Currently reading: New SL’s tweaks are under its skin

New SL’s tweaks are under its skin

Mercedes-Benz has released details of its revised SL-class roadster – but you’ll have to look under the skin to see where the real changes have been made.

Only subtle exterior tweaks have been introduced – a new bumper with air intakes, fog lamps with chrome surrounds, different alloy wheels and new rear lights. But under the bonnet, two new engine options are available – a 272bhp V6 in the SL350 and a 388bhp V8 in the SL500. Mercedes boasts that the V6 is more economical than its predecessor, despite producing 11 per cent more power. In addition to the two new engines, the twin-turbo V12 in the SL600 has been boosted to 517bhp.

Mercedes is fitting the SL350 and SL500 with a seven-speed automatic transmission, but its 7G-TRONIC Sport system, which changes gear up to 30 per cent faster, is available as an option on those models. It comes as standard on the SL600.

The SL will be available in UK Merc dealers from March. Prices start at £62,885 for the SL350, £75,880 for the SL500 and a cool £101,220 for the range-topping SL600.

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