Mercedes-Benz SL R231, facelift 2016 SL 400 V6 (367 Hp) 9G-TRONIC PLUS


Overall Rating

8.5 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.8 / 5
Value 3.5 / 5
Performance 4.7 / 5
Comfort 4.8 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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 500 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.1 l/100km). With a weight of 1660 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 4.9 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 400 V6 (367 Hp) 9G-TRONIC PLUS Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

The refined V6 paired with the advanced 9G-TRONIC PLUS offers smooth, responsive power delivery, enhancing both comfort and efficiency.

Fuel Economy

Improved fuel efficiency over the 7-speed G-TRONIC, making it the most economical choice for the SL 400, especially on highways.

Best Use Case: Long-Distance Cruising / Economical Luxury

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 400 V6 (367 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:367 Hp @ 5500-6000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:122.5 Hp/l [132mm more]
Torque:500 Nm @ 2000-4200 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
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Direct injection
Engine aspiration:BiTurbo, Intercooler
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:6.5 l
Coolant:10.8 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:88 mm mm
Piston Stroke:82.1 mm mm
Compression ratio:10.5:1
Maximum engine speed:6300 rpm.
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:11.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7.1 l/100 km
Combined fuel consumption (WLTP):9.5-9.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC):8.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC):11.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC):7.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:8.6 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 6d-TEMP-EVAP-ISC
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:4.9 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:4.9 sec
Maximum speed:250 km/h, Electronically limited
Weight-to-power ratio:4.5 kg/Hp, 221.1 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:3.3 kg/Nm, 301.2 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:4.7 sec
100 km/h - 0:33.6 m
Space:
Kerb Weight:1660
Max. weight:2115
Max. roof load:75 kg
Max load:455
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 ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears9
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringElectric Steering
Tires sizeFront wheel tires: 255/35 R19
Front suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension

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