It’s been a while since Mercedes-Benz took down the SL-Class from their India website, signalling the impending arrival of the new R231 SL.
The SL-Class has always been one of the most special Mercedes-Benz class. The S-Class is special and so are the SLK and the SLS, but they have different things going for them. The SL, on the other hand, since 1954 has always been one of the greats, even inspiring the 2010 SLS AMG Coupé. But what of the SL-Class? When will we see the swoopy, curvy modern R231 on sale in India?
The new SL has come quite a distance in terms of design as compared to the previous car, the R230. While the one before that had distinct twin-headlamps and quite a few curves, the one which followed did away with them and brought in a few straight lines which raised quite a few questions. So, it was quite a pleasant surprise when the new SL was unveiled, over a couple of years ago now, with smooth, flowing lines which upped the desirability quotient.
The engine line has, of course, remained unchanged. There’s a 350, a 500 and three AMG models in the 63, 63 Performance and 65. For those interested in the numbers, power outputs are 316 PS, 435 PS, 537 PS, 564 PS and 630 PS respectively. Another big change was the inclusion of the 7-speed GTronic automatic box on the 1,000-Nm SL65, which previously made do with the old 5-speed unit.
The cars are also safer and more advanced, obviously. They feature Mercedes’ and AMG’s top tech with no-compromise build. Active and passive safety systems together with class-leading driver assistance features are all present like a huge joint family at the youngest’s wedding. No complaints there. The SL65 AMG Black Series, with 661 PS and torque electronically-limited to 1,000 Nm, was more powerful and torquier than the hyper SLR McLaren, on paper at least, and thus, the number of electronic nannies raised their presence. While the car is still not entirely self-aware, for now, there is a reason to believe that Mercedes have something more up their sleeve.
We all know there is a new compact sportscar, probably a new supercar coming in soon. The S-Class has a Coupé version, and we expect to see a four-door Coupé and a Cabriolet as well. The CL-Class is now history. So what now? Where does that put the SL and the CLS for that matter? As far as powering them all goes, there are 550PS+ 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engines being readied and turbo-V6 motors being mated to hybrid technology. All of them are part of the inevitable. And the future is slowly being unraveled.
Whatever it holds, the future, the R231 SL-Class should be here. We want to see it in India in all its glory.
Story: Jim Gorde
Images: Mercedes-Benz Press
