What is it
This is the new Mercedes-Benz SL - a mid-generation refresh for the big, opulent, two-seat convertible that has been in the Mercedes-Benz lineup for 60 years.
The German auto maker says this is the most dynamic SL in its history, and can transition from leisurely open-top driving to the country club to serious track-minded performance. But really, the SL has always been a powerful luxury tourer.
Signature feature
The biggest noticeable difference is the front fascia; the new wide and narrow diamond-look grille has more of an A shape to it as opposed to the former V shape; it is part of the new design language of future Merc vehicles. The headlights are now standard LED with a long, neon-look eyebrow for a distinctive profile. Overall it gives the revised Roadster an even more distinguished look.
What else is new
Inside there’s a new flat-bottom steering wheel, new instrument cluster and a new available colour for the seats - saddle brown.
Beyond esthetics, the SL now offers more standard features, such as active brake assist and collision prevention assist plus a new parking assist feature that automatically turns the wheels when pulling into a spot, a Harman Kardon surround-sound system and, most notably, a nine-speed automatic transmission on the non-AMG models (the AMGs stay with the seven-speed auto to handle the higher torque).
An optional Driver Assist Package with twin cameras adds adaptive cruise control and active lane assist, Pre-Safe braking and cross-traffic brake assist for pulling out onto a motorway. Five driver modes are now available, from Eco to Sport+ and Individual, which change the active dampers, engine mapping and other dynamics.
Under the hood
The U.S. will continue to get the SL450, only now it gets 362 horsepower from its 3.0-litre biturbo V-6. Canada’s base Roadster continues to be the SL550, with 449hp from its V-8. Of course, for added performance, there’s the AMG SL63 (5.5L V-8) and AMG SL65 (6.0L V-12), with 577 horsepower and 621 horsepower respectively.
When can we buy it, and for how much
The Mercedes-Benz SL will arrive in Europe in April and then in North America in late May or early June. Prices have not yet been set, but are expected to be around the $124,600 starting price of the current model.
Cool quotient
3 stars (out of 5)
Mercedes says this is a more dynamic driver than ever before, but it won’t challenge the Porsche 911 convertible – it’s still a car for the boulevard-cruiser and highway-hitter set. But if you’re okay with that, you’ll be surrounded in luxury with plenty of power under the hood and satisfying handling abilities.
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