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Mercedes-Benz SL R230, facelift 2008 SL 600 V12 (517 Hp) Automatic
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 830 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1970 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 4.5 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 600 V12 (517 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Effortless and supremely smooth V12 power, delivering rapid acceleration with exceptional refinement. A true luxury cruiser with immense reserves of power.
Fuel Economy
Very high fuel consumption, typical for a large V12 engine. Expect frequent stops at the pump.
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 600 V12 (517 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | April, 2008 |
| End of production: | December, 2011 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Roadster |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 517 Hp @ 5000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 93.8 Hp/l [27mm more] |
| Torque: | 830 Nm @ 1900-3500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 275.954 More details about the engine M 275.954 |
| Engine displacement: | 5513 |
| Number of cylinders: | 12 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 3 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | BiTurbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 8 l |
| Coolant: | 15 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 82 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 87 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 21.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 13.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 21.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 9.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 13.9 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 5 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 4.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 4.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h, Electronically limited |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 3.8 kg/Hp, 262.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 2.4 kg/Nm, 421.3 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 4.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1970 |
| Max. weight: | 2320 |
| Max. roof load: | 75 kg |
| Max load: | 350 |
| 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 | 5 |
| 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 | Front wheel tires: 255/40 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 8.5J x 18 |
| Front suspension | Hydraulic elements, Independent multi-link suspension |
| Rear suspension | Hydraulic elements, Independent multi-link suspension |
Behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz SL. How does it handle on the road?