DRIVEN: Mercedes-Benz SL 350 AMG Sport Review
Here we have the Motor Verso first drive of the Mercedes-Benz SL 350 AMG Sport which is Mercedes’ most luxurious and largest sports car.
What’s the Mercedes-Benz SL 350 AMG Sport all about?
The SL range from Mercedes derives from the German for Sport Leicht, translated to English this means sport lightweight. SL has been in production since 1954, and the modern car is no longer super lightweight. The SL nowadays is a bridge between the sports car and GT car markets. The Mercedes SL range offers a luxurious and prestigious sports car driving experience, without any compromise in premium and luxury features.
The SL350 AMG Sport is at the less powerful end of the Mercedes spectrum compared with the 6.3litre SL63, but it should not be underestimated as the 3.5-litre V6 engine packs a mighty punch.
The SL350 has all the luxuries and toys you could imagine on a GT car, and then some. Just to give you a taste; the car comes with a panoramic roof with Magic Sky Control, which can change the glass from being clear to completely blacked out with the flick of a switch… now that’s some James Bond style technology.
How does it drive?
It’s a GT Mercedes, so the expectations are high to start, but the SL350 doesn’t disappoint. As mentioned, under the bonnet there is a 3.5-litre V6 engine, which puts out 306bhp and 370NMs of torque. The power runs though a 7G Tronic automatic gearbox, that we know and love, to the rear wheels with a 285/35 profile. All this means that the SL350 can shift when you need it to, 0-60mph comes up in 5.9 seconds and it will hit the limit of 155mph shortly after.
Behind the wheel of this massive sports car you very easily get carried away. You can have the roof down electronically in 17 seconds, and by using one finger on the button. With the roof down you get to enjoy the sound of the V6 as you nail through the gears testing out the car. The power delivery is very smooth and powerful and I love the 7G Tronic automatic gearbox. The shifts are lightening fast when you want them to be, but as gentle as you need them to be at lower speeds
What’s it like inside?
The interior of the SL 350 is of one the car’s strong points. To call it luxurious would be an understatement. Starting with the hugely impressive sports heated seats, which are dressed in solar reflective Porcelain Nappa leather, and look and feel amazing.
The AMG Sport version, tested here, comes with a chequered flag-design instrument cluster and a perfectly crafted flat bottomed sports steering wheel with paddle shift and perforated leather in the grip area. Looking around the rest of the cabin you will spot lots of aluminium features all over that look super high class.
The Experience
This is one to be remembered. Getting into the SL350, you know the SL is a true GT for a couple of reasons. Firstly thisis a two seater but the car is huge, it has a massive bonnet that stretches almost half the length of the car alone. It is very comfortable and luxurious inside, and goes extremely well in a straight line.
The car just makes you feel special; buying a car this large for two people will make you feel like you have made a success out of your life. You don’t need all the features it has to offer, but if you can afford them they are all brilliant, and add to the experience!
Verdict
The SL350 AMG is a very special offering, it has plenty of speed, and handles well for its size, but it also offers great MPG as well, meaning that you could realistically use the car on a regular basis. The car is a very stylish convertible, and has a very useable boot. To top it off the SL350 interior design is as good as they come.
Video Highlights
Specification
- Price: £88,360
- Engine: 3.5-Litre V6 Petrol
- Power: 306bhp
- Torque: 370Nm
- Transmission: 7G-Tronic Plus seven-speed automatic
- 0-62mph: 5.9 Seconds
- Top speed: 155mph
- Weight: 1,685kg
- Economy combined: 37mpg
- CO2: 176g/km
Author: Paul Hadley
