Now that Australians have the option to treat themselves to the smaller C-Class Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz has now confirmed pricing and specifications for the larger and more luxurious (but still two-doored) SL-Class, their famous flagship open top cruiser.
The SL is a car that, especially over the past few generations, has had to fill an uncommonly broad gamut of roles. Simultaneously expected to be - often upon a button press - a relaxed high cruiser, luxurious urban express, and dynamic stormer on a winding road. And for the most part, the German outfit has succeeded in shoehorning all those traits, leading to a very impressive all-round package deserving of its benchmark status.
For the Australian market, we’ll be receiving the latest generation R231 SL-Class which come with more powerful engines and sportier handling with Dynamic Select and an advanced Active Body Control suspension setup. They comprise of three models from launch, the SL 400, SL 500, and AMG SL 63.
- SL 400: $218,715
- SL 500: $278,715
- AMG SL 63: $368,715
Starting with the SL 400, the base variant of the Mercedes-Benz luxury convertible range is powered by a 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 engine that produces 270kW and 500Nm and kicks off the range with a generous amount of standard equipment such as the aforementioned Dynamic Select driving modes, leather upholstery, Harman/Kardon Logic 7 600W 11-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay support, heated and ventilated sports seats, interior ambient lighting, and 19-inch wheels.
The mid-range SL500, meanwhile, gains a 4.7-litre bi-turbo V8 engine delivering 335kW and 700Nm. Over the entry model, it gains a Nappa leather upholstery, Black Ash high gloss wood trim, a wood and leather steering wheel and power closing doors.
Finally, the AMG SL 63 gets power from a 5.5-litre bi-turbo V8 engine that generates 430kW and 900Nm, allowing a century sprint time of just 4.1-seconds. It comes fitted with either 19 or 20-inch AMG wheels, Active Body Control suspension tuned by AMG, locking rear differential, and sports exhaust.
Those might be very well suited to the Hyde personality of the Mercedes-Benz SL, but the more sedate Jekyll will find the new Nappa leather upholstery, Bang & Olufsen sound system, special IWC in-car clock, AMG Active multi-contour seats, and panoramic vario-roof to be more complementary.
For more on Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
