In the past, Mercedes-Benz has only offered its entry-level SL-Class models outside the United States, but that won’t remain the case for long.
Mercedes has confirmed that it will market the latest entry point to the SL roadster range, the SL400, in the U.S. as well as in Europe, according to an Autoblog report.
The SL400, which replaces the Europe-only SL350, is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that produces 328 horsepower and 358 lb-ft in European trim. The setup is good for a claimed zero-to-60 mph sprint time of 5.2 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
When it arrives stateside this fall, the SL400 will join an SL-Class range that already includes the SL550, SL63 AMG and SL65 AMG. Official pricing information is not yet available, but given that the SL550 starts at about $107,000, a base price just south of $100,000 is likely.
In addition to being the SL price leader, the SL400 should be the lineup’s fuel economy champ. Expect it to better the SL550′s 16/24 city/highway mpg when EPA ratings are released in the coming months.
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