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Mercedes-Benz SL R230 AMG SL 55 V8 (476 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 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz SL (R230). With 700 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1880 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 4.7 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.
The Mercedes-Benz SL R230 generation was not officially tested by Euro NCAP. However, Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era generally featured robust safety structures and advanced passive safety systems for their time, including multiple airbags and stability control.
AMG SL 55 V8 (476 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A supercharged beast, offering exhilarating acceleration and a distinctive, aggressive V8 roar. A true performance icon with instant torque delivery.
Fuel Economy
High fuel consumption, though slightly better than the V12 AMG. This engine prioritizes performance over efficiency, as expected from an AMG.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Stunning design with a retractable hardtop for all-weather versatility.
- • Exceptional ride comfort, especially with Active Body Control (ABC) suspension.
- • Wide range of powerful and refined engines, from V6 to AMG V12.
- • Luxurious interior with high-quality materials and advanced features for its time.
- • Strong performance, particularly in V8 and V12 variants.
Cons:
- • Complex Active Body Control (ABC) system can be very expensive to maintain and repair.
- • High running costs for V8 and V12 models (fuel, insurance, parts).
- • Early models can suffer from electronic issues and rust in certain areas.
- • Limited practicality with only two seats and modest trunk space with the roof down.
- • Depreciation can be significant, though now stabilizing for well-maintained examples.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W113: December, 1966 - January, 1968).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | SL |
| Generation: | R230 |
| Modification (Engine): | AMG SL 55 V8 (476 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | December, 2001 |
| End of production: | January, 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Roadster |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 476 Hp @ 6100 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 87.5 Hp/l [250mm more] |
| Torque: | 700 Nm @ 2650-4500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 113.992 More details about the engine M 113.992 |
| Engine displacement: | 5439 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 3 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Supercharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 8.5 l |
| Coolant: | 13 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 97 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 92 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 20.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 10.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 14.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 20.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 10.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 14.2 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 4.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 4.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h, Electronically limited |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 3.9 kg/Hp, 253.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 2.7 kg/Nm, 372.3 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 4.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1880 |
| Max. weight: | 2200 |
| Max. roof load: | 50 kg |
| Max load: | 320 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 317 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 235 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 80 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4535 mm mm [250mm more] |
| Width: | 1815 mm mm [55mm more] |
| Height: | 1295 mm mm [25mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2560 mm mm [160mm more] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2050 mm |
| Front track: | 1569 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1551 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11 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 |
Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Mercedes-Benz SL rank in your book?