Mercedes-Benz SL400 launched

The iconic Mercedes-Benz SL is all set to get a brand new engine. The new SL400 will replace the aging SL350 powerplant as the cheapest, entry level SL worldwide. The SL400 will soon go on sale worldwide and will be offered with a 3.0-litre, twin turbocharged, V6 engine. The new engine makes 338PS of peak power and 480Nm of peak torque.

The SL400’s forced induction engine replaces the old 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 engine that was available in the old SL350. The new engine comes laden with a whole bunch of new technology such as a brand new direct injection system with spray-guided combustion. This third generation fuel injection gets the new Multi Spark Ignition technology that lets the engine have four sparks in quick succession, all within one millisecond of each other. The SL400 produces only 172g/km and offers a company specified fuel economy figure of 13.7kmpl.

Amongst the other remarkable new technology that the SL400 comes pre-loaded with, the new audio system, that Mercedes-Benz has named ‘Frontbass’ and the all new ‘Magic Vision Control’ wipers are the highlight. The Frontbass audio system claims to give the open top roadster a concert hall quality of audio irrespective of whether the roof is down or up. The Magic Vision Control wipe/wash system on the other hand claims to be the pinnacle in wiper technology by guaranteeing water removal from the windscreen irrespective of the directionality of the wiper blades.

There are also rumors suggesting the SL will soon be facelifted and will be available with both a metal folding roof and a conventional soft top roof. The new Mercedes-Benz SL400 with its new engine goes from 0-100kmph in 5.2 seconds and has a limited top speed of 250kmph. The new Mercedes-Benz SL has not been launched in the Indian market yet but is expected to make it to India soon. Expect the Mercedes-Benz SL to be launched between Rs 1-1.5 crore (ex-showroom)