Mercedes-Benz Unveils An ''Affordable'' SL
We know that a Mercedes-Benz SL is not exactly bargain-priced. The sleek roadster comes with a $123,400 price tag (and that can climb up to $242,500 for the SL65 AMG version), so it’s no surprise that many buyers end up in a much less flamboyant vehicle. Problem is, the competition is less expensive too, prompting shoppers to go see other luxury German automakers for their luxury roadster needs.
In an effort to bring more people into their dealerships looking for their next convertible, Mercedes-Benz announced a new model in their US lineup: the SL400. Trading the thirsty V8 for the new twin-turbocharged, 329 horsepower V6 found in the E-Class, this new SL can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds, which is only 0.6 of a second slower than the V8 models.
The SL400 is not exactly stripped of its features, either: it comes with the Harman Kardon sound system, Mercedes-Benz Comand infotainment, leather seats and a retractable wind deflector. Like all SLs, it is equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission, heated and ventilated seats and dual-zone climate control.
So how much for this two-door wonder? In the US, it will be sold for about $20,000 less than the SL550. An approximate calculation tells us that we can expect this model to be sold for just over $100,000 ($103,400).
That’s a bargain!