Mercedes prices new SLs

The updated and upgraded Mercedes-Benz SL roadster range has arrived Down Under. Featuring both mechanical and styling enhancements, the latest SLs were unveiled at the Geneva Show in February. They hit Aussie showrooms this month.

While styling changes are subtle, Mercedes says the new SLs’ engines, powertrains and chassis have been “optimised to deliver a sportier response.” New V6 and V8 engines, as well as an uprated V12 powerplant are featured along with second-generation Active Body Control and more direct steering.

Interior upgrades include new colour schemes and the adoption of steering wheel shift paddles as part of the optional 7G-TRONIC Sport package.

Mercedes says price increases have been kept to a minimum with the SL 500 unchanged at $299,900.

Ironically, it is the 500 (pictured) that is arguably the most enhanced under the mid-life makeover. Featuring the new 5.5-litre V8 debuted in the recent S 500, the SL 500 now boasts a healthy 285kW/530Nm under the bonnet – 40kW up on its predecessor.

Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes just 5.4sec (down from 6.2) with no cost in terms of fuel consumption.

The SL 350’s 200kW V6 is also new, says Mercedes, and the top-of-the-range SL 600’s V12 is now rated at 380kW/830Nm (was 368kW/800Nm).

All three engine variants get new, more ‘fruity’ exhausts and the V6 and V8 are equipped with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmissions 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.

The SL also gets Benz’s second-generation ABC (Active Body Control) active suspension system. Standard on the 500, 600 and 55 and 65 AMG models, the new system claims to deliver a 60 per cent reduction is body movement in hard cornering without sacrificing comfort.

It’ll take a keen eye to spot the new SLs with body changes subtle. Up front there’s a new bumper with revised (and more aggressively styled) under bumper intakes. The grille has been ‘matted’ and at the rear new tail lights clean up the look. The SLs also get revised alloys.

The 2006 SL range kicks of with the $214,900 SL 350 – up from $209,900. As noted above the SL 500 is unchanged at $299,900 with the 600 now priced at $374,900 (up $2000).

The AMG-fettled SL 55 AMG (also pictured) and 65 AMG are now priced at $374,900 and $457,900 respectively – both up $2000.