2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 350 - Coming to UK

29 November 2002

ALL-NEW SL 350 GETS READY FOR SPRING ARRIVAL

Fans of the stunning SL-Class Roadster have reason to celebrate next spring - the new SL 350 will be available from March 2003 priced at just £56,340 on the road.

Since its UK launch earlier this year, the fifth-generation SL-Class Roadster has been winning accolades and fans with its blend of style, finesse and searing performance. The initial SL 500 was joined this autumn by the thunderous SL 55 AMG. Now the all-new SL 350 has arrived and retains the essence that has made the latest range so popular.

Style has been the SL's byword since the first racing versions appeared 50 years ago. The SL 350 impresses with its svelte lines - penned by Briton Steve Mattin - and retains the balletic three-piece vario-roof standard on every model. Combining the security and convenience of a coupé with the exhilaration of an open-topped car, the SL's vario-roof spins and folds into the boot in only 16 seconds. With the roof tucked away, the athletic nature of the car's new engine can be fully appreciated.

Powered by a new 3724 cc V6 engine (recently introduced in the revised S-Class Saloon), the new SL 350 boasts 245 hp at 5750 rpm, and 350 Nm between 3000 and 4500 rpm. The increases in power and torque are due mainly to an increase in the cylinder bores, from 89.9mm to 97mm, while the stroke remains unchanged at 84mm. A larger cylinder head is also added, and a revised crankcase helps cut down on noise emitted by the engine.

The 0-62.5 mph dash is completed in 7.2 seconds. Top speed, as with all current SLs is limited to 155 mph. Whilst meeting EU-4 emissions standards, the SL 350 has a specially-tuned exhaust to give a delicious sporty rasp under acceleration. Fuel is consumed at a rate of 24.6 miles per gallon on the combined cycle, whilst CO2 output is 276 g/km with the standard transmission.

On the subject of gearboxes, the car has an upgraded version of Mercedes-Benz's SEQUENTRONIC system. Effectively a six-speed manual with automatic selection, the revised system features reduced times between ratios, and steering wheel-mounted shift buttons. In addition to the manual selection, SEQUENTRONIC allows automatic gear control.

Unlike a conventional automatic transmission using a torque converter, the SEQUENTRONIC gearbox's clutch disengages momentarily on a ratio change - which gives the car's sporting credentials a boost - DTM racers and Formula One car gearboxes use similar principles. The SL 350 has a choice of manual transmission modes - comfort and sport. The latter shortens the overall shift time, ideal for enthusiastic driving.

Suspension is provided by a familiar steel system featuring four-links at the front, and a multi-link independent rear system. Shock absorption is provided by gas pressure dampers, and front and rear stabilisers help keep things on an even keel. This passive set-up saves some 35kg over the Active Body Control (ABC) system, which is optionally available.

The revolutionary Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC™) brake by wire system, pioneered on the SL-Class provides braking. Backed up with ABS anti-lock brakes and BAS Brake Assist; and ESP® Electronic Stability Program with ASR traction control, the SL 350 has an advanced armoury of safety features to help keep the car out of trouble.

Should an accident occur, the SL-Class is a safe place to be. In addition to a strong passenger safety cell, the front airbags feature two-stage operation, and side impacts activate the revolutionary head-thorax side impact bags. These provide protection from the hip to the head, previously unheard of in open roof cars. Seat belts feature pre-tensioners and belt force limiters. An automatic rollover bar pops up in the event of the car either leaving the ground or inverting.

Standard equipment includes leather upholstery and metallic paint, 17" alloy wheels; electric memory seating; speed-sensitive parameter power-assisted steering; xenon headlights, plus a host of other luxury items. As with every SL-Class Roadster, service intervals are variable, and the car has mobilo-life, the industry-leading 30-year anti-corrosion and breakdown warranty.

The addition of this six-cylinder model is set to broaden the appeal of the SL-Class range, by bringing it into the reach of more motorists.