Mercedes nip-tucks SL

Mercedes-Benz has treated its SL uber-convertible to a mid-life nip and tuck. The freshen-up is aimed to ensure the prestige roadster remains an appealing prospect in the face of newer opposition such as the BMW 6 Series and Jaguar XK.

Headlining the updates are a new range of engines (all of which are claimed to deliver more power and better refinement), along with a few cosmetic tweaks to both exterior and interior.

The updated SL 500’s new 5.5-litre V8 pumps out 285kW and 530 Nm (compared with the existing model’s 225kW/460Nm), so it’s hardly surprising that the 0-100km/h split has been trimmed from 6.2 to 5.4sec.

The revised SL 350 gains the 200kW/350Nm V6 (already seen in a range of models), and this unit is distinctly better than the 180kW/345Nm 3.7-litre V6 offered in the existing model. It’s claimed to accelerate to 100km/h in 6.6sec, more than half a second quicker than its predecessor.

Topping the range is the SL 600 with its V12 bi-turbo engine. The output and maximum torque of this unit have been increased to 380kW and 830Nm respectively, enabling the 0-100km/h dash to slaughtered in 4.5sec.

All three engine variants of the SL-Class have newly developed exhaust systems that are claimed to deliver a “particularly stirring and powerful engine note”.

Mercedes-Benz equips the V6 and V8 models of the new SL-Class with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission as standard. 7G-TRONIC Sport, which is available as an optional extra, allows shifting to be performed up to 30 per cent faster in manual mode.

Complementing the powertrain upgrades are second-generation Active Body Control and more direct steering, which are claimed to make for noticeably sportier handling without compromising ride quality.

External changes include a new bumper with three large cooling air intakes and a more pronounced ‘V-shape’, as well as fog lamps with chrome surrounds and a matt-silver-painted radiator grille with three louvres and chrome highlights. Changes to the rear are limited to revised light clusters.

The updated SL debuts at the upcoming Geneva motor show and is expected here later in the year.