Pricing announced for Mercedes SL range
Led by the storming SL 65 AMG, the facelifted SL-Class will reach Australian consumers in JuneMercedes-Benz announced pricing today for the major facelift of the R230 SL-Class model range.
As the importer promised us previously, prices have been adjusted upwards, but not by a massive impost (more here for the AMG models and here for the SL 350, 500 and 600).
The new models commence from $223,000 for the entry-level SL 350 -- an increase of $5000. Both the SL 500 ($306,000) and the SL 600 ($385,000) have also risen by $5000. As for the two AMG models, the SL 63 is now $382,000 (an increase of $6000) and the SL 65 twin-turbo V12 has reached $468,000, up $9,000.
Changes to the range include a new Direct-Steer system for all non-AMG models, a new V6 for the SL 350, Airscarf neck heating as standard for all variants, revised Comand multi-media information and entertainment system.
Developed with the assistance of Bishop Steering, a concern originally established by Aussie engineer Arthur Bishop, the Direct-Steer system employs a variable-ratio steering rack that changes the ratio according to the steering wheel angles.
The new V6 fitted to the SL 350 develops 232kW of power (an improvement of 32kW over the pre-facelift model), but still brings with it an improvement in fuel efficiency of 0.4L/100km over its predecessor.
Standard safety features for the all variants comprise: ABS, ESP, Brake Assist, alarm with interior motion sensor, electro-chromatic mirrors (including exterior mirrors), automatic roll-over bars behind the head restraints, dual front airbags, side-impact airbags for head and thorax protection, seatbelt pre-tensioners with force-limiters and a tyre pressure loss warning system.
New features as standard include: bi-xenon headlamps with Active Light System cornering function, dynamic range adjustment and headlamp cleaning system.
As reported previously, the new SL range introduces the SL 63 AMG to replace the SL 55 AMG. The new model does away with the supercharged 5.4-litre V8 of the SL 55 in favour of a naturally-aspirated 6.3-litre V8 which produces 386kW of power and 630Nm of torque. This engine, already introduced in other AMG-modified Mercedes cars sold in Australia, is hand-built at AMG's plant, with a 'one man, one engine' production philosophy.
Normally, such a car would be good enough to stake a claim on the role of flagship, but the SL 63 AMG is bested by the SL 65 AMG, which trumps everything with a twin-turbo 6.0-litre V12, developing 450kW of power and 1000Nm of torque. Peak torque is available across a range of engine speeds from 2000 to 4000rpm and at 1000rpm, the engine can still produce 570Nm of torque.
This prodigious performance propels the SL 65 AMG to 100km/h from a standing start in 4.2 seconds.
To comment on this article click here
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
