Mercedes-Benz puts a new face on the SL for 2017.
It’s going to be a busy couple of days in Los Angeles next week as the traveling auto show circus rolls into town, and one of more promising debuts on the docket will bring us the 2017 update of the Mercedes-Benz SL.
The sixth generation of the two-seater made its debut in 2012, generating some grumbles and groans from critics who decried its lackluster styling. So, Mercedes designers set out to give the 2017 Mercedes SL a little bit more of a dramatic flare, in keeping with the legendary roadsters that have been a brand mainstay since 1954.
Mercedes isn’t saying much about the new model, other than pointing out its “diamond grille,” a distinctive new design theme it has picked up from some of the maker’s recent concept models. The high-contrast pattern still frames the classic Mercedes chromed slat and central tri-star.
A more streamlined lower grille can be seen in the teaser image, meanwhile, framed by new lower air intakes that lose the chromed strakes from the current Mercedes-Benz SL.
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The headlights, meanwhile, are a bit more slit-like, and follow the curves of the new roadster’s more rounded nose. There are updated LED daytime running light brows, and it’s all but certain all key exterior lights, front and back, will now be powered by LEDs.
We’re not expecting major changes to the side silhouette; this mid-cycle refresh is more about subtle refinement, a placeholder until the next-generation model arrives in a few years. There’ve been plenty of rumors about what that transition might bring, some supposed insiders suggesting the next-generation Mercedes SL might see a return to a more classic soft-top roof.
We’re not ready to bet on that move. The folding hardtop – which is just visible in the teaser shot’s shadows – offers a number of advantages, including better security and reduced noise. On the downside, it does add cost, complexity and weight. Mercedes just might try to switch to new, lighter materials to deal with the latter challenge.
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There’ve been several prototypes of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL caught in testing with minimal camouflage. If they’re an accurate indication of what’s to appear in Los Angeles, expect to see a slightly revised rear bumper, new exhaust tips and, just perhaps, some subtle changes to the taillights.
Some of the biggest changes for 2017 will likely come on the technological front. Mercedes has been rolling out a variety of advanced features, including forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic braking, as well infrared night vision and a “magic” suspension system that can read the road’s contours and adapt shock stiffness automatically.
Such features have already migrated down from the S-Class to the C-Class, so it would be a surprise if at least some of these technologies don’t show up on the SL, as well – perhaps with a few more tech touches suited for use on a sporty roadster.
On the powertrain side, look for the current line-up of engines to carry over. That would start with the same twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6, as well as the 4.7-liter biturbo V-8 in the SL550. And, of course, we’ll have the requisite AMG package – or packages, if Mercedes continues with both SL63 and SL65 offerings, the latter using a biturbo V-12.
The current seven-speed automatic is likely also to carry over, and the 2017 model will remain rear-wheel-drive only.
Look for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL to reach showrooms by the middle of next year.
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