Mercedes' gullwing supercar gets a mid-life refresh including more power and a lower list price
Bad news first: the Mercedes SLS supercar that we’ve come to know and love over the past three years is no more.The good news is that it’s being replaced by not one but three new SLS models: the GT, the Black Series and the Electric Drive. Actually, make that four, because the GT will soon be available as both a roadster and the gullwing-doored coupé that we’ve just driven for the first time on UK roads.Mercedes' GT is the direct replacement for the original SLS, but it’s far from being the same old car with a new badge. The new ‘standard’ SLS gets a 20bhp power boost to 583bhp, revised suspension that promises sharper handling than before, an updated dual-clutch automatic gearbox that is claimed to bring a much-needed improvement in shift response, and a welcome drop in price of about £3k compared with the outgoing SLS.There are also some new options to help make the SLS look and feel more exclusive, including appealing, Bentley-like quilted leather upholstery.Outwardly, the GT looks much the same as its predecessor, apart from small tweaks such as darkened lights. In coupé form, the SLS is as dramatic and distinctive as ever, with its long bonnet and theatrical gullwing doors, of which we never get tired.
Mercedes' gullwing supercar gets a mid-life refresh including more power and a lower list price
Bad news first: the Mercedes SLS supercar that we’ve come to know and love over the past three years is no more.The good news is that it’s being replaced by not one but three new SLS models: the GT, the Black Series and the Electric Drive. Actually, make that four, because the GT will soon be available as both a roadster and the gullwing-doored coupé that we’ve just driven for the first time on UK roads.Mercedes' GT is the direct replacement for the original SLS, but it’s far from being the same old car with a new badge. The new ‘standard’ SLS gets a 20bhp power boost to 583bhp, revised suspension that promises sharper handling than before, an updated dual-clutch automatic gearbox that is claimed to bring a much-needed improvement in shift response, and a welcome drop in price of about £3k compared with the outgoing SLS.There are also some new options to help make the SLS look and feel more exclusive, including appealing, Bentley-like quilted leather upholstery.Outwardly, the GT looks much the same as its predecessor, apart from small tweaks such as darkened lights. In coupé form, the SLS is as dramatic and distinctive as ever, with its long bonnet and theatrical gullwing doors, of which we never get tired.