Mercedes-Benz SL 400 replaces the SL 350

As with many members of the current Mercedes-Benz range, the new SL 400’s name doesn’t denote its engine capacity.

While that ‘400’ tag implies a 4.0 litre unit, power actually comes from a 3.0 litre, six-cylinder motor which, thanks to two turbochargers and direct injection, produces 328 bhp (245 kW / 333 PS) with 480 Nm (354 lb/ft) of peak torque.

Compared to the old SL 350 those numbers are up by 9% and a massive 30% respectively. As a result, the SL 400 will complete the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint in 5.2 seconds before going on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). Combined cycle fuel economy of 38.7 mpg (7.3 l/100km) and carbon dioxide emissions of 172 g/km aren’t bad either.

Mercedes-Benz SL 400 (2014) Front Side

However, maybe the time has come for Mercedes-Benz to abandon its current designation system, especially as forced induction is already making engine displacement less relevant. ‘SL 400’ probably looked great to the marketing people, plus it lets consumers know the car sits beneath the SL 500 (which, in a similar manner, actually comes with a 4.7 litre V8). Beyond that the label is fairly arbitrary, though.

So what’s the answer? An obvious solution would be to replace the numeric part with the pferdestärke figure. SL 333 instead of SL 400 sounds alright, it’s totally unambiguous and pedants would be happy.

But for now at least the SL 400 is going to be called the SL 400. While a UK price has yet to be announced, the misnamed roadster costs €97,282.50 (including VAT) in Germany.

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