2015 Mercedes SL400 Revealed With Twin-Turbo V6
The Mercedes-Benz SL400 has made an appearance, sporting a twin-turbo V6 powerplant.
Essentially replacing the SL350 in the convertible’s lineup, the SL400 boasts the same 328 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque as the E400, since it shares the same 3.0-liter V6 engine. Compared to the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 in the SL350, the SL400 will boast 26 hp and 81 lb-ft of torque more than the model it’s replacing.
SEE ALSO: Next-Gen Mercedes SL to Lose Retractable Hardtop
Don’t expect to find the German automaker’s nine-speed transmission mated to the powerplant however, as Mercedes has opted to pair the V6 with its seven-speed transmission. The SL400 will accelerate to 62 mph from a standstill in 5.2 seconds, besting the SL350 by 0.7 second.
Historically the SL350 model was not offered in North America, with the SL550 being the entry-level option. That said, it’s not clear if the increased performance of this new SL400 will make it a viable option for the U.S. market.
Discuss this story at our Mercedes-Benz forum
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
More by Jason Siu
Comments
Join the conversation
I ordered one of the first ML400s to be made. Building it in Germany in August, and hoping for a mid-September delivery to San Jose, CA. Bought about $10K in options, but will report about the new V6 to you all at a later date.