Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (Germany, 2012-present)

The fourth generation of the SL class was introduced in 2012 and with it Mercedes offers a SL 350 and SL 500 Roadster variants as well as a SL65 and SL63 AMG. The new SL 500 with 1785kg is lighter than its predecessor around 125kg and the number grows to around 140 with the SL 350 weighting 1685kg.

The SL 500 is powered by a new 4663cc V8 engine which develops 435 hp. It is around 12 percent more powerful than the previous generation despite some 0.8 litres less displacement. Torque has been increased from 530Nm to 700Nm, while fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 22 percent.

As for the new V6 engine powering the SL 350 it has an output of 306hp and maximum torque of 370Nm. Its fuel consumption has been lowered by almost 30 percent to 6.8 litres per 100km.

The new SL 63 AMG uses a twin-turbo, 5.5l V8 with standard 537hp and 800Nm of torque. It accelerates to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds and to 200km/h in 12.9 seconds. Top speed is limited to 250km/h. The SL63 is also available with an AMG Performance package that boosts power to 564hp and 900NM. The package cuts the 0-100km/h time to 4.2 seconds, 0-200km/h time to 12.6 seconds, and it raises the top speed to 300km/h. The AMG Performance package also comes with a carbon fiber engine cover, rear differential lock and carbon fiber lip spoiler.

The new SL 65 AMG produces 630hp and 1,000Nm of torque (738lb-ft), compared to 537hp and 800Nm of torque in the standard SL63 AMG. Mercedes claims that it will accelerate to 100km/h in 4 seconds, which is two-tenths faster than the previous generation, and will get to 200km/h in 11.8 seconds. The top speed in limited to 250km/h. Despite the high power, the new SL chassis cuts 170kg from the SL65 AMG compared to the previous model to bring total weight down to 1,950kg. Fuel consumption is 17% lower than previous generation too bringing it to a combined 11.6l/100km (20mpg). That is also partially due to the new electromechanical steering.