Mercedes SL priced from $219k, looks hotter for 2017

The Mercedes SL has received a new face, a big discount and a swathe of new equipment for 2017, with the SL range now kicking off from $218,715 in Australia.

It’s a three-part range made up of the SL 400, SL 500, and AMG SL 63.

Mercedes-Benz have jettisoned the awkward styling of the 2016 SL, with the 2017 model adopting headlights in line with the SL’s sportier cousin, the AMG GT.

It’s a facelift that has immediately lifted the sex appeal of this two-door, two-seat grand tourer.

Each model also gets smarter, with every SL gaining Mercedes’ Driver Assistance Plus suite of adaptive safety features.

The SL 400 may be the most accessible of the SL models, at just under $219,000, but it’s hardly entry-level thanks to a generous complement of standard equipment.

A three-litre bi-turbo V6 provides motivation for the SL 400, producing 270kW of power and 500Nm of torque for the rear wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission.

A discount of over $10,000 has sweetened the SL 400’s offering, as does new equipment in the form of a standard AMG body styling kit with 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, and an upgraded COMAND navigation system with Apple CarPlay integration.

The 400’s new features join the existing complement of heated and ventilated leather sports seats, keyless entry and go, a 600-watt, and an eleven-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo.

Want V8 power? That’ll be an extra $60,000, thanks.

But the $278,715 SL 500 actually represents a discount of more than $33,000 over last year’s car. The SL 500 receives its shove from a 4.7-litre biturbo V8, making 335kW of power and 700Nm of torque.

The investment doesn’t just boost the performance – the SL 500 adds to the luxury factor in the form of nappa leather seats, high-gloss Black Ash trim, and soft-close doors.

Affalterbach can, of course, provide you with an intensely fast SL if you so desire.

The $368,715 AMG SL 63 is also over $30,000 less than the outgoing car, while still producing the same 430kw and 900Nm from its 5.5-litre biturbo V8. That’s good for 4.1-second sprints from 0-100km/h – if you can get grip from the rear wheels.

As a $90,000 upgrade you would expect the specification to be particularly sumptuous, and Mercedes doesn’t disappoint.

The 63 gains the full AMG treatment: 20-inch rear and 19-inch front wheels, sports suspension, a locking rear differential, sports exhaust, and performance brakes all mean this car represents rapid transport.

Inside, the SL 63 adds a bespoke Bang and Olufsen stereo, exclusive-grade, multi-contour nappa leather seats, an IWC Shauffhausen clock in the centre stack, and a panoramic vario-roof.

The 2017 SL is available to order now.

2017 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Australian price

• SL 400: $218,715
• SL 500: $278,715
• AMG SL 63: $368,715