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Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL350 (A) Review
05 Oct 2012|20,756 views
The best proof to the SL's excellence perhaps, lies in its heritage. Sixty years and counting, the flagship roadster has been highly regarded as the benchmark for luxury drop-top motoring. It also served as a symbolic icon for the marque with the three-pointed star.
It is no wonder then that much attention was given to this latest model, evident from the list of technology and gadgetry niceties that the SL comes equipped with, including premiering features such as the 'Magic Vision Control'. All these, not forgetting the two elemental values etched in the roadster's moniker: 'Sporty' and 'Light'.
Exterior
The latest SL has clearly taken on a sportier and more imposing stance. In fact the new car has grown up to 50mm in length and 57mm in width, promising not just visual delights, but also improvements in creature comforts.
In either form, the SL pulls off a commanding stance
It is no wonder then that much attention was given to this latest model, evident from the list of technology and gadgetry niceties that the SL comes equipped with, including premiering features such as the 'Magic Vision Control'. All these, not forgetting the two elemental values etched in the roadster's moniker: 'Sporty' and 'Light'.
Exterior
The latest SL has clearly taken on a sportier and more imposing stance. In fact the new car has grown up to 50mm in length and 57mm in width, promising not just visual delights, but also improvements in creature comforts.
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True to its origins, the roadster retained its signature long bonnet with a laid back cabin. The front facet ditched the 'L' shaped headlamps for an edgier assembly, which give it a more purposeful look, further accentuated by the central large three-pointed star which was first seen on the SLS AMG. The rump however underwent a more conservative remake, retaining a similar wedge-shaped layout found in the previous iteration.
The SL now sports a quartet of LED strings - a pair underlining the side air inlets on each flank; and a symmetrical twin marking on the inner casting of the projector headlamps. The latter is a delight to view, especially at night when they bring out a certain chic, stylish character of the car.
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Interior
Helped by the increased exterior dimensions, the interior of the SL is blessed by generous allowance. One can easily find a suitable seating / driving position, with space to spare behind the seats, which facilitates access to storage spaces.
The light-coloured interior lends itself to a pleasant ambience, which brings the luxurious flourishes to shine. Littered throughout the cabin are premium plastic and leather trims which feel soft to the touch. Otherwise, plastic with aluminium-look air-con vents and trims on the steering provides sporting contrast to the dashboard.
Taking centre-stage is a 7-inch TFT high definition screen which doubles as a display for the reverse camera. The encased monitor, however, does feel a tad diminutive, with less engaging graphics compared to those found on rivalling Lexus or BMW.
SL's plush, well-appointed interior lives up to the name of the luxury carmaker
Helped by the increased exterior dimensions, the interior of the SL is blessed by generous allowance. One can easily find a suitable seating / driving position, with space to spare behind the seats, which facilitates access to storage spaces.
The light-coloured interior lends itself to a pleasant ambience, which brings the luxurious flourishes to shine. Littered throughout the cabin are premium plastic and leather trims which feel soft to the touch. Otherwise, plastic with aluminium-look air-con vents and trims on the steering provides sporting contrast to the dashboard.
Taking centre-stage is a 7-inch TFT high definition screen which doubles as a display for the reverse camera. The encased monitor, however, does feel a tad diminutive, with less engaging graphics compared to those found on rivalling Lexus or BMW.
The latest SL also sports a number of technical debuts for the marque. For starters, in what Mercedes calls 'Magic Sky Control', the panoramic glass roof can be lightened or darkened at a touch of a button to vary the amount of sunlight entering the cabin. For enhanced safety, the windscreen sprinkler system is now fitted onto the wiper stalks, so as to prevent the momentary fogging of vision with conventional sprinkler systems.
Other electronic gizmo include a one-touch boot access button which lifts the stowed roof for better access to the rear luggage space. The reduced boot capacity of 364 litres will still hull daily commodities with ease. The remote sensing also works intuitively to open and close the boot lid with a 'kick' under the bumper.
Boot-access switch cleverly lifts stowed roof to allow ease of loading
Other electronic gizmo include a one-touch boot access button which lifts the stowed roof for better access to the rear luggage space. The reduced boot capacity of 364 litres will still hull daily commodities with ease. The remote sensing also works intuitively to open and close the boot lid with a 'kick' under the bumper.
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The Drive
Thanks to clever efficiency measures, the V6 under the hood of the SL350 produces 306bhp and 370Nm torque, an increment over its predecessor despite retaining the same capacity. That said, the power does arrive with some lag time, making the car feel a little laid back. The 5.9 seconds 0-100km/h timing does put the sporting endeavour into perspective too. For more ardent performance, you can opt for the 5.0-litre twin-turbocharged variant, which will see to the same sprint done in a mere 4.6 seconds.
Still, driving an SL is never about exhilarative performance, but rather the refined, 'wind-in-your-hair' experience. Like the previous generation, the new SL comes with a folding hard-top.
