| New Model Preview | 2008 Geneva Motor Show | Mercedes-Benz SL |
The outgoing Mercedes SL may pack more computing power than Bill Gates's toy box, but that hasn't stopped Merc coming up with yet more high tech to upgrade its luxury roadster. More relevant for keen drivers is the uprated 3.5-litre V6 engine for the entry-level SL 350.
The revised SL 350 has 315bhp to play with and sees off 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds, making it 0.4 seconds quicker than the old model. There's now a seven-speed automatic gearbox as standard for the SL 350, which Merc says contributes to a sportier drive and helps return a combined economy of 28.5mpg - that's 1.1mpg better than the 350's predecessor. The SL 500's V8 and the V12-powered SL 600 remain unchanged, though Merc's engineers have improved both of these engines' fuel economy by 3%.
Among the new technology for the revised SL is Mercedes' Direct Steer System, which works in a similar way to BMW's Active Steering. It gives greater assistance at low speeds for easier town driving and parking, but when the steering wheel is turned more than five degrees from the centre at higher speeds it quickens its responses.
There is also an optional Intelligent Light System that offers five different lighting set-ups to tailor vision to the conditions. This offers settings for the countryside, motorway and fog, as well as cornering lights and an active light function that follows the direction of the steering. Mercedes says this system can improve the range of vision by up to 60%.
The SL also finally receives the AirScarf that has been fitted to the SLK since 2004. This blows warm air through the headrest to warm the occupants' heads and neck to allow open-top driving even when there's a chill in the air.
Spotting the revised SL will be no problem as Mercedes has opted for a radical redesign of the headlights that ditches the rounded shape of the old model's for a more angular design. There's also a more prominent radiator grille and three-pointed star badge, while the bonnet sprouts two 'powerdomes'. Each front wing now has a 'gill' that acts as an air outlet. At the rear, a new bumper incorporates a diffuser and there are trapezoidal-shaped exhaust pipes that make the new SL instantly recognisable.
Inside, the changes are a little more subtle, though keen fans will note the new instruments with needles that now rest at the 6 'o clock position when the engine is switched off. There's also a new three-spoked steering wheel design and fluted leather seat covers.
Mercedes has not released UK pricing, which is likely to be announced when the revised SL makes its world debut at the
Geneva motorshow in March. However, expect prices to creep up and for the range to start from around £65,000.
Alisdair Suttie - 4 Feb 2008