2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 350 And SL 500 On Sale In Australia

The all-new Mercedes-Benz SL range has hit Australia this week, launching with the entry-level SL 350 and top-spec SL 500.

Revealed in December, the new SL range enters as the sixth-generation model in the line, its predecessor ruling the roost from 2002 until last year.

The range kicks off at $225,000 for the SL 350 - down from $242,780 for the current model. The SL 500 is also cheaper than before, falling from $334,840 to $304,500,

Pricing for the AMG flagships has also been released, with the SL 63 AMG down from $422,255 to $381,500, and the SL 65 AMG at at $466,500.

Mechanical Package

Driving the entry-level SL 350 is Merc's 3.5 litre petrol V6, producing 225kW and 370Nm of torque. That's down from 232kW in the old model, but torque is up by 10 Newtons. 

The new 350 promises a 0-100km/h time of 5.9 seconds however, marking a 0.3-second improvement over its predecessor - thanks mostly to the 140kg weight loss between generations. Top speed is rated at 210km/h.

Matched with a seven-speed automatic transmission, the 3.5 litre engine lists fuel consumption at 8.3 l/100km. 

In the up-spec SL 500 is the still-fresh 4.6 litre V8, delivering 320kW and a hefty 700Nm of torque - a significant increase over the 285kW and 530Nm figures of the old engine.

Again matched with a seven-speed auto, Merc promises a 0-100km/h sprint of 4.6 seconds and fuel use at 9.4 l/100km. 

Both engine variants are fitted as standard with Eco Start/Stop.