Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes SL500

The Mercedes SL's been given a facelift and we find out exactly where those nips and tucks have been made

Find your Mercedes SL
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

IT'S what's inside that counts for the new SL - particularly when you consider it was already one of the best-looking Mercs anyway. The 5.5-litre engine offers better performance, and changes to the mechanics and chassis ensure the dyn-amics are noticeably im- proved as well. In this class at least, it remains a tough car to beat.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Let's play spot the difference. After all, there's no denying Mercedes' facelifted SL does at first glance look just like the old one. On sale in the UK now, it has redesigned front and rear lights, plus a revised range of wheels. Less obviously, there are new chrome surrounds on the foglights, and larger air intakes on the flanks.

Inside, the changes are even harder to see, particularly if the doors are closed - covering up the new kick plates on the sills. We managed to identify a couple of strips of new trim, but missed the additional double stitching on the instrument binnacle completely!

So you can see why it would be so easy to feel cynical about the 'new' SL and its £1,780 price hike. But look more closely at the car's technical specification, and you'll see that there are some significant design modifications - beginning with the smooth-operating metal hard-top.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

A-Class

2022 Mercedes

A-Class

40,376 milesAutomaticPetrol1.3L

Cash £19,226
View A-Class
A-Class

2020 Mercedes

A-Class

38,796 milesManualPetrol1.3L

Cash £14,406
View A-Class
A-Class

2021 Mercedes

A-Class

31,368 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £20,810
View A-Class
A-Class

2022 Mercedes

A-Class

35,686 milesAutomaticPetrol1.3L

Cash £19,176
View A-Class

New hydraulic pistons and revised software mean the roof now stows in only 16 seconds - four seconds quicker. A freshly designed boot gives 22 litres of extra storage space, while there's an optional button available that closes its lid automatically.

With the engine running, it's clear the new 388bhp V8 instantly offers greater refinement. Crucially, the SL500 now uses a 5.5-litre, rather than 5.0-litre, engine to deliver its impressive power, and the effect on its performance is immediately apparent.

Throttle response is smoother and sharper, and power delivery is much more even, thanks to the improved 580Nm torque output from low revs. Straight-line speed is also helped by the seven-ratio automatic gearbox. We have criticised its action in the past, but here it works like a dream, shifting ratios virtually unnoticed.

The top speed is still electronically limited to 155mph, but the 0-60mph sprint time has dropped from 6.1 seconds to just 5.4 seconds, while fuel economy remains at 23.2mpg.

The SL also rides more smoothly than before, and the chassis somehow feels more stable. Mercedes says no physical changes have been made to the set-up, but software alterations to the air-sprung system have delivered small improvements.

On an open road, the car is a real joy to drive, while all the modifications have given the SL's character and quality a boost. If you can stomach the huge £75,880 price, it makes the rise of just under £2,000 from the previous model look decent value.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £1,429 off RRP*
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £38,030Avg. savings £3,183 off RRP*Used from £30,799
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £2,232 off RRP*Used from £17,100
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,966 off RRP*Used from £12,295
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

400bhp family SUVs have become common in the EV era, but they're completely pointless
Opinion - Volvo XC40 Recharge

400bhp family SUVs have become common in the EV era, but they're completely pointless

Editor Paul Barker thinks new car firms don't have heritage behind them, so power figures and straight line speed are an easy way to grab headlines
Opinion
15 Oct 2025
New Leapmotor B10 2025 review: budget brand's best EV yet
Leapmotor B10 - front action

New Leapmotor B10 2025 review: budget brand's best EV yet

The new Leapmotor B10 is a serious player in the small electric SUV sector, boasting good range, plenty of kit and a tempting price tag
Road tests
14 Oct 2025
New Volkswagen T-Roc ride review: small SUV shows plenty of promise
Volkswagen T-Roc prototype - front

New Volkswagen T-Roc ride review: small SUV shows plenty of promise

We ride shotgun in the latest Volkswagen T-Roc, giving us a taste of what’s shaping up to be next year’s hottest small SUV
Road tests
16 Oct 2025