Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Mercedes-Benz SL R230, facelift 2008 SL 280 V6 (231 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 2008 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz SL (R230, facelift 2008). With 300 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1750 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.8 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 280 V6 (231 Hp) 7G-TRONIC Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Adequate performance for an entry-level luxury roadster, offering smooth power delivery suitable for relaxed cruising rather than outright speed.
Fuel Economy
The most economical option in the lineup, offering reasonable fuel consumption for its class, especially on longer journeys.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Stunning and timeless design with a retractable hardtop
- • Exceptional range of powerful and refined engines, from V6 to V12 AMG
- • Luxurious and comfortable interior with high-quality materials
- • Advanced technology for its era, including ABC suspension (on some models)
- • Excellent grand touring capabilities, smooth and quiet on highways
Cons:
- • High running costs, especially for V8 and V12 models (fuel, insurance, maintenance)
- • Complex electronics and ABC suspension can lead to expensive repairs as the car ages
- • Heavy curb weight impacts ultimate agility compared to pure sports cars
- • Limited practicality with only two seats and modest trunk space (especially with roof down)
- • Significant depreciation from new, though this makes used models good value
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(R230: April, 2003 - January, 2006).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | SL |
| Generation: | R230, facelift 2008 |
| Modification (Engine): | SL 280 V6 (231 Hp) 7G-TRONIC |
| Start of production: | April, 2008 |
| End of production: | December, 2011 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Roadster |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 231 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 77.1 Hp/l [27mm more] |
| Torque: | 300 Nm @ 2500-5000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 272.949 More details about the engine M 272.949 |
| Engine displacement: | 2996 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| 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 l |
| Coolant: | 11 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 88 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 82.1 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 11.3:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 13.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 9.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 13.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.4 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 7.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 7.8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h, Electronically limited |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.6 kg/Hp, 132 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.8 kg/Nm, 171.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 7.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1750 |
| Max. weight: | 2120 |
| 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: | 4562 mm mm [27mm more] |
| Width: | 1820 mm mm [7mm less] |
| Height: | 1317 mm mm [19mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2560 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2069 mm |
| Front track: | 1559 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1547 mm |
| Front overhang: | 985 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1017 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 R 17 |
| Wheel rims size | 8.5 J x 17 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Independent multi-link suspension |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Coil spring |
Real owners, real reviews. Tell us about your Mercedes-Benz SL.