The new bi-turbo V6 variant of the Mercedes SL launches in the American market, sporting a price tag of $84,000 USD. It is not the most affordable two-seater roadster, but at that price it could well be the best value-for-money car in its class.

To make sense of the Mercedes SL 400 think of it this way: the car offers the same looks and pretty much the same features as a SL550, plus 80 percent of its performance. But it costs nearly $23K less and at 27 mpg it is also considerably more fuel efficient.

Still, it probably won’t cause any harm to the SL550’s market. Telling others you drive a 500 Mercedes still outweighs value and fuel efficiency.

But those whose self-esteem is not wrapped up in their car’s badge can get the Mercedes SL 400 and enjoy 330 horsepower; 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds; and fuel economy of 20 mpg city and 29 highways. The car comes with tons of features as standard, but you can still add more kit to it thanks to Premium 1 Package ($4,900), Sport Wheel Package ($2,000), and Driver Assistance Package ($2,900).

You can build yourself a Mercedes SL 400 with this nifty online customizer.