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Mercedes-Benz SL R231 SL 500 (435 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 700 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1785 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 4.6 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 500 (435 Hp) G-TRONIC Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A powerful V8 delivering excellent acceleration and a classic SL performance feel, very capable for spirited driving.
Fuel Economy
Acceptable fuel economy for a V8 of this power, though higher than the V6 models.
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(R107, facelift 1985: 1985 - 1989).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | SL |
| Generation: | R231 |
| Modification (Engine): | SL 500 (435 Hp) G-TRONIC |
| Start of production: | 2012 |
| End of production: | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Roadster |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 435 Hp @ 5250 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 93.3 Hp/l [227mm 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 |
| Fuel injection system: | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration: | BiTurbo, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity: | 8 l |
| Coolant: | 12.3 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 12.8-12.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.1-7.0 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.2-9.1 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 5 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 4.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 4.6 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 4.1 kg/Hp, 243.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 2.6 kg/Nm, 392.2 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 4.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1785 |
| Max. weight: | 2165 |
| 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 [227mm more] |
| Width: | 1877 mm mm [87mm more] |
| Height: | 1315 mm mm [15mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2585 mm mm [125mm more] |
| Front track: | 1600 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1604 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 | 7 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | G-TRONIC PLUS |
| 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 | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 255/40 R18; 285/35 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 18 |
| Front suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
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