Next gen Mercedes-Benz SL leaked ahead of Detroit debut

Next gen Mercedes-Benz SL leaked ahead of Detroit debut

Mercedes-Benz will be giving its next generation SL a world debut at next year’s Detroit show, but what seems like official brochure images have already leaked out.

These black and white scans show the three pointed star’s big roadster wearing the brand’s new face, featuring the wide grille as seen on the new CLS. In fact, the front end of the new SL is very similar to that of the latest SLK, but with bigger headlamps.

Next gen Mercedes-Benz SL leaked ahead of Detroit debut

The sleeker and longer body of the SL also has larger and more prominent side vents that become the main feature of the profile. Compared to today’s car, the new SL has longer wrap around rear lamps and a more sculpted rear end, but the shape remains familiar.

It has been reported that the new SL uses aluminium lightweight construction, saving 140 kg over the current steel bodied car. Engines will include a new naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 and a twin-turbo 4.6-litre V8.

Next gen Mercedes-Benz SL leaked ahead of Detroit debut

The dashboard layout also mimics very closely the style set by today’s SLK. Retro look air vents flank a central screen, with the standard Mercedes stereo and A/C clusters sitting below.

The only difference I can spot is the different arrangement of the gear lever/Comand controls compared to the SLK. The SL’s plush looking chairs have Airscarf vents, too.

Do you prefer the looks of the current SL or this?

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • em.... on Dec 14, 2011 at 10:34 am

    prefer the previous model

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  • khaix19a on Dec 14, 2011 at 10:43 am

    for me the current SL look better

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  • jay8393 on Dec 14, 2011 at 10:43 am

    Looks like a cross between the SLK (front) and CLS (rear).

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  • What a disappointment! This is why car brands shouldn’t slavish follow ‘corporate’ looks or design trends. The new ‘snout’ is goes completely against the rest of the svelte profile and the Chris Bangle-esque flame surfacing is so passe. Doubtless loaded ninnies will still buy it but I’m sure it won’t be because this car stirs their loins. There was a time people bought Mercs because they loved the sheer beauty, quality and durability of the thing, status symbol be damned. today I think it’s the reverse. It also the reason why brands like Audi are starting to build a very strong presence in the same market. There was a time such a thing was a laughable impossibility…

    It’s a damn shame Mercedes, a damn shame.

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  • Hoffen on Dec 14, 2011 at 12:00 pm

    2013 official images have been provided

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  • harris murad on Dec 14, 2011 at 12:49 pm

    holyyy goddd…
    sexyyy!!
    but the current z4 is sexier:p

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  • TIMOTHY DALTON on Dec 14, 2011 at 12:59 pm

    simple design yet beautiful, curvy edges all over makes it very romantic than the boring Aston Martin ranges. the current model SL remain superb as well.

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  • mirror mirror on Dec 14, 2011 at 1:13 pm

    Some say, that the sound of the new Mercedes V8 engine was inspired by the music of Richard Wagner.

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    • mirror mirror on Dec 14, 2011 at 5:23 pm

      …and that the Valkyries were seen riding the new SL to cross the universe.

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  • rush hour on Dec 14, 2011 at 1:26 pm

    delicous front end

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  • sukasuki on Dec 14, 2011 at 1:43 pm

    surely i love this beast!!! before ive used to drive my uncle’s SL320 R129 to the class at UPM. alhough i didnt get any chickas but i really appreciate the smoothness and sportiness of that car. :D from bangi to upm, 130kmj at sharp bend at the ramp exit from silk highway to upm, is not a big deal!!!

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  • shawal on Dec 14, 2011 at 2:31 pm

    Looks like a 1/2 cut of SLK ( front and back) with CLin the middle,
    the previous SL looks more svelte and exclusive

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  • mirror mirror on Dec 14, 2011 at 7:22 pm

    Simply irresistable, simply irreproachable.

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  • BMW POWER FOREVER on Dec 14, 2011 at 8:48 pm

    maserati better

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  • Jerry on Dec 15, 2011 at 9:33 am

    Merc has just introducd a bona.fide boulervard crusier – with humpty dumpty proportions and all. Fat is the word to describe the car. Haha!

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  • albag on Dec 15, 2011 at 10:11 am

    looks like merc is trying hard to match their design with SLS… but the fact is not all cars are nice when they are heading to the SLS design line… especially the front… it has spoiled the SLK, now the SL… sigh…

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  • biat dammahum on Dec 15, 2011 at 12:06 pm

    lovely.
    going to book one for my mistress when it’s launched

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  • im an avid fan of mercedes SL class (the only class i like aside from mclaren and SLS)
    i still think the best SL variant is the R-129

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