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Mercedes-Benz SL R230, facelift 2006 SL 500 V8 (388 Hp) 7G-TRONIC
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz SL:
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a grand touring sports car manufactured by Mercedes-Benz since 1954. The designation "SL" derives from the German term "Sport-Leicht", which translates to "Sport Light" in English.
Initially, the first 300 SL was a racing sports car built in 1952 with no intention of developing a street version. In 1954, an American importer Max Hoffman suggested the street version of 300 SL for the wealthy performance car enthusiasts in the United States where the market for the personal luxury car was booming after the Second World War....(Read more on Wikipedia)
R230, facelift 2006 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz SL (R230, facelift 2006). With 530 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1835 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 5.4 s). The top speed reaches 250 km/h. A two-seater convertible designed for open-top driving pleasure. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
SL 500 V8 (388 Hp) 7G-TRONIC Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A strong all-rounder, providing robust V8 power and excellent acceleration for spirited driving and comfortable long-distance journeys.
Fuel Economy
Acceptable fuel consumption for a powerful V8, striking a good balance between performance and running costs within the range.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Stunning and timeless design with a retractable hardtop
- • Wide range of powerful and refined engines, from V6 to V12
- • Luxurious and comfortable interior with high-quality materials
- • Excellent ride comfort, especially with ABC suspension
- • Strong brand prestige and presence
Cons:
- • High running costs, particularly fuel and maintenance for V8/V12 models
- • Complex Active Body Control (ABC) suspension can be very expensive to repair
- • Significant depreciation from new, though good value on the used market
- • Limited practicality with only two seats and moderate trunk space
- • Some interior electronics can be dated or prone to issues
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W113: January, 1968 - March, 1971).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | SL |
| Generation: | R230, facelift 2006 |
| Modification (Engine): | SL 500 V8 (388 Hp) 7G-TRONIC |
| Start of production: | January, 2006 |
| End of production: | February, 2008 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Roadster |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 388 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 71 Hp/l [247mm more] |
| Torque: | 530 Nm @ 2800-4800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 273.961 More details about the engine M 273.961 |
| Engine displacement: | 5461 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 8.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 98 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90.5 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.7:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 18.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 12.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 18.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 8.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 12.2 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 5.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 5.4 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h, Electronically limited |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 4.7 kg/Hp, 211.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.5 kg/Nm, 288.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 5.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1835 |
| Max. weight: | 2205 |
| Max. roof load: | 75 kg |
| Max load: | 370 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 339 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 235 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 80 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4532 mm mm [247mm more] |
| Width: | 1827 mm mm [67mm more] |
| Height: | 1298 mm mm [22mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2560 mm mm [160mm more] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2033 mm |
| Front track: | 1559 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1537 mm |
| Front overhang: | 956 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1016 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.04 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 7 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 255/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 8.5J x 17 |
| Front suspension | Hydraulic elements, Independent multi-link suspension |
| Rear suspension | Hydraulic elements, Independent multi-link suspension |
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