Mercedes SL400 launched

Mercedes is shaking up the sixth-gen SL-Class line-up by replacing the entry-level SL350 with a quicker, 328bhp Mercedes SL400.

It exchanges its predecessor’s naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 for a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, so the new luxury two-seater convertible has 26bhp more than the SL350, with torque also up 110Nm to 480Nm.

This should help the SL400 see off 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds, a 0.7-second improvement on the outgoing model, before topping out at an electronically-limited 155mph.

Despite meeting the EU6 emissions standard, the new car's extra power does come at a price - CO2 output has increased slightly from 169g/km to 172g/km, although the claimed average economy is essentially unchanged at 39mpg.

There’s no confirmation on UK prices or availability, but expect it to slot into the range just below the SL500, which starts at a little under £80,000.