Mercedes SL, An Old-fashioned Grand Tourer Convertible

The Mercedes SL is a somewhat peculiar model within the range of the German manufacturer. The diversification suffered by all the segments in which the brand is active have led to this spectacular convertible being relegated to a position of exclusivity, becoming a niche car. 

Its commercial career began in the fifties and currently for sale is the sixth generation, which dates from 2011 and was renewed in 2016. With this update, improvements were made to the multimedia system and an exterior and interior redesign.

Mix of concepts

The exterior of the sixth generation when it came on the market perfectly expressed what was the path taken by the brand when its slogan was “Something is happening at Mercedes.” However, that time is now over and with the latest update, ideas more in keeping with recent times have been introduced, so the exterior of the SL combines a mix of stylistic concepts.

Two stages in one body. It is not something that usually ends well, but in the case of the SL, it is spectacular. Aggressive and elegant at the same time. The long, low front features the Panamericana grille and sharp headlights with LED technology for all its functions. This aggressiveness is calmed down in a profile where the only prominent element is the ventilation intake behind the front wheel arch, a tribute to the first SL, a true classic.

For its part, the rear has hardly changed and is appreciated, since the initial design was very successful. Since 2016, the bumpers have new shapes and the pilots have been updated.

You will not want to get out of the cabin

Like the exterior, the interior combines elements of the past generation of Mercedes with the latest releases. Recent are the multimedia system and its controls, as well as the steering wheel. Otherwise, it retains all the well-known master lines, with the aviation-inspired ventilation intakes and the use of high-quality leather to cover all surfaces.

V6 and V8 engines as the only option

The mechanical range of the SL is quite small, with only two gasoline options. The first of these, the SL 400, is equipped with a turbocharged V6 engine that delivers 367 hp to the rear wheels. On the other hand, the SL 500 mounts a turbocharged V8 engine that delivers 455hp power, also to the rear axle.

As for the transmission, only a 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission is available , the same that is already mounted on other models of the house. It is a change by torque converter that since its premiere in 2013 has been giving very good results due to its correct operation.

Once on the road, what stands out the most is the low driving position it presents, from which the hood seems to have no end. With the change there is no problem, since it always looks for the highest gears, so do not look for a very sporty behavior on board an SL.

Better feel the engine and suspension. The first of them delivers all its strength from very low revs, so an overtaking or acceleration for fun will not be a problem, nothing that you step on will put you at ‘illegal’ speeds. As for the suspension, it inherits from the S-Class Coupé what is known as Active Body Control, which tilts the body in curves (from 15 to 180 km / h) to reduce roll and lateral force to the occupants.

Available from 119,700 euros

The Mercedes SL is an expensive car, which little by little has been losing strength within the range of the German firm, and is that with the diversification that it has undergone, the competition has it at home. It has become a niche car, so its rates are not exactly affordable. Something similar happens to its main rival, the BMW 6 Series.

The most basic version, the SL 400, has a starting price of 119,700 euros without options, while if the SL 500 is chosen, the label marks a minimum of 145,000 euros.

The last decision is the responsibility of the buyer as expected, but seeing the wide range of cabrios that Mercedes has, it would be good to consider a lower model such as an E-Class Cabrio loaded to the brim with equipment or spend a little more and do with an S-Class Convertible, better in every way. Changing the third, if what you are looking for is a purely sports convertible, better look at the AMG GT.

Mercedes SL data

• 2 doors
• 2 places
• Luggage compartment: 356 liters (235 liters with the top down)
• Rear-wheel drive
• V6 and V8 engines with powers of 367 hp and 455 hp respectively
• Consumption and emissions: from 7.7 l / 100 km and 175 g / km of CO2
• 9-speed automatic transmission
• Price: from € 119,700