Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes SL 350

The words 'base model' don't really work with a car such as Mercedes' SL, but that is essentially what this newcomer is. Priced at £56,340, it's £11,450 less than the familiar SL 500 - despite identical looks.

With the optional air suspension system the SL 350 is a credible sports car, but without it the cheapest SL is little more than a boulevard cruiser. If image matters more to you than pace and poise, a conventionally sprung SL 350 won't make you suffer too much for your saving.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The words 'base model' don't really work with a car such as Mercedes' SL, but that is essentially what this newcomer is. Priced at £56,340, it's £11,450 less than the familiar SL 500 - despite identical looks.

What's the catch? The key difference is the loss of two cylinders, 61bhp and 1,242cc. Less obviously, we lose the hydraulically modulated Active Automatic Body Control and the five-speed auto box. These are replaced respectively with ordinary springs and a six-speed Sequentronic manual transmission.

With 245bhp from its 3.7 litres, the SL 350 is far from underpowered, and it is also less thirsty than the SL 500, averaging 24.6mpg. But the V8 woofle has gone, replaced by a smooth, sporty six-pot hum. Our test car's £670 auto option was not the best, though, and smooth progress can be made only in manual mode. The V6 is barely slower than the V8, and the small pace deficit could be due to the conventional chassis. To prove it, we sampled another SL 350 with ABC. The result is astonishing - the £2,450 option transforms the car, and with the lighter engine the car feels more incisive in corners than the V8. And even with the options, it is still £8,300 less than the SL 500.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,135Avg. savings £5,905 off RRP*Used from £12,904
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,155Avg. savings £2,019 off RRP*Used from £15,900
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £15,940Avg. savings £2,994 off RRP*Used from £8,495
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,235Avg. savings £3,735 off RRP*Used from £22,987
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Dacia Sandero spotted for the first time: fresh look for Europe’s best-selling car
Dacia Sandero facelift spied testing - front tracking

New Dacia Sandero spotted for the first time: fresh look for Europe’s best-selling car

The humble supermini’s makeover is inspired by the Dacia Spring EV, plus Duster and Bigster SUV
News
11 Mar 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Prices tumble for Ford's Explorer – bag one for £233 a month
Ford Explorer - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Prices tumble for Ford's Explorer – bag one for £233 a month

The Ford Explorer is one of the more fun-to-drive family electric SUVs around – and our Deal of the Day for 12 March.
News
12 Mar 2025
New all-electric Toyota C-HR+ revealed to challenge the Renault Scenic
Toyota C-HR+ - front

New all-electric Toyota C-HR+ revealed to challenge the Renault Scenic

The Toyota C-HR+ joins the Japanese brand's all-electric line-up, slotting between the Urban Cruiser and bZ4X
News
11 Mar 2025