Mercedes SL400 Review - Further refining an already refined sports car - BEARDS n CARS

[@phughes4224]

I'm lucky enough to own a 400, and you're right, I bought it precisely because I didn't want a shouty AMG. The folding metal roof puts it in a class of one, giving it the security, comfort and refinement of a coupe but with the ability to drop the roof when the sun shines! It also doesn't attract the negative feedback you get from certain types when driving a Porsche.

[@HSGAutomotive]

Nice one, and yeah it's no 911 or Ferrari for being judged that's for sure, haha. SL's are in a similar category to XKR's and Aston's in my book. People just enjoy seeing them, rather than passing overt judgement on the driver.

[@PeterSothern]

How is the sound does it pop and bang

[@pobinr]

Excellent review. I just bought a low mileage 2014 R231 SL500 in Hyacinth red with cream leather. Love the looks, the soind, love the way it drives. Love the quality, Love the awesome performance. And I appreciate that it's almost all aluminium. Not much dearer than an SLK of similar mileage & age. But a lot more car for the money. Would have cost around £40k more than the SLK55 new but only around £3k more second hand. Though the SLK is excellent as a smaller roadster with a large engine. Horses for courses. The SL63 & 65 have more power than i need. Never thought I'd say that. But my SL500 performance is mind blowing. My SL500 has mountains of power of torque. Until money is no object for me I'll stick with my SL500. Plus the AMGs are in higher tax band for performance I'm never going to need. Unless i move to Germany & live near an autobahn. Even then i probably wouldn't switch to an AMG as i believe even the SL63 has no option for a softer more comfortable ride. Which is an oversight in a car that will probably often be put to use as a GT car

[@dmitriys1138]

The sports car for people who know how to enjoy the elegance of the moment.

[@artosoranasokan8767]

i Think you nailed it with LOVELY Because thats what i think everytime i drive mine , i personally think this car is very underestimated

[@tommysed2246]

Excellent video and brilliant demonstration 👍

[@rucamorim]

Very, very, very (...), very nice review! Within 5 years, I’ll get an identical used SL 400.

[@HSGAutomotive]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@cryogenic_sleep4795]

Liking the sound on this one

[@HSGAutomotive]

Yeah it’s got a lovely bark

[@cryogenic_sleep4795]

@@HSGAutomotive and it’s not to bad.

[@cryogenic_sleep4795]

@@HSGAutomotive i mean for an engine like that. It sounds decent. I like these type of Mercedes.

[@juststuff5216]

47mpg. 39mpg on a run from Lancaster to Essex was the best I ever got in my gen. 2 A-Class ... so I'm not seeing how a car with more than double the engine capacity and 100's kg over the A-Class, can see 47mpg. Maybe someone dreamt it.

[@philipharris946]

I’ve owned a 2014 and now a 2017 R231 and loved them both. Not sure I’ll be happy to return to a “rag top” when the model is phased out, although I do lament the sale of my R129 that I’d had for 17 years

[@HSGAutomotive]

Nice, I’m keen on driving an R129 shape, I’ve always loved the look of it

[@JC-cq1up]

Thanks for the info. I dont care about going fast. Just want a big convertible because im too big fir a miata

[@martel7322]

A hidden gem! However, the 2022 SL will be very interesting to see

[@HSGAutomotive]

For sure

[@martel7322]

@@HSGAutomotive Although to be honest the R231/2 was getting a tad long in the tooth...but if you're looking for a 'bargain' GT then this is it

[@james6048]

Nice delivery mate, you know your onions

[@HSGAutomotive]

Cheers, glad you enjoyed it!

[@davereimer1797]

Beautiful car. Any thoughts on what is the sweet spot to start getting into the facelift 2016+ from a depreciation perspective? Is there insights on when the steep depreciation starts to level off to a more reasonable level? I would say the 2017 are still depreciating at a good clip even here in 2024. Thoughts welcome.

[@timcam8713]

I too have an SL400 64reg, so not the facelifted version, it's 7 speed 333ps version. As stated below and in your video, why pay all the extra for an AMG shouty gnarly version for stuff you don't neeed.. I get a huge amount of smiles per mile in Cynthia (she's in Hyacinth Red) and always return over 30mpg. Best car i've ever owned and won't be my last SL for sure.

[@HSGAutomotive]

Nice one!

[@patmcgroine8743]

I wouldn’t trade my sl600 for any other hardtop convertible made today. It gives the owner the best of both worlds and then some. There’s nothing driving like a high performance 12 cylinder.

[@HSGAutomotive]

Nice, I reviewed the SL65 a while back and that V12 is phenomenal

[@detonator2112]

I think AMG GT and GT-R are the flagship sportscars in the Mercedes lineup now. And SEC, CL and S Coupe were definitely above the SL too (you could argue that they're not true sports cars though). Not to even mention the SLS and SLR McLaren. But either way, great video. Keep 'em coming!

[@HSGAutomotive]

Depends how you divide the brand up really, since Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG are now marketing themselves differently. Reviewed an AMG GTS recently as well.

[@siegfriedbarfuss9379]

Totally agree preferring non AMG!

[@Djpaul-lo1px]

Great review. No doubt you were quoting Mercedes own figures re the fuel economy but were somewhat optimistic!

[@HSGAutomotive]

I don't doubt it, haha