Almost everyone can agree that the Mercedes-Benz SL is the quintessential luxury roadster -- and has been for decades. You could, however, take issue with its price tag and the necessity of a turbocharged V8 in a two-seater. Those debates have been quelled by the arrival of the SL400, a V6 SL variant priced well within the earth's atmosphere.
What's New for 2015
The SL400 is a new addition to the existing SL-Class.
Choosing Your Mercedes-Benz SL400
The SL400 starts at $84,925, verses $107,825 for the previously entry-level SL550, which gives you an idea of the level of savings you can achieve by "settling" for a V6 engine. Speaking of that, the new turbocharged 3-liter produces 329 horsepower, enough to get the SL400 up to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. A seven-speed automatic transmission handles the shifting.
Like its more expensive siblings, SL400 features a power hardtop with an integrated glass roof panel. You also get dual 16-way heated seats with memory, a Harman Kardon sound system, navigation, a power wind blocker and a driver attention alert system. The interior is trimmed in your choice of wood, aluminum or carbon fiber.
The only thing missing from the SL400 (besides a V8 engine) is the Premium package, which is standard on all other SLs, but optional here. For $4,900, you get a rearview camera, an automated parking system, ventilated and massaging seats, keyless ignition, a power trunk lid and a neck-level heating system known as Airscarf. There's also a Sport Wheel package with 18- or 19-inch AMG wheels, upgraded brakes and a sport steering wheel. Your final package to consider is Driver Assistance, which adds adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, and blind-spot and lane-keeping assists.
One of the more worthy individual option is Magic Sky Control, which allows you to adjust the tint on the glass roof panel. Sportsters will appreciate the availability of a fully adaptive suspension system. More novel add-ons include infrared night vision, soft-close doors, a split-view infotainment screen and the ultra-premium Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system.
We applaud the addition of the "affordable" SL400 to the SL-Class, and we suspect many buyers will too. Simply add the Premium Package and no one will know you're not driving one of the expensive ones unless they pop the hood.