To keep its SL sportscar up to date, Mercedes has made some small but significant changes.

Let's start with the bits you can see. The front bumper assembly has been revised with three large cooling air intakes integrated, giving it a more aggressive V-shaped appearance. The fog lights have also been repositioned with chrome surrounds, visually lowering and widening the front of the car. A matt silver finished grille with three broad slats and chromed headlights complete the changes up front, while at the side there's a wider choice of alloy wheel designs. The rear view shows a redesigned light cluster with horizontal divisions between red and white clear lens sections.

The interior has also been revised with a commitment to offering the sort of quality that buyers in this sector expect. So it is that Mercedes has fitted even softer leather for the upholstery, revised the interior colour palette, added high quality embossed metal doorsills and a redesigned chronometer style instrument pack. A remote bootlid release system is included for the first time and aluminium-look switches for opening the roof.

The SL500 ups its game from 306bhp to a brawny 388bhp, the latest V8 offering a hefty 530Nm of torque. Another engine that's new is the V6 fitted to the SL350. The latest model has a rather more luxuriant 272bhp to dispense at will. It'll also realise a 3.3mpg fuel economy benefit at 27.4mpg.

Entry-level doesn't mean slow in the case of an SL and the 350 will get to 60mph in 6.3 seconds. For a sportier drive, there's also the 510bhp SL55 AMG with its stiffer settings, upgraded brakes and a 4.6s 0-60mph time. All SL variants are electronically limited to a top speed of 155mph.

FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Mercedes SL range
PRICES: £61,600-£100,285 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 20
CO2 EMISSIONS: 245-330g/km est
PERFORMANCE: SL500 Max Speed 155mph / 0-60mph 5.1s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: SL500 (average) 23.2mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side & head airbags, ESP, ABS