SL/R231: A Deeper Look at the Turbocharged V6 for the 2015 SL400
#1
A Deeper Look at the Turbocharged V6 for the 2015 SL400
![](https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbworld.org-vbulletin/1230x582/master_1230x692_n_7_1179_582_9d8fb3c0ce4e2f3619d8b58f079981d20dfb0bd2.jpg)
Mercedes is putting a number of its eggs in this twin-turbo V6 basket. Not only will the aforementioned C-Class and ML-Class vehicles come equipped with it, but the C400 4MATIC and ML400 4MATIC will also have it. We can also expect to see it in the E-Class in the not-too-distant future. One historical note: this is the first time since 1998 (the year Mercedes dropped its inline-six engines from the SL lineup) that the U.S. has seen an SL roadster with a six-cylinder engine.
Read the rest on the MBWorld homepage.
#2
I'm not sure how I feel about it. I think there is a certain presence that an SL should come to the table with, and (at least) a big V8 is one of those characteristics that define that presence.
#3
Super Member
At least I will no longer have an "entry-level" SL550. But I'm glad I'll get to 60 0.6 seconds faster; those are sub-seconds I'd never get back in life.
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
2. Its MSRP (when identically equipped) is $18K less than R231 SL550.
3. No dealer I know off (currently) discounts SL400 while 2015 SL550 does get discounted (I just ordered SL550 with 8% off the MSRP - extremely aggressive for a new MY car even if ordered).
#6
Super Member
1. Its performance is on par (and then some) with R230 SL550 (a bit less power, but also less weight).
2. Its MSRP (when identically equipped) is $18K less than R231 SL550.
3. No dealer I know off (currently) discounts SL400 while 2015 SL550 does get discounted (I just ordered SL550 with 8% off the MSRP - extremely aggressive for a new MY car even if ordered).
2. Its MSRP (when identically equipped) is $18K less than R231 SL550.
3. No dealer I know off (currently) discounts SL400 while 2015 SL550 does get discounted (I just ordered SL550 with 8% off the MSRP - extremely aggressive for a new MY car even if ordered).
so, one gives up some acceleration, has a bit lighter car, for 18k less than the V8, maybe slightly less with the V8's being discounted
now thats starting to make more sense, I can see the attraction, thanks
#7
MBWorld Fanatic!
Yes correct. If they would not have given me a nice discount on an ordered car (nothing close to that on in-stock), for MSRP (or very close to it - $15K difference or so) I probably would have bought SL400 over SL550. In my specific case, the difference was about $11K. If I remember correctly, R230 SL55 with identical to R231's SL550 torque of 516 was over $30K more - so an easy choice for me. But for most people wanting just an SL while spending as "little" as possible, SL400 IMO will sell well and at MSRP (BTW, in 2003 I paid MSRP for my 2003 SL500 and 2015 SL400 is a significantly more of a car and a better car for even less money and adjusted for inflation is a great deal).