What's the news?
Mercedes-Benz has updated its SL range with a new entry-level model, the SL 400, which replaces the erstwhile SL 350.
Exterior
The SL 400 gets an AMG body kit on the outside, which includes AMG front and rear aprons, side skirts, boot lid spoiler, and 19-inch AMG wheels.
Interior
On the inside, the SL 350's replacement gets a flat-bottomed steering wheel, AMG floor mats and brushed aluminium trim. It also gets Merc's footwell-mounted 'FrontBass' subwoofer system and DAB as standard equipment.
Mechanicals
The SL 400 uses an EU6-compliant 3.0-litre biturbo V6 petrol engine that makes 333hp of power and 480Nm of torque. This, in comparison to the SL 350's figures, is an increment of 27hp and 110Nm. Unsurprisingly, the 0-62mph time has been lowered, from the SL 350's 5.9-second figure to 5.2 seconds.
It also gets sports suspension.
Anything else?
If you are looking for something sportier, then fret not, the SL 63 AMG has been given an upgrade too. While the 5.5-litre biturbo V8 engine continues to power the SL 63 AMG, it now makes 585hp of power and 900Nm of torque, an increase of 48hp and 100Nm respectively over the outgoing car. Also, to make sure the power is put down to the road effectively, an AMG limited slip differential will be fitted as standard.
Both these SLs will be available from July onwards.
Paranjay Dutt - 10 Apr 2014