The SL denomination is one of the oldest in the German house. The acronym comes from the German abbreviation Sport Leicht, which means light sports car. The Mercedes SL It has always been focused as a high-performance GT sports car, capable of rivaling other heavyweights in the segment and the industry in terms of power and capabilities.
As we have been saying, the SL nomenclature is one of the longest in the house. The first time that Mercedes used it was in the 1954 with the launch of the Mercedes 190 SL and the legendary Mercedes 300 SL "Gullwing", named for its characteristic gull-wing style door opening. Since then the letters SL have accompanied all two-passenger coupe/cabrio sports cars, with the exception of the Mercedes-AMG GT.
Today the Mercedes SL family reaches five generations. The last one was presented in 2011 at the Detroit Auto Show. That same generation is the one that accompanies us today, although in 2016 it receives an update. A facelift that is still in force and will be replaced in 2021 with the launch of the sixth generation. A much-needed change given the excessive longevity of the current model.
Technical characteristics of the Mercedes SL
The passage of time is noticeable in evidence such as the platform. The Mercedes SL uses an adapted chassis. A particular structure that does not allow you to enjoy the most modern technology in the house. With the change to the new generation of 2021 the sports car is expected to use the MSA architecture (Modular Sports Architecture). Thanks to this you will be able to enjoy greater technology and a more modern mechanical range.
In terms of its dimensions, the Mercedes SL appears to be larger than it really is. We are talking about a sports car that reaches 4,63 meters long, 1,87 meters wide and 1,31 meters high. To these levels we must add a wheelbase of 2,58 meters, which leaves us with a limited passenger compartment for only two occupants, who will be located in the center of the vehicle for optimal weight distribution on each axis.
Obviously we are not talking about the most practical and functional model of Mercedes. Its two-seater cabin is limited by its retractable hard top. A metal hood that limits load capacity, but raises the sensations behind the wheel. The trunk has a minimum capacity of 485 liters, which are reduced to 345 liters when the roof is folded in the trunk. On the other hand, its minimum weight is 1.735 kilograms.
Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Mercedes SL
Although the range of engines for the Mercedes SL has been very wide in recent years, it currently sports a portfolio limited to only two options, both gasoline. The power structure features a classic configuration: front engine and rear wheel drive. All units come with a nine-speed automatic transmission that Mercedes calls 9G-TRONIC, which sends all the power of the engine to the rear axle.
The access version, called SL 400, enjoys a turbocharged block made of aluminum with six cylinders in vee and 2.996 cubic centimeters of displacement. develop 367 horsepower between 5.550 and 6.000 revolutions and reaches a maximum torque of 500 Nm between 2.000 and 4.2000 engine revolutions. Its top speed is limited to 250 km/h, and it is capable of doing 0 to 100 km/h in just 4,9 seconds.
The most efficient unit of the house, after the disappearance of the SL 63, is the Mercedes SL 500. In this case, a turbocharged block of eight cylinders in vee with 4.663 cubic centimeters is equipped. It develops 455 horsepower at 5.250 revolutions and shows 700 Nm of torque between 1.800 and 3.500 revolutions.. Its top speed is 250 km/h, electronically limited, and it is capable of doing 0 to 100 km/h in just 4,3 seconds.
Equipment of the Mercedes SL
To put it in some way, the Mercedes SL is the flagship of the SL range, just above the mercedes slc, his little brother. That means that he must offer superior quality finishes, and he does. High-quality materials are joined together in a typical in-house assembly and manufacturing process.. The sense of perceived quality is high, although the arrangement of elements is more traditional than usual.
Like the Mercedes S-Class It debuts technology that later transfers to the rest of the range, with the SL the same thing happens. Although right now he doesn't enjoy the latest, the sports two-seater was the first to debut seats with Airscarf. It is a system that generates a current of air around the neck of the occupants so that they can travel without a hood and not suffer bad weather conditions.
As for the rest of the technology available in the Mercedes SL, we can mention some systems such as adaptive cruise control, parking assistant, LED headlights, COMMAND system with navigator and seven-inch screen, air suspension, dual-zone climate control, electric and heated seats, Harman/Kardon sound system and a discreet team of assistants and driving aids.
The Mercedes SL in video
The Mercedes SL of Km 0 and Second Hand
As so many generations have passed through the market, the Mercedes SL has a well-nourished supply available in secondary markets. In them we observe that there is a disparity in prices depending on the year of production and generation. As with many classic models, previous generations begin to revalue. In all of them we can see that the depreciation is low, lower than that of its closest rivals.
If we take a look at the used channel, we see how the cheapest units are those belonging to the fourth generation, the SL R129. Their prices start in amounts close to 8.000 euros. If we jump to the latest edition, from 2011 onwards, the price grows a little until it reaches a minimum of 9 or 10 thousand euros. As production of the SL has ceased, a Km 0 market is not available.
Rivals of the Mercedes SL
When it comes to establishing rivals for the Mercedes SL, you have to think of a very exclusive and limited market. The vast majority of their opponents are found in Germany. All of them with the same or similar configuration. Namely, high-performance, high-priced two-seater sports cars. Figures such as the Audi R8, Aston Martin DB11, BMW Serie 8, Lexus lc, Maserati GranCabrio or Porsche 911. Among all of them, the Mercedes penalizes for its excessive longevity, although as we have already said, Mercedes is working on correcting that problem.
Highlight
- Sporty design
- Gran Turismo Behavior
- Habitability and trunk
To improve
- Price of equipment extras
- Motorization options
- Price/power ratio
Mercedes SL prices
When setting prices, the Mercedes SL is offered from a minimum of 122.700 euros. This amount corresponds to a 400 horsepower SL 367 with base finish. The most expensive of the family mounts the 8-horsepower V455 block, the SL 500. In that case, the minimum sale price amounts to 148.600 euros. All prices are without offers or promotions.
Mercedes SL photo gallery
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