The new generation Mercedes SL will hit the showrooms in UK next month in two SL350 and SL500 guises. Pricing starts from £72,495 for the V6-powered SL350, while the V8-powered SL500 costs £83,445. Pretty hefty price tags, but then the SL has multiple talents. The souped-up AMG versions – SL63 and SL65 – will follow later in the year.

The SL350 is powered by a BlueDIRECT 3.5-litre V6 engine, developing 306 hp and 370 Nm of torque. It’s not very gutsy, but it averages 37.7 mpg which is great for a sporty roadster. The 2013 Mercedes SL is made almost entirely out of aluminum which is why its 140 kg lighter than the previous model. That helps with the economy, and also makes it more of a sports car than a drop-top cruiser.

Your best bet if you want a new SL is the SL500 powered by a BlueDIRECT V8, developing 437 hp and 700 Nm of torque. This engine is so good, it almost makes the new SL63 feel pointless. It shuttles the 1.7 ton SL500 from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Top speed for both models is limited to 155 mph.

The new SL is also a meeting point for some of the most advanced technologies. some of the features you get as standard include Pre-safe, Attention Assist and Active Bonnet, Intelligent Light System with bi-Xenon headlamps, Magic Vision Control heated adaptive wiper system, COMAND Online with Media Interface, Sports seats trimmed in leather upholstery, 18” five-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels.