Mercedes-Benz SL R230, facelift 2008 SL 300 V6 (231 Hp) 7G-TRONIC


Overall Rating

8.4 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.8 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 4.5 / 5
Comfort 4.8 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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 1740 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 300 V6 (231 Hp) 7G-TRONIC Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Similar performance to the SL 280, providing smooth and sufficient power for a relaxed driving style. Not designed for aggressive driving.

Fuel Economy

Offers the best fuel economy of the entire lineup, making it the most cost-effective choice for daily driving and touring.

Best Use Case: Economical cruising, city driving, entry-level luxury experience with improved efficiency.

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, facelift 2008: April, 2008 - December, 2011).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:SL
Generation:R230, facelift 2008
Modification (Engine):SL 300 V6 (231 Hp) 7G-TRONIC
Start of production:April, 2009
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 [Same length.]
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:7.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:88 mm mm
Piston Stroke:82.1 mm mm
Compression ratio:11.3:1
Maximum engine speed:6500 rpm.
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:13.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC):9.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC):13.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC):6.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:9.3 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 5
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:7.5 kg/Hp, 132.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.8 kg/Nm, 172.4 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 200 km/h:26.4 sec
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:7.4 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1740
Max. weight:2110
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 [Same length.]
Width:1820 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1317 mm mm [Same height.]
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 ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears7
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs, 330 mm [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesVentilated discs, 300 mm [Best for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size255/45 R 17
Wheel rims size8.5 J x 17
Front suspensionCoil spring, Independent multi-link suspension
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension, Coil spring

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