Mercedes-Benz adds new SL400 to roadster range

SL refreshed with new SL400, which replaces SL350, and offers more power and torque thanks to Mercedes’ latest 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine.

The Mercedes-Benz SL350 has been replaced with a more powerful SL400 as part of a series of subtle changes brought to the SL line-up. The move is part of a bid to stir sales of the two-year-old luxury roadster.

The SL400 is powered by Mercedes-Benz’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 direct injection petrol engine, unveiled in the new E400 early last year. With 328bhp and 354lb ft of torque, it delivers 26bhp and 81lb more than the naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 direct-injection petrol unit used by the SL350.

Despite the appearance of a new nine-speed automatic gearbox on selected new Mercedes-Benz models, the new SL400 runs the tried and tested seven-speed automatic. Official performance claims give it a 0-62mph time of 5.2sec – beating the SL350 by 0.7sec – and an electronically limited 155mph top speed.

Combined cycle consumption is put at 39mpg for average CO2 emissions of 172g/km, in the process providing the new SL model with EU6 compliance.

Source: autocar.co.uk