused. Its 430kW/900Nm 5.5-litre V8 is more explosive, its front axle keener to turn inn, and there’s an enormous amount of rear grip thanks to sticky 285/30R20 rear Michelin Super Sports.
Yet there’s still no escaping the SL’s colossal size. Peering down its enormous bonnet gives the impression that two thirds of the car is in front of you, and while the steering is fluid, it lacks any real feeling of connection to the road and front wheels. This can make it difficult to judge the SL’s trajectory and steering inputs when you really begin to push.
Better news is the SL’s price. Despite its extra equipment, Benz has slashed between five and 10 percent from the SL’s sticker, which mightn’t sound like much but can translate to a saving of up to $40,000. It means you can now score one of the best fast all-rounders on sale, for less.
SPECS Model: Mercedes-Benz SL 500 Engine: 4663cc V8, dohc, 32v, twin-turbo Max power: 335kW @ 5250rpm Max torque: 700Nm @ 1800-3500rpm Transmission: 9-speed automatic Weight: 1720kg 0-100km/h: 4.3sec (claimed) Fuel economy: 9.0L/100km Price: $280,000 (estimate) On sale: July 2016
