Road Test

Mercedes-Benz SL

Test date Wednesday, May 07, 2008  Price as tested £102,075

For  Quick and clever gearbox, precise steering, thunderous engine note, slick roof

Against Patchy low ride speed, gearbox paddles, crass cosmetic add-ons

How much ?

  • Price as tested £102,075
  • Price as tested £102,075

How fast

  • 0-30mph 2 sec
  • 0-60mph 4.6 sec
  • 0-100mph 10.4 sec
  • 0-150mph 24.5 sec
  • 0-200mph  no data
  • 30-70mph  no data
  • 0-400m  13 / 112.9 sec/mph
  • 0-1000m  23.2 / 112.9 sec/mph
  • 30-50mph in 3rd/4th  2.8 / 3.9
  • 40-60mph in 4th/5th  3.8 / 5.6 sec
  • 50-70mph in 5th  5.5 sec
  • 60-0mph  no data
  • Top speed  155 mph
  • Noise at 70mph  67 dbA

How thirsty?

  • Test average  16.6 mpg
  • Test best/worst  21.2 / 6.2

Government figures

  • Combined/urban  20.3 / 13.2 mpg
  • CO2 emissions  330 g/km

How big?

  • Length  4605 mm
  • Width  1816 mm
  • Height  1298 mm
  • Wheelbase  2560 mm
  • Weight  1970 kg
  • Fuel tank  94.0 litres

Engine

  • Layout V8 cyls Vee , 6208 cc
  • Max power 518 bhp at 6800 rpm
  • Max torque 465 ft at 5200 rpm
  • Specific output no data
  • Power to weight 262 bhp per tonne
  • Installation F Longitudunal
  • Bore/stoke 102.2x94.6 mm
  • Compression ratio 11.3:1
  • Valve gear 4 per cyl4
  • Ignition and fuel no data, Unleaded

Gearbox

  • Type 7-speed Automatic
  • 1st 4.38 / 5.7
  • 2nd 2.86 / 8.7
  • 3rd 1.92 / 13
  • 4th 1.37 / 18.3
  • 5th 1 / 25
  • 6th 0.82 / 30.5
  • Final drive 3.06

Suspension

  • Front Four-link suspension, Active Body Control
  • Rear Multi-link independent suspension, Active Body Control

Steering

  • Type Speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion power steering, steering damper
  • Lock to lock 2.20

Brakes

  • Front Internally ventilated 360 x 36mm composite discs
  • Rear Internally ventilated 330 x 26mm discs

Wheel & tyres

  • Size front 8.5J x 19'' '5-triple-spoke design' Alloy in
  • Size rear 9.5J x 19'' '5-triple-spoke design' Alloy in
  • Made of Alloy
  • Tyres front 255/35 R 19
  • Tyres rear 285/30 R 19

 |  Car reviews home


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