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Mercedes-Benz SL R231 SL 400 (333 Hp) G-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)
R231 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz SL (R231). With 480 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10 l/100km). With a weight of 1730 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 5.2 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 (R231) was not officially tested by Euro NCAP. However, Mercedes-Benz vehicles typically incorporate advanced safety features and robust construction, reflecting the brand's commitment to occupant protection.
SL 400 (333 Hp) G-TRONIC Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A strong V6 BiTurbo providing a great balance of power and refinement, significantly quicker than the SL 350.
Fuel Economy
Offers a good balance between performance and fuel efficiency, making it a compelling mid-range option.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Stunning and elegant design
- • Powerful and diverse engine options, from efficient V6 to monstrous V12
- • Luxurious and high-quality interior with advanced technology
- • Exceptional ride comfort, ideal for grand touring
- • Versatile retractable hardtop for coupe-like refinement or open-air driving
Cons:
- • High initial purchase price and significant depreciation
- • Substantial running costs (fuel, maintenance, insurance)
- • Limited practicality with only two seats and moderate trunk space
- • Complex electronics can be expensive to repair as the vehicle ages
- • Steering feel can be less engaging than some sports car rivals
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(R231: 2012 - 2015).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | SL |
| Generation: | R231 |
| Modification (Engine): | SL 400 (333 Hp) G-TRONIC |
| Start of production: | 2014 |
| End of production: | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Roadster |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 333 Hp @ 5250-6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 111.1 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 480 Nm @ 1600-4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 276.825 More details about the engine M 276.825 |
| Engine displacement: | 2996 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Fuel injection system: | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration: | BiTurbo, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6.5 l |
| Coolant: | 10.8 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 10.2-9.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.2-5.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.7-7.3 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 6 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 5.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 5.2 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.2 kg/Hp, 192.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.6 kg/Nm, 277.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 4.9 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1730 |
| Max. weight: | 2110 |
| Max load: | 380 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 381 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 241 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 65 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4617 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1877 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1315 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2585 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1600 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1604 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 96 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.04 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 13.2° |
| Departure angle: | 13.1° |
| 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 |
| Gearbox type | G-TRONIC |
| 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 |
| Tires size | 255/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
| Front suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
Does the Mercedes-Benz SL live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!