Pricing for the sixth generation of the world’s most iconic roadster, the new SL-Class Roadster has now been confirmed. The SL 350 is priced at £72,495 on-the-road and the SL 500 will cost £83,445 and both models will arrive in the UK in June 2012, followed by the SL 63 AMG and the SL 65 AMG later in the year.

The SL 350 is powered by a BlueDIRECT 3.5-litre V6 engine. This direct injection 3,498 cc power plant is 30 per cent more economical than before, yet with 306 hp at 6,500 rpm and 370 Nm of torque at 3,500 – 5,250 rpm it also delivers sharper performance, accelerating the two-seater to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds and onto a 155 mph electronically limited top speed. This thrilling performance is complemented by combined economy of 37.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 176 g/km.

Performance and economy figures for the SL 500 are equally impressive. The 4,663 cc BlueDIRECT V8 engine – which combines direct injection and twin-turbo technologies - develops 435 hp at 5,250 rpm and an impressive 700 Nm of torque that is available from a low 1,800 rpm to 3,500 rpm. The 1,785 kg SL 500 will sprint to 62 mph in just 4.6 seconds, and like the SL 350 is electronically limited to 155 mph.

Even with the increase in power and torque over the outgoing model, the efficiency of the SL 500 has improved by 26 per cent, now returning 30.7 mpg on the combined cycle, while emitting 214 g/km of CO2.