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Mercedes Benz introduced the two-door cabriolet back in 1954 with the famous 190 SL and 300 SL Roadster. Since then, it has been the market leader in this segment and has proved its positioning with the SL400 AMG. With a new twin-turbo V6 and a revamped exterior, we find out what keeps the SL going in a segment dominated by the Porsche 911 Cabriolet and the Jaguar F-Type S.
| Key Features: | |
| Engine | 3.0L Twin Turbo V6 |
| Transmission | 9 Speed GTronic |
| Power | 367hp / 500NM |
| Top Speed | 250km/h |
| Price | AED 380,000- 420,000 |
Exterior
The facelift that the 2017 Mercedes Benz SL400 flaunts is gorgeous, but seems to carry the German cabriolet into a direction previously uncharted. The revamped exterior, even though less aggressive, is beautiful and adds character to the vehicle with smooth sweeping lines and bold head-and-tail-lamps.
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Although the weakest in the SL range, the SL400 emanates an athletic presence and is nothing short of a head turner in the Designo Hyacinth Red Metallic hue our tester adorned. While beauty is subjective, the broad rear and prominent diffuser with protruding tail pipes undoubtedly lend it a menacing aura.
Sat on a set of 19-inch 7-spoke AMG wheels - that are absolutely stunning - the SL400 is everything a cabriolet should be and more. The lengthy bonnet that stretches into the horizon is an added bonus and injects a dose of flamboyance into the design. Aesthetically, the SL400 most certainly is an improvement over its predecessor now that there’s dynamism involved, or in my opinion at least.
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Interior
The cockpit of the SL400, even though rather familiar to the model it replaces, is dressed in supple leather and piano black accents, ensuring it can hold its own against its foes. With the hard-top roof folded away, it’s luxurious and comfortable – two key qualities the SL simply doesn’t skimp on.
The Designo seats are simply fantastic and in addition to being ventilated, they allow for air chambers to be inflated at the touch of a button, to alter seat cushion length, side bolster grip, all while getting a comfortable massage.
Unlike its smaller sibling, the SLC, the SL400 offers a cabin that isn’t claustrophobic. Granted, the keypad on the dashboard is a little dated in design, but the SL truly feels as a grand tourer should: comfortable.
Safety & Tech
The Mercedes Benz SL400 2017 is equipped with all the bells and whistles one would expect, from Traction Control (TCS) and Stability Control (ESC) to Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) and several air bags.
However, it’s the Active Body Control, a new addition to the brand’s range, that is worthy of a mention. Diminishing body roll by tilting the vehicle up to 2.65 degrees, it offers greater confidence when cornering and braking – the highest lateral g-force of any two-seater on the market. The Dynamic control system, further enhances the drive by allowing users to individually alter the exhaust, suspension, and transmission, for a truly unique experience behind the wheel.
The Magic Sky Control, an equally neat feature, prohibits sunlight from entering the cabin by turning the transparent sunroof opaque at the single press of a button. With Bluetooth connectivity, the SL allows for both Android and iPhone users to stream music and make calls effortlessly, in addition to pairing their phone’s SATNAV to the infotainment screen – lovely!
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Drive
Hidden under the elongated hood is a twin turbo V6 putting out 376 horsepower and helping launch the German cabriolet from 0-100Km/h in just 4.6 seconds. With 500 Nm of torque, not only is instant acceleration at any RPM a possibility, but so is a jaw dropping top speed of 250 km/h.
The 9G-Tronic transmission is simply sublime, offering super short gear ratios for quick acceleration and improved efficiency. Due to the hydrodynamic torque converter, not only is cruising comfortable but also mighty economical with the SL400 completing four full days of hooning without requiring a top-up.
Point the SL400 towards a corner and it plays ball, allowing you to feel the Active Body Control coming into play and preventing you from smashing the rear end into a barrier. For a rear-wheel-drive car, the grip and confidence it delivers, is simply breathtaking.
Verdict
The Mercedes Benz SL is all about driving with the roof down and the wind gently ruffling your hair in utmost luxury and tranquility – something the 400 does exceptionally well. Nothing short of a masterpiece, the SL400 brings together the segment’s finest engine, suspension, seats, and speakers, to become what is in my opinion, the best convertible grand tourer of 2017.
Pros:
- Addictive exhaust note
- Exhilarating experience behind the wheel
- Subjectively the best grand tourer of the year
Cons:
- Steep price tag
- Slightly dated interior design
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