The V6 engine impresses with its smooth power delivery and exemplary refinement. The six-cylinder powerplant boasts an output of 272 hp and a peak torque of 350 Nm at between 2400 and 5000 rpm. And acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes a mere 6.6 seconds.

At the heart of these impressive performance figures is four-valves-per-cylinder technology with four camshafts. In addition, the length of each of the six intake pipes can be adjusted to improve the air supply significantly and optimise combustion.

A balancer shaft rotating in the opposite direction to the crankshaft ensures refinement and reduced noise emissions. In addition our engineers have been rigorous in their application of lightweight design principles. The cylinders, for example, are made of aluminium, while the intake pipes are magnesium constructions. This reduces fuel consumption and enhances refinement as the moved masses are lighter and therefore quieter.

The eight-cylinder powerplants for the SL 500 are characterised by extremely refined power delivery. With an output of 388 hp, the SL 500 is a sheer joy to drive - whether it be on twisting country roads or long motorway stretches. You will also be suitably impressed by the peak torque of 530 Nm and the 0-to-100-km/h acceleration time of just 5.4 seconds - accompanied by a sporty, sonorous sound that only a V8 engine can generate.

(SL 500: fuel consumption combined: 12.2 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined: 291 g/km)*

The out-and-out driving pleasure provided by the SL 500 is the result of ingenious engine technology. For instance, the V8 unit's cylinder head has been redesigned to provide even more power and torque: the two intake valves and two exhaust valves per cylinder are controlled by means of continuously variable camshaft adjustment in order to optimise the combustion process. This setup not only boosts output, it also reduces both fuel consumption and emissions.