One would feel just as comfortable with the two-piece folding roof in place or stowed in the boot. The former setting offers an immaculately hushed environment that is rarely found in convertibles. The latter exposes one to the elements, but at a controlled manner. Wind and road noise are minimum at road legal speed, offering a genuinely enjoyable drop-top commute.
3.5-litre V6 despatches century sprint in 5.9 seconds
Thanks to clever efficiency measures, the V6 under the hood of the SL350 produces 306bhp and 370Nm torque, an increment over its predecessor despite retaining the same capacity. That said, the power does arrive with some lag time, making the car feel a little laid back. The 5.9 seconds 0-100km/h timing does put the sporting endeavour into perspective too. For more ardent performance, you can opt for the 5.0-litre twin-turbocharged variant, which will see to the same sprint done in a mere 4.6 seconds.
Still, driving an SL is never about exhilarative performance, but rather the refined, 'wind-in-your-hair' experience. Like the previous generation, the new SL comes with a folding hard-top.
One would feel just as comfortable with the two-piece folding roof in place or stowed in the boot. The former setting offers an immaculately hushed environment that is rarely found in convertibles. The latter exposes one to the elements, but at a controlled manner. Wind and road noise are minimum at road legal speed, offering a genuinely enjoyable drop-top commute.
The well-assisted steering makes piloting the SL a breeze, but does take away the driver-engagement while cruising at higher speeds. That however, should be the least of concerns, as the SL was meant to provide a plush, luxurious drive - one which it aces, helped by the smooth seven-speed gearbox which shifts almost imperceptibly.
Conclusion
The latest SL is adorned with an impressive array of gadgetries, amidst weight-saving and efficiency technologies, which makes the SL a compelling contender in its segment.
It too has a very captive and selective audience - one that does without the need to fit more occupants at the back. However, we reckon the SL may have a problem attracting the younger group of consumers, considering there are other models such as the SLK.
A lifestyle then, is what the latest SL has got to offer. And like the variants before, it charms one that pursues individualism and refinement.
Conclusion
The latest SL is adorned with an impressive array of gadgetries, amidst weight-saving and efficiency technologies, which makes the SL a compelling contender in its segment.
It too has a very captive and selective audience - one that does without the need to fit more occupants at the back. However, we reckon the SL may have a problem attracting the younger group of consumers, considering there are other models such as the SLK.
A lifestyle then, is what the latest SL has got to offer. And like the variants before, it charms one that pursues individualism and refinement.
The best proof to the SL's excellence perhaps, lies in its heritage. Sixty years and counting, the flagship roadster has been highly regarded as the benchmark for luxury drop-top motoring. It also served as a symbolic icon for the marque with the three-pointed star.
It is no wonder then that much attention was given to this latest model, evident from the list of technology and gadgetry niceties that the SL comes equipped with, including premiering features such as the 'Magic Vision Control'. All these, not forgetting the two elemental values etched in the roadster's moniker: 'Sporty' and 'Light'.
Exterior
The latest SL has clearly taken on a sportier and more imposing stance. In fact the new car has grown up to 50mm in length and 57mm in width, promising not just visual delights, but also improvements in creature comforts.
It is no wonder then that much attention was given to this latest model, evident from the list of technology and gadgetry niceties that the SL comes equipped with, including premiering features such as the 'Magic Vision Control'. All these, not forgetting the two elemental values etched in the roadster's moniker: 'Sporty' and 'Light'.
Exterior
The latest SL has clearly taken on a sportier and more imposing stance. In fact the new car has grown up to 50mm in length and 57mm in width, promising not just visual delights, but also improvements in creature comforts.
True to its origins, the roadster retained its signature long bonnet with a laid back cabin. The front facet ditched the 'L' shaped headlamps for an edgier assembly, which give it a more purposeful look, further accentuated by the central large three-pointed star which was first seen on the SLS AMG. The rump however underwent a more conservative remake, retaining a similar wedge-shaped layout found in the previous iteration.
The SL now sports a quartet of LED strings - a pair underlining the side air inlets on each flank; and a symmetrical twin marking on the inner casting of the projector headlamps. The latter is a delight to view, especially at night when they bring out a certain chic, stylish character of the car.
The SL now sports a quartet of LED strings - a pair underlining the side air inlets on each flank; and a symmetrical twin marking on the inner casting of the projector headlamps. The latter is a delight to view, especially at night when they bring out a certain chic, stylish character of the car.
Interior
Helped by the increased exterior dimensions, the interior of the SL is blessed by generous allowance. One can easily find a suitable seating / driving position, with space to spare behind the seats, which facilitates access to storage spaces.
The light-coloured interior lends itself to a pleasant ambience, which brings the luxurious flourishes to shine. Littered throughout the cabin are premium plastic and leather trims which feel soft to the touch. Otherwise, plastic with aluminium-look air-con vents and trims on the steering provides sporting contrast to the dashboard.
