The Mercedes-Benz SL family of cars stretches back six decades to as far as the iconic 300SL, the original “Gullwing”. We’ve seen some memorable models, including the “Pagoda” and the R107 made famous by the cast of Dallas.
The most recent, the R231 series, is probably the most brash of all the designs seen to date. The in-your-face looks and large proportions mean that the SL has presence by the bucket load.
Making SL ownership a more viable proposition, relatively speaking, the folks from Mercedes-Benz SA have just launched an entry-level member to the family, the SL400.
What is it?
South African buyers were not privy to the SL350, which the SL400 replaces in most markets around the world. It boasts the same 3,0-litre V6 engine as found in the slightly smaller E400.
This engine features two turbochargers to help deliver a maximum of 245 kW of power. More impressive is the 480 N.m of peak torque which swells from low engine speeds and crescendos between 1 600 and 4 000 r/min.
As with all the SL models the new variant is available exclusively with an automatic transmission, which transfers power to the rear axle.
Much like the smaller SLK, Mercedes-Benz SA has chosen to make the AMG visual treatment a standard feature across all the SL range. This is most evident in the front grille, lower side skirts and different bumpers at both ends, the rear housing chrome exhaust finishers.
How does it go?
Normally, I prefer to work my way up the power ladder when presented with several new models on a ride and drive event. That way I am not left with a sense of disappointment later in the day. Due to the logistics on the day this wasn’t possible.
At the SL400 launch we were given the opportunity to pilot the heavy hitting SL65 AMG prior to driving the newcomer. This could potentially have been a bad move, but one that was outside our control.
If there is one thing that an SL65 does not want for, it’s power. The twin-turbocharged V12 churns out a nearly unbelievable 463 kW and even more ridiculous 1 000 N.m. That power figure alone is up there with the best numbers that any supercar manufacturer can boast.
What the SL65 DOES want for, however, is grip. With a surfeit of torque to handle, the rear wheels spend more time being reined in than they do converting fuel into forward motion.
On the roads of the KZN Midlands, which feature a myriad speed cameras and an equal number of traffic enforcement officials hiding behind bridges, we chose to rather enjoy the crisp morning air and the scenery.
When less is better
Stepping into the SL400 is a no less luxurious experience thanks to the AMG seats, carbon-fibre trim on the test unit and a flat-bottom sports steering wheel.
The V6 motor fires with a smooth if somewhat subdued undertone. We headed to the Nottingham Road area, well-known for its microbreweries of which we got to try none, and were quickly surprised by the SL400. The creamy nature of the bent six is more evident the harder you rev it. The soundtrack builds to a satisfying but muted howl at the very end of the rev range.
If you weren’t already aware, you’d be hard-pressed to tell that this engine uses any form of forced induction as the power builds in a linear fashion from just over idle. Mercedes-Benz quotes an acceleration time of 5,2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h, which in all likelihood is more performance than any SL driver will ever need or use.
Unlike the SL65 which carries twice the number of cylinders in the engine bay, the SL400 feels a tad more nimble – this car was also fitted with Mercedes’ trick Active Body Control damping system. Not only that, but the smaller diameter wheels also help create a ride that is more pliant.
Summary
At a shade over R1,2 million the SL400 isn’t the same kind of entry level vehicle as say a Chev Spark or a Ford Figo, but in the hierarchy of the Mercedes SL range is a bargain at roughly R330 000 more wallet friendly than the SL500.
For some, the lack of a V8 motor and the associated power and torque may be too much to stomach; for the rest who are just keen on an open-top driving experience and a heightened levels of luxury, the SL400 is just the ticket.
