As the SL turns 60, it receives a body transplant, rejuvenating it from its near decade old look.
· Design & Engineering:
A symbol of status, luxury, and sheer comfort, the SL doesn’t disappoint. With roots stretching back over half a century, the SL receives a new skeleton—now made of aluminium and magnesium. In simple English, it means that the SL sheds 110kg, turning the roadster into a sporty yet lightweight vehicle. From the front, the Merc looks exactly like the ingoing SLK, bar slight changes to headlamps. With air vents and a slight bulge on the bonnet, the SL sneaks hints of its sheer power and capabilities. ‘Magic Vision Control’—a function exclusive to Mercedes-Benz, channels washer fluid into heated wiper blades for invisible windscreen wipes. Such small hints point towards the opulence provided by the new SL. From the side, the SL seems relatively imposing, with a large stance, and beauteous curves. From the rear, the usual Mercedes LED lights, (first debut on the new E-Class) flank the sides, with rectangular chrome exhausts protruding out from the SL’s bum. On the whole, the roadster looks taut and simply put—ready for action.
· Interior
On the inside, the usual Mercedes-Benz fittings come as standard. As featured on the SLK, the same COMMAND system and speedometer makes its debut on the SL. In contrast though, the SL provides a slightly ‘grippier’ and more stylish gear shifter. Air vents come in cockpit style, once again clad in chrome. What appeals to me most about the SL, is the amount of detailing available on hand. For instance, the entire cabin, already clad in German leather (literally—from side panels, to dashboard coverings, etc.) can be specified to come in colours of all sorts. Even the steering wheel can be specified to be clad as two-toned, so as to match whichever funky leather colour specified. As mentioned before, the SL code shares a good number of DNA with its younger sibling—the SLK. Therefore, features such as Magic Sky Control, Active Parking Assist, etc, all come as standard. With the roof up, the SL feels as quiet as a fixed-head coupé, symbolizing the roadster’s heritage of versatility. In addition, the SL features the same safety kit as the current S-Class, thereby making it the safest roadster currently on the market.
· Ride & Handlings
For now, the SL will feature two engines, being the V6 SL350 and the V8 SL500, until an AMG variant finds its way into the market. Both engines are 140kg and 125kg lighter, respectively, than the outgoing SL. The SL500 features a twin-turbo V8, allowing the SL to hit 0-100km/h in a mere 4.6 seconds. The non-turbo variant provides 306BHP, and achieves the century sprint in a slightly slower 5.9 seconds—still much more impressive than its predecessor. Both engines feature a 30% increase in fuel efficiency, keeping in line with Mercedes’s BLUE EFFICIENCY lineup. As expected 7-G TRONIC transmission comes as standard, thus providing a buttery smooth ride.
· Verdict
An imprint in history. A legend lived on. Welcome home SL; good job Mercedes.
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