Taking centre-stage is a 7-inch TFT high definition screen which doubles as a display for the reverse camera. The encased monitor, however, does feel a tad diminutive, with less engaging graphics compared to those found on rivalling Lexus or BMW.
Helped by the increased exterior dimensions, the interior of the SL is blessed by generous allowance. One can easily find a suitable seating / driving position, with space to spare behind the seats, which facilitates access to storage spaces.
The light-coloured interior lends itself to a pleasant ambience, which brings the luxurious flourishes to shine. Littered throughout the cabin are premium plastic and leather trims which feel soft to the touch. Otherwise, plastic with aluminium-look air-con vents and trims on the steering provides sporting contrast to the dashboard.
Taking centre-stage is a 7-inch TFT high definition screen which doubles as a display for the reverse camera. The encased monitor, however, does feel a tad diminutive, with less engaging graphics compared to those found on rivalling Lexus or BMW.
The latest SL also sports a number of technical debuts for the marque. For starters, in what Mercedes calls 'Magic Sky Control', the panoramic glass roof can be lightened or darkened at a touch of a button to vary the amount of sunlight entering the cabin. For enhanced safety, the windscreen sprinkler system is now fitted onto the wiper stalks, so as to prevent the momentary fogging of vision with conventional sprinkler systems.
Other electronic gizmo include a one-touch boot access button which lifts the stowed roof for better access to the rear luggage space. The reduced boot capacity of 364 litres will still hull daily commodities with ease. The remote sensing also works intuitively to open and close the boot lid with a 'kick' under the bumper.
Other electronic gizmo include a one-touch boot access button which lifts the stowed roof for better access to the rear luggage space. The reduced boot capacity of 364 litres will still hull daily commodities with ease. The remote sensing also works intuitively to open and close the boot lid with a 'kick' under the bumper.
The Drive
Thanks to clever efficiency measures, the V6 under the hood of the SL350 produces 306bhp and 370Nm torque, an increment over its predecessor despite retaining the same capacity. That said, the power does arrive with some lag time, making the car feel a little laid back. The 5.9 seconds 0-100km/h timing does put the sporting endeavour into perspective too. For more ardent performance, you can opt for the 5.0-litre twin-turbocharged variant, which will see to the same sprint done in a mere 4.6 seconds.
Still, driving an SL is never about exhilarative performance, but rather the refined, 'wind-in-your-hair' experience. Like the previous generation, the new SL comes with a folding hard-top.
One would feel just as comfortable with the two-piece folding roof in place or stowed in the boot. The former setting offers an immaculately hushed environment that is rarely found in convertibles. The latter exposes one to the elements, but at a controlled manner. Wind and road noise are minimum at road legal speed, offering a genuinely enjoyable drop-top commute.
Thanks to clever efficiency measures, the V6 under the hood of the SL350 produces 306bhp and 370Nm torque, an increment over its predecessor despite retaining the same capacity. That said, the power does arrive with some lag time, making the car feel a little laid back. The 5.9 seconds 0-100km/h timing does put the sporting endeavour into perspective too. For more ardent performance, you can opt for the 5.0-litre twin-turbocharged variant, which will see to the same sprint done in a mere 4.6 seconds.
Still, driving an SL is never about exhilarative performance, but rather the refined, 'wind-in-your-hair' experience. Like the previous generation, the new SL comes with a folding hard-top.
One would feel just as comfortable with the two-piece folding roof in place or stowed in the boot. The former setting offers an immaculately hushed environment that is rarely found in convertibles. The latter exposes one to the elements, but at a controlled manner. Wind and road noise are minimum at road legal speed, offering a genuinely enjoyable drop-top commute.
The well-assisted steering makes piloting the SL a breeze, but does take away the driver-engagement while cruising at higher speeds. That however, should be the least of concerns, as the SL was meant to provide a plush, luxurious drive - one which it aces, helped by the smooth seven-speed gearbox which shifts almost imperceptibly.
Conclusion
The latest SL is adorned with an impressive array of gadgetries, amidst weight-saving and efficiency technologies, which makes the SL a compelling contender in its segment.
It too has a very captive and selective audience - one that does without the need to fit more occupants at the back. However, we reckon the SL may have a problem attracting the younger group of consumers, considering there are other models such as the SLK.
A lifestyle then, is what the latest SL has got to offer. And like the variants before, it charms one that pursues individualism and refinement.
Conclusion
The latest SL is adorned with an impressive array of gadgetries, amidst weight-saving and efficiency technologies, which makes the SL a compelling contender in its segment.
It too has a very captive and selective audience - one that does without the need to fit more occupants at the back. However, we reckon the SL may have a problem attracting the younger group of consumers, considering there are other models such as the SLK.
A lifestyle then, is what the latest SL has got to offer. And like the variants before, it charms one that pursues individualism and refinement.
Photos by Nicholas Low
Car Information
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL350 (A)
CAT B|Petrol|12.3km/L
Horsepower
228kW (306 bhp)
Torque
370 Nm
Acceleration
5.9sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
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