Facelifted Mercedes SL up to $33K cheaper

Australians in the market for Mercedes-Benz's top-shelf luxury roadster, the SL, will save up to $33,000 if they purchase one of the facelifted models now available in local showrooms.

As we forecast here, the upgraded roadster range comprises the SL 400, which now opens the range at $218,715 ($9895 less than before), the SL 500 – which at $278,715 is a big $32,895 more affordable than the model it replaces, and the AMG SL 63, which at $368,715 is $29,895 cheaper.

What's more, although the revised AMG SL 65 V12 won't be sold here because its $480,000-plus predecessor found just six Aussie buyers in the last four years, the price cuts come despite a raft of upgrades for all other SL models, including powerful engines, nine-speed automatic transmission, five-mode DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes and Active Body Control with curve tilting function.

The three-model SL range opens with the SL 400, powered by a 270kW/500Nm 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6. In addition to the features listed above, other new features include AMG Body Styling, COMAND Online with Apple CarPlay, LED Intelligent Light System and 19-unch wheels.

Also standard is leather upholstery, Harman Kardon Logic 7 600-Watt surround sound with 11 speakers, AIRSCARF, heated and ventilated sport seats, KEYLESS-GO Package, MAGIC VISION CONTROL, Automatically retracting electro-hydraulic vario-roof, Ambient lighting and a DVB Digital TV Tuner.

Stepping up to the SL 500 brings a 335kW/700Nm 4.7-litre bi-turbo V8, plus Black Ash high gloss wood trim, a wood/leather steering wheel and power-closing doors.

The range-topping Mercedes-AMG SL 63 misses out on the 9GTRONIC auto (instead employing a carry-over seven-speed MCT unit) and also continues with a 430kW/900Nm 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8, which manages to shave two-tenths off its 0-100km/h claim (now 4.1 sec).

Standard features include AMG 19/20-inch wheels, AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control )available as an option for SL 400 and 500 buyers), AMG locking rear differential, AMG high-performance braking system and AMG sports exhaust system.

Extras for this facelift include Exclusive Nappa Leather upholstery, Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG sound system, AMG specific IWC clock, AMG Active multi-contour seats and a panoramic vario-roof.

Standard safety items across the range include six airbags, PRE-SAFE, ATTENTION ASSIST, Active Bonnet, Flashing adaptive LED brake lights and a reversing camera.

In addition, all Australian SL models will come standard with Driver Assistance Package PLUS including Distance Pilot DISTRONIC autonomous intelligent cruise control with Steering Assist, Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist.

Mercedes-Benz SL pricing (plus ORCs):
SL 400 — $218,715
SL 500 — $278,715
AMG SL 63 — $368,715