Mercedes‘ heavily facelifted SL is now even more fleet-friendly in 350 guise.
It’s more efficient than before thanks to engine and gearbox changes, which means the average fuel consumption is 28.5mpg and the CO2 figure is improved at 236g/km.
But everything is relative. The SL’s arch rival, the BMW 6-series convertible, comes in at 34.9mpg and 194g/km in 630i form – if you’re willing to increase the 0-62mph time from the SL’s 6.2 seconds to 6.7 seconds.
Even the facelift hasn’t been a success. The previous elegance has been ditched for a more brutal front end, while the interior suffers because too much is carried over from the previous model, so now looks dated.
Despite all this the SL still feels special – even with a CPM 124.9ppm – and has presence when you arrive, top down, at your golf club.
Verdict: It’s time for an all-new Mercedes SL, not just a facelift