R231 SL-Class (2013-2020)

Just wondering how people felt about the difference between the 400 or (450) v. the 550 SL?

V6 v. V8.

Thoughts?

Hi Carl,

Other than person preference I think it comes down to your planned use. If you primarily plan to cruise about and enjoy comforts of the SL on nice drives - even daily driver - the V6 is just fine. We have a member if our Minuteman Chapter with an early V6 model, the SL400, and they love it. It's a gorgeous car. It has all the comfort and convenience of the V8. The V6 will get better fuel economy and it is lighter and some say better handling because of less weight up front. And I am sure rear tires will last longer with less torque.

If you plan to be more assertive in your driving or just want the effortless power and sound of a V8, the V8 will seem to be a requirement. Just know that since this is still an SL and not a Ferrari that unless you get the AMG, that while you can hear the V8, it isn't loud like some people want. While the V8 is smooth and powerful, and actually gets pretty reasonable fuel economy due to the lighter weight of the R231 and the extra gears in the transmission as compared to the R230, I will say that the models with the 4.6 V8 like mine have a known issue with the cam sensors leaking oil into the electrical wiring harness. I've had mine changed. Also between the tire compound on the OEM tires and the amount of torque I get about 10,000 miles on a set of (expensive) rear tires in my SL550. And I don't speed crazily around or take on track days.

But I did face the same decision. I drove both the SL400 and the SL550. The SL400 was fine. But I just a wanted the V8. It has what used to be supercar power and more than I ever really need. I like the effortlessness and the sound, and I admit that I also liked the badge.

Marie

Hi Marie, thanks for the reply.

I fully agree, I was fortunate enough to own both; they are both fantastic and unique. But I agree with your assessment. I currently have a beautiful red SL 400, but last year I had a SL 450, and prior to that, I had a SL 550.

When I originally bought the SL 450, I was fearful it didn't have the "guts", but not true, it definitely moves just fine.

But you are correct, they do drive a bit different. Not bad or good, but just different in their own way.

Mercedes was my first love; I was blessed to have a 450 SL as my first car when I received my driver's license. Since then, I have owned a bunch, but lost touch with the brand over the years until recently. I'm back full force with Mercedes and have been truly enjoying them!