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Mercedes-Benz SL R231, facelift 2016 SL 500 V8 (455 Hp) 9G-TRONIC PLUS
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)
R231, facelift 2016 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz SL (R231, facelift 2016). With 700 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 excellent (0–100 km/h in 4.3 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 (455 Hp) 9G-TRONIC PLUS Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Combines the potent V8 with the sophisticated 9G-TRONIC PLUS, offering seamless power delivery and enhanced driving dynamics.
Fuel Economy
The 9-speed transmission optimizes fuel consumption for the V8, providing a noticeable improvement in efficiency without sacrificing power.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Powerful and diverse engine lineup, from refined V6 to exhilarating AMG V12.
- • Luxurious and comfortable interior with high-quality materials and advanced features.
- • Excellent ride comfort, especially with optional Active Body Control (ABC).
- • Timeless roadster design with a sophisticated retractable hardtop.
- • Strong brand prestige and advanced technology features for a premium experience.
Cons:
- • High purchase price and significant depreciation over time.
- • Expensive maintenance and running costs, particularly for AMG models.
- • Limited practicality with only two seats and modest trunk space when the roof is down.
- • Steering feel can be somewhat numb compared to more driver-focused sports car rivals.
- • Not officially Euro NCAP tested, though safety features are comprehensive.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(R129, facelift 1998: May, 1999 - July, 2001).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | SL |
| Generation: | R231, facelift 2016 |
| Modification (Engine): | SL 500 V8 (455 Hp) 9G-TRONIC PLUS |
| Start of production: | May, 2019 |
| End of production: | 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Roadster |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Engine systems: | Start & Stop System |
| Power: | 455 Hp @ 5250 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 97.6 Hp/l [132mm more] |
| Torque: | 700 Nm @ 1800-3500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 278.927 More details about the engine M 278.927 |
| Engine displacement: | 4663 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration: | BiTurbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 8 l |
| Coolant: | 12.3 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 92.9 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Maximum engine speed: | 6500 rpm. |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 14.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.7 l/100 km |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP): | 10.3-10.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 10.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 14.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 7.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10.1 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 6d-TEMP-EVAP-ISC |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 4.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 4.3 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h, Electronically limited |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 3.8 kg/Hp, 261.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 2.5 kg/Nm, 402.3 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 4.1 sec |
| 100 km/h - 0: | 34.9 m |
| 200 km/h - 0: | 143.9 m |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1740 |
| Max. weight: | 2175 |
| Max. roof load: | 75 kg |
| Max load: | 435 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 485 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 364 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 75 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4631 mm mm [132mm more] |
| Width: | 1877 mm mm [65mm more] |
| Height: | 1315 mm mm [15mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2585 mm mm [70mm more] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2099 mm |
| Front track: | 1600 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1604 mm |
| Front overhang: | 992 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1054 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 | 9 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 360 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 320 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 255/35 R19 |
| Front suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